DIN TAI FUNG Philippines: Truffle and Pork XLB, Chocolate Lava XLB, & Golden Lava Salted Egg Yolk Bun! (A Review)

DIN TAI FUNG, the best Xiao Long Bao dimsum place from Taiwan, is now finally in Manila–thanks to the Moment Group!

It’s a 5-time Michelin star awarded restaurant and recognized as one of the best in class in Restaurant Operations in the world.

Here’s what to expect when dining at Din Tai Fung Manila…

DIN TAI FUNG PHILIPPINES
A venture by The Moment Group of Restaurants, the five-time Michelin star awardee Din Tai Fung brings Filipinos a unique combination of OCness with a smile.
G/F Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Telephone: +632 997-1935
Email: dintaifung@momentgroup.ph
Facebook: Din Tai Fung Philippines

Din Tai Fung Series:

The open kitchen Xiao Long Bao laboratory serves as an interactive advertising and selfie backdrop for the XLB restaurant.

Don’t be afraid of the long line because Din Tai Fung is known for its efficient queueing system.

A queue number is assigned based on the number of people. (Note: they don’t accept reservations)

Waiting time is usually 20-30 minutes during peak hours. Just enough time to figure out what to order.

DIN TAI FUNG MENU:
Appetizers, Xiao Long Bao, Pot Stickers & Snacks, Dumplings, Wontons & Shao Mai, Vegetable Dishes, Featured Dishes |
Featured Dishes, Fried Rice, Soups and Noodle Soups, Sauced & Fried Noodles, Hot & Cold Desserts, Drinks

I usually order a Xiao Long Bao, a vegetable dish, a main dish with rice, then dessert. Best to know what to order beforehand.

The modern casual interior uses simple wood and leather designs with clean lines.

Good thing the orders arrive fast so you can enjoy the food almost right after you sit down.

XIAO LONG BAO

It’s best to eat the Xiao Long Bao while piping hot. It’s as good as the ones in Taiwan, with thin skin that doesn’t easily burst.

(Tip: You can ask the server to leave the cover to keep it warm if you want to take time to take photos of the food.)

★ Truffle and Pork Xiao Long Bao (P135 per piece +9% service charge)

You must order the gourmet Xiao Long Bao with truffle, best eaten before the other XLB. It’s luxurious dish, hence the expensive price per piece.

★ Crab Roe and Pork Xiao Long Bao (P285 for 5pcs. +9% service charge)

I also recommend ordering the crab roe XLB for something special. The combination of crab and pork flavors is a must-try!

Dip it in a mix of Chinese vinegar, a bit of soy sauce, and shredded ginger. The ginger is used to clean the palate in between bites.

Best to pick a piece up from the top with the chopsticks and use the spoon to eat it in one bite.

Caution: the soup is hot–especially for the kids who might not be able to handle the heat!

MAIN DISHES

★ Pork Chop Fried Rice (P270 +9% service charge)

The Taiwanese pork chop is our favorite in Din Tai Fung! The meat is full of flavor and matches well with the fried rice.

★ Fried Pork Chop (P190 +9% service charge)

We had to order an extra set to bring home to the boys as baon the next day.

★ Salted Egg Yolk Prawns (P375 +9% service charge)

These are like shrimp popcorns coated with a balanced flavor of salted egg yolk!

TIP: Make sure to ask for their chili oil, which is not a standard condiment on the table, to get that spicy kick.

★ Black Pepper Beef (P275 +9% service charge)

Make sure to order this featured dish in Manila. It’s tender beef cubes like salpicao but with a spicy pepper marinade.

★ Stir-Fried Organic Kale (P225 +9% service charge)

Order kale as your vegetable dish for a healthy, balanced meal.

Dan Dan Noodles with Spicy Sesame and Peanut Sauce (P135 +9% service charge)

For something different, order their bouncy Taiwanese noodle with a peanutty sauce.

This was my favorite in Taiwan but for some reason the peanut and sesame flavors are toned down here in Manila. 🙁

DESSERTS

★ Golden Lava Salted Egg Yolk Bun (P85 for 2 pcs. +9% service charge)

Make sure to order this in advance because they usually run out. The buns resemble a small mochi.

Love the sweet egg yolk with butter filling. It’s a bit big to eat in one bite so be careful as the sauce oozes out.

★ Chocolate Lava Xiao Long Bao (P115 for 3 pcs +9% service charge)

The best finish for your Din Tai Fung meal–molten chocolate lava XLB!

I love eating it in one bite to enjoy the liquid chocolate with a sticky bite from the XLB skin. As always, best eaten while hot!

Overall, I’m happy that Din Tai Fung is elevating the standards of efficiency and restaurant service here in Manila! From the efficient queueing system to the time it takes to serve the food and providing service with a smile.

Start off by ordering your choice dimsum appetizers. I recommend the Crab Roe and Pork Xiao Long Bao, Truffle and Pork Xiao Long Bao, Shrimp and Pork Pot Stickers, and the Steamed Shrimp and Pork Shao Mai.

Next go for the really good Taiwanese food that Ding Tai Fung is know for, like the Taiwanese Pork Chop and the Dan Dan Noodles. I just feel that they’ve toned down the flavors somehow for the Filipino market.

I also recommend the Salted Egg Yolk Prawns, Black Pepper Beef, and Organic Kale.

Finally, reserve for your dessert as soon as you order because often it goes out of stock. Go for the Chocolate Lava Xiao Long Bao, Golden Lava Salted Egg Yolk Bun, and the Steamed Red Bean Xiao Long Bao.

Congratulations to Din Tai Fung and the Moment Group for successfully opening in Manila!

Din Tai Fung Series:

Live an Awesome Life,

Founder, www.OurAwesomePlanet.com

Disclosure: We paid for our meal. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights. Read Our Awesome Planet Complete Disclosure Policy here.

P.S. Our bill was around P2,500 for three persons. It’s best to eat with a group so that you can enjoy ordering the different dishes.