DIN TAI FUNG (COSTA MESA, CA)

Din Tai Fung
South Coast Plaza
3333 Bristol Street
Unit 2071
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
www.dintaifungusa.com
Tel: 714.549.3388
$$ ($15-$30)
Cuisine: Taiwanese
Sat, 05/02/2015, 4:00pm walk-in
    (4 Piglets)

Din Tai Fung Dumpling House started in 1972 in Taiwan. In 2010, the restaurant received its first ever Michelin star at the Hong Kong branch. Since then, it has expanded to multiple countries, including the USA, Japan, Singapore and China.

These days, Din Tai Fung is taking over the world! The newest addition to the restaurant group in Southern California is located in what used to be the McDonalds at South Coast Plaza. This location has got the waiting system down: provide your name and number, do some shopping, receive a text when your table is ready, and wait in the "texted guests line" to be escorted to your table. 

The xiao long bao, or soup dumplings, is their expertise. These beautifully constructed dumplings are filled with consommé for flavor. Just add a bit of soy sauce and vinegar and voila!...you've got one delicious bite.

THE INTERIOR

Condiments

VEGETABLE AND PORK WONTONS WITH SPICY SAUCE ($8.50): These wontons were lovely. They were not overly spicy and had a little sweet undertone to the sauce. The pork and vegetable filling were moist and they were still delicious as leftovers! 

SEA SALT CREAM TOPPED GREEN TEA ($4.50): This drink is delicious. The tea went well with the cream and the sea salt add a nice, subtle touch. Drink from the glass so you can taste the cream first or mix the cream and tea together. 

TRUFFLE AND PORK XIAOLONGBAO ($22.50): It is recommended to not use any sauce to taste the truffle. Cleanse the palate with water when venturing to other dishes. The truffle itself is very subtle. It was still delicious. I don't think I would order them again just for 5 pieces, but it is worth a try at least once in your life. 

SHANGHAI RICE CAKES WITH SHREDDED PORK ($10.00): The rice cakes had deliciously chewy texture. Imagine a thick rice noodle cut into an oval shape, mixed with vegetables and pork. 

SAUTEED STRING BEANS WITH GARLIC ($9.00): This gluten-free, vegetarian dish is a favorite of mine. It's so simple, with a crisp exterior and cooked perfectly throughout. The garlic flavor is prominent so if you like garlic, you must order this dish!

MY FAVORITE DISH. PORK XIAOLONGBAO ($10.00): I am in love with these juicy pork dumplings. These pillowy soft concoctions have tons of flavor. As a guide, eat them all in one bite (after they have cooled off for a bit); or rather in my method, dip it in soy sauce/vinegar, place it on a spoon, pop it open with your chopstick so the soup oozes onto the spoon, and slurp everything all in go. 

The messy table with deliciousness

Overall, Din Tai Fung is delicious. The staff were knowledgeable and the service is pretty darn good at this location. Compared to the first Din Tai Fung in Arcadia, this location is enormous. The dumplings are exceptional and its a nice change from the usual Chinese food. Word of advice: come at odd hours or expect at least an hour wait time (our wait time was 40 minutes).




Notable dishes: Pork XiaoLongBao and Sautéed String Beans with Garlic