Are you on the hunt for a taste of authentic Taiwanese cuisine that will leave your taste buds singing? Well, look no further than Din Tai Fung. This award-winning Taiwanese restaurant, renowned for its exquisite Xiaolongbao, has found its way to the heart of the Philippines, and it’s not just a restaurant – it’s an experience!
The Moment Group brought the magic of Din Tai Fung to the Philippines in 2015, opening its first branch at the ever-vibrant SM Megamall. Since then, this food haven has expanded to other locations, including BGC, Power Plant Mall, Greenbelt 3, SM North EDSA and SM Mall of Asia, delighting the metro’s foodies.
During a recent shopping trip with my Hubby and son at SM Megamall, we treated ourselves to a Taiwanese feast for lunch at Din Tai Fung.
The Meaning Behind the Name
Ever wondered about the meaning behind Din Tai Fung’s name? Each character holds significance that aligns perfectly with the restaurant’s vision. “鼎” (Din) stands for Wok, symbolizing the traditional cooking method used to create some of their delectable dishes. “泰” (Tai) represents Peace, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Din Tai Fung – a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere for you to indulge in Taiwanese goodness. Finally, “豐” (Fung) stands for Abundance, promising a dining experience that leaves you fully satisfied and wanting more.
The Concept and Ambiance
Similar to other Din Tai Fung restaurants, the ambiance of its SM branch is marked by simplicity and understated charm.
While waiting for our table, we watched the expert chefs busily crafting the dimsum and rolling noodles from scratch.
The newly renovated interiors feature light wood walls elegantly adorned with LED screens and anime-style posters, minimalist wooden tables and chairs, and a relaxed dress code which set the stage for a laid-back yet elegant dining experience.
Whether you’re here with friends, family, or just treating yourself, Din Tai Fung promises an atmosphere that allows you to focus on what truly matters – the food.
Efficient Ordering, Serving, and Payment Process
One of the most unique aspects of dining at Din Tai Fung is the efficient and interactive ordering process. As my Hubby, son, and I settled into our seats, we were handed a clipboard with a list of mouthwatering dishes. Excited to explore the menu, we ticked off the dishes we craved, specifying the serving size and quantity we desired. Our choices were swiftly logged into the restaurant’s system, and a printed list was posted on our table to guide the servers in delivering the dishes we ordered.
After our meal, we settled our bill at the counter where payments via cash, credit or debit cards, Maya e-wallet are accepted.
The Mouthwatering Taiwanese Feast
Our lunch feast at Din Tai Fung was a combination of our all-time Taiwanese food faves as well as new dishes we wanted to try. The resulting symphony of flavors whisked us away to the streets of Taiwan.
Din Tai Fung’s iconic Pork Xiao Long Bao (Php375) are delicate parcels of heaven. Thanks to a visual guide shown by the wait staff, we were able to savor the full experience of eating our xiao long bao. This involved dipping our dumpling in a sauce made with made with ginger slivers, soy sauce and vinegar, placing it on a spoon and poking a small home into to release the broth, and then gently biting into it to get the full flavor explosion from the soup and the luscious pork filling.
Hubby couldn’t resist the Hot Sour Soup (Php215). The tangy, spicy, and savory broth filled with vegetables and tofu warmed him up for the rest of the meal.
Apparently, I also couldn’t resist the temptation of the Pork Roasted Garlic Bun (Php175), thanks to the rich, savory flavor of its pork, garlic, and scallions filling combined with the fluffy, steamed bun.
The Shrimp Shao Mai (Php255), on the other hand, is a treat to the eyes and tastebuds, thanks to its delicate wrapper and the sweetness of shrimp mingled with pork and mushrooms.
To balance our indulgence, we savored the Organic Spinach (Php285), lightly stir-fried with garlic and scallions. This simple yet delightful dish was a refreshing break, adding a dose of health to our feast.
The Salted Egg Squid (Php465), made with crispy, tender squid slices coated in a salty, savory egg batter, is an old favorite that we can always go for.
The 3 Cups Chicken (Php305), on the other hand, was a delicious viand cooked to perfection in a soy sauce, ginger, and scallion sauce; the chicken was tender and juicy, complemented by the rich sauce.
Of course, we couldn’t skip the Shrimp Fried Rice (Php275), a delightful combination of shrimp, chicken, and vegetables tossed in a fragrant soy sauce, ginger, and scallion base. The crispy rice and the medley of flavors complemented the other dishes in our meal.
Din Tai Fung at SM Megamall is quite worth a visit, with every dish is crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail. The ambiance is inviting, the service impeccable, and the flavors unforgettable.
So, foodies, if you’re looking for an authentic Taiwanese dining experience that’s full of peace and abundance, Din Tai Fung is the place to be. Head over to their branches across Metro Manila and embark on a culinary adventure with your loved ones while savoring some of the finest Taiwanese cuisine around.
This Din Tai Fung branch is located at Level 2, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, EDSA corner Doña Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 10pm. For inquiries, call +63 2 89971935 or +63 919 0845376.
Other branches in Metro Manila are located at:
| City | Address | Operation Hours | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasay City | Level 1 South Entertainment Mall, SM Mall of Asia | 10 AM-10 PM (Mon-Sun) | +63 2 85271364 / +63 928 5124433 / +63 928 5181466 |
| Quezon City | 2nd floor, City Center, SM North EDSA | 10 AM-10 PM (Mon-Sun) | +63 2 84590292 |
| Taguig | LG/C1, Bonifacio High Street Central, Bonifacio Global City | 11 AM-11 PM (Mon-Thu) 10 AM-1 AM (Fri-Sat) 11 AM-1 AM (Sun) | +63 2 88091865 / +63 919 0785209 |
| Makati City | R1 Level, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center | 11 AM-9 PM (Mon-Thu) 11 AM-10 PM (Fri) 10 AM-10 PM (Sat) 10 AM-9 PM (Sat) | +63 2 88382344 / +63 919 0845732 / +63 960 4383830 |
| Makati City | Level 2, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center | 11 AM-9 PM (Sun-Thu) 11 AM-10 PM (Fri-Sat) | +63 2 71211933 / +63 919 0845370 |
Stay updated on Din Tai Fung’s menu and offers by visiting The Moment Group’s website or by following Din Tai Fung on Facebook and Instagram.
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