REVIEW: Din Tai Fung

My friend recommended that I go to Din Tai Fung for some of the best Asian food. I thought the vibes were great, and it was a casual spot for some fun with friends, but the food provided a mixed experience. However, it wasn't that expensive, especially for London, and I think it would be a spot I would frequent if I were living in the city. I strongly feel that experimenting with the menu will help me discover items I love more. The service was slightly off; it was a bit rushed, and the servers seemed overworked.

Xiao Long Bao

Starting with the xiao long bao – I was so excited, but they ended up being pretty disappointing. First off, they’re tiny, and they didn’t come with any dipping sauce, which really would’ve helped. I tried the truffle version (because who doesn’t love truffle, right?), but honestly, the flavor just didn’t come through at all. The dough was kind of tough, too, not that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture I was hoping for. It took some effort to chew, and overall, they just weren’t warm and comforting like I’d expect from dumplings. Guess I’ll skip the fusion next time!

Dan Dan Noodles

The dan dan noodles, though, were a total save! Big, thick, and packed with a lovely nutty, peanutty flavor, with a little kick of spice that kept things interesting. I ordered these because I liked the name. The portion size was huge—perfect for sharing (which I wish I’d done because I was super full). The butteriness was a nice touch, but it could use a little more garnish for balance. Oh, and the spring onions were a bit intense, almost harsh, but it didn’t ruin the dish. Definitely worth ordering if you’re there.

I walked out feeling absolutely stuffed, probably because the portions are pretty generous and I wish I had a companion with me. Din Tai Fung has a casual, fun vibe, ideal for a chill night out with friends. It’s not super expensive either, which is always a win. Next time, I’d stick with the classics rather than go for the fusion stuff—but it’s a cool spot to check out if you’re with friends and want to try a bit of everything.

Tiramisini Rating: 3.8/5