No introduction needed..
Since the tteokbokki was a little bit too spicy, the family was requesting for something more warm and comforting to eat since the rain kept pouring and the mood of the city was starting to get a bit gloomy.
Since a big bowl of noodle soup would've been boring, I decided to take the family to Din Tai Fung for some Xiao Long Bao! What could be better then delicate pockets of meat with soup which you can enjoy in just one bite?
Originally from Taiwain, Din Tai Fung is a world renowned dumpling house that has consistently been recognised for their famous xiao long boa which is truly soo delicious that it even has a Michelin star under its belt.
Ever more popular here in Seoul, Din Tai Fung's Myeongdong branch has been a main stay on the Zagat Best Restaurants list for several years now.
Sauteed Green Beans
Wilted but still with a perfect, crunchy bite on the inside!
Glutinously Fried Pork with Sweet and Sour Sauce
The second best dish of Din Tai Fung, next to the xiao long bao! Something I've been looking forward too for over a year!
Instead of using typical flour and breadcrumb batter, Din Tai Fung used grounded up glutenous rice for the coating, giving a crunchy yet chewy texture. Paired with that tangy sweet and sour sauce, I will be dreaming of this dish for days!
*imagine Carioca but filled with pork instead*
Xiao Long Bao
Still the best!
What's really worth noting about Din Tai Fung's Xiao Long Bao is how the wrapper is so delicate and fragile, with a texture that simply melts in your mouth yet still sturdy enough to be picked up by chopsticks without tearing.
I also heard that Din Tai Fung takes pride with how each individual dumpling has 18 folds/creases on top to emphasise that each dumpling is hand crafted with precision and care.
Talk about attention to detail, however I never really noticed because Im always too busy devouring them!
Pine Mushroom Xiao Long Bao
Same delicate wrapper with the same attention to detail. I do prefer the original xiao long bao though becuase the mushroom was a bit earthy for my taste.
So glad that the family was now able to try these dishes that I've been dreaming of for almost a year and that they also approve of Din Tai Fung.
I guess its time to now plan a trip to Taiwan!
Miks
Din Tai Fung
104 Myeongdong 2-ga
Jung-gu
Seoul
*credits to Adlrin Soriano of Yahoo! Voices for the Carioca story*