10 Must-Try Dishes at Din Tai Fung Malaysia

Congratulations to Din Tai Fung Malaysia, who are celebrating 10 years of success in Malaysia. Din Tai Fung, which originates from Taiwan, was originally founded as cooking oil retail shop in 1958 and was transformed in 1972 to a restaurant serving xiao long bao and noodles. Now it has over 140 branches in Australia, China, Dubai, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia and many more, delighting customers with a taste of Taiwanese cuisine.

Since its inception here in 2007, with their first ever outlet in The Gardens Mall, Din Tai Fung has grown and now operates seven outlets in Malaysia; 4 in Klang Valley and 1 each at Penang, Johor Bahru and Genting.

In conjunction with this 10th Year Anniversary, I've collated a list of the 10 Must-Try dishes at Din Tai Fung Malaysia.

1. Din Tai Fung House Special Appetizer

Tangy and spicy with lots of different textures, this is guaranteed to whet your appetite. This dish consists of seaweed, beansprout, dry beancurd and glass noodles (tang hoon) tossed in chilli oil.

Price: RM8.60.


2. Shanghai Kao Fu

Kao Fu is a popular Shanghainese vegetarian cold appetizer. Made from wheat gluten, it is braised in a sweet and savory sauce so it's packed full of flavour. It is served together with black fungus (mok yee), Chinese mushrooms and edamame.

Price: RM10.10.


3. Shaoshing Wine Marinated Chicken

Served cold, the chicken thigh is marinated in Shaoshing wine. The meat is tender while the skin is crunchy with a distinctive Chinese wine taste.

Price: RM19.90.


4. Crispy Prawn Cake 

This is similar to the deep fried beancurd roll that we like having when we're doing dim sum. Minced prawn and pork are wrapped in the beancurd roll and deep fried to crispy perfection.

Price: RM17.80


5. Xiao Long Bao

The name Din Tai Fung is synonymous with xiao long bao (steamed Shanghainese dumplings). Look around and you will see at least one basket of this on every table. There are 5 types of xiao long bao which you can try: the original pork (RM14.20 for 6), crab roe and pork (RM20.80 for 6), chicken (RM14.20 for 6), truffle and pork (RM56 for 6), and crab roe and chicken (RM21.30 for 6). You can also order them in baskets of 10 or 3 (for the truffle and pork version).

Each xiao long bao is hand pleated with 18 folds; you can watch the chefs in action in the open kitchen at the front of the restaurant. The way to eat it is to mix the julienned ginger with 1 part soy and 3 parts vinegar, dipping the xiao long bao in the sauce and eating it with the ginger. If you're a newbie to xiao long bao, we would recommend the Original pork for the authentic experience.

If you'd like something richer, try the crab roe and pork, or go all out with the decadent truffle and pork version. Each truffle xiao long bao contains a blend of black and white truffle, topped with truffle oil to complement the flavours of the pork.

There is even a dessert version with chocolate filling (RM14.20 for 6 pcs), for those with a sweet tooth.

To celebrate Din Tai Fung's 10 year anniversary, a Din Tai Fung environmental bag will be given out for purchase of xiao long bao (6 pcs).

Price: Depending on xiao long bao filling (see above).


6. Fragrant Spring Onion & Shredded Pork Dry Noodle

Diners can choose from a variety of different toppings, whether they want it dry or in soup for the la mian (Chinese pulled noodle) dish. This Fragrant Spring Onion & Shredded Pork Dry Noodle originates from Din Tai Fung in China and is now served in most DTF around the world. It looks deceptively simple but once tossed and served, you'll know why it's so popular with diners - smooth strands of noodles are coated in a flavourful, fragrant sauce.

Price: RM20.70.



7. Pork Chop & Shrimp Fried Rice

What we like about the fried rice here at Din Tai Fung is that it is full of wok hei and the amount of prawn in it is so generous. With every spoonful of rice, you will encounter a huge, plump prawn with a wonderfully crunchy texture. That's what I like to see in my fried rice ;) The pork chop is also tender and juicy. Hugely satisfying!

Price: RM37.50


8. Prawn with Salted Egg

If you're a fan of salted egg (like we are), you'd love this! Fresh and juicy prawns are coated in salted egg and deep fried - so sinful, so good!

Price: RM27.10 (S), RM44.40 (L)



9. Stir fried amaranth with shimeji mushroom

A new dish on the menu, order this to meet your vegetable quota for the day. Again, this looks simple and homely but is executed well. I especially like the subtle fragrance of the garlic with each mouthful.

Price: RM28.80

Another popular vegetable these days is the royale chive, which is stir fried with beansprouts and garlic here (RM26.80).

10. Mini Golden Custard Egg Bun

Made from duck eggs, the golden custard egg lava is rich and decadent. Once you've had one of these, it will stay in your memory forever as one of the best things you've ever eaten. Watch this fun Instagram video of the bun.

Price: RM9.30 for 3.


Thanks Din Tai Fung Malaysia for having us!

Opening times: 10am to 10pm daily.

Location: Din Tai Fung, Lot LG-207, Lower Ground Floor, The Gardens, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.

Tel: 03-2283 2292

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