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Halal Xiao Long Bao in Din Tai Fung @ The Mall Mid Valley Southkey JB vs Original DTF XLB in Taipei

Halal Xiao Long Bao in Din Tai Fung @ The Mall Mid Valley Southkey JB vs Original DTF XLB in Taipei

I know right, most people would think that the xiao long bao in Din Tai Fung franchises cannot bear comparison with the original restaurant in Taipei. So, I must be more than a bit crazy to compare the XLB at the Halal certified DTF outlet in Mid Valley Mall in JB with the original XLB in DTF's parent restaurant near Yong Kang, Taipei. I also never thought that I would be doing this too. Anyway.... .

Halal Xiao Long Bao in Din Tai Fung @ The Mall Mid Valley Southkey JB vs Original DTF XLB in Taipei

I just tasted the original xiao long bao last week at Din Tai Fung's parent Xinyi Road restaurant near Yong Kang, Taipei. I've tasted the XLB at the Halal DTF outlet in JB's Mid Valley Mall a couple of times before. The latest was today as I am confined to shopping mall food due to the annual haze in Malaysia / Singapore (no street food for me during the haze).


Halal Xiao Long Bao in Din Tai Fung @ The Mall Mid Valley Southkey JB vs Original DTF XLB in Taipei

Starting from the outside in, the two xiao long bao looked almost identical, though the original have a slight edge in finesse. Both have the requisite folds - purists say there must be at least 18... I think both got 😄

Both skins have about the same thickness thinness and in terms of bite, the original in Taipei have a bit more stiffness but only very slightly. I like both. Both are tender, stretchy and gently chewy to the bite.

Halal Xiao Long Bao in Din Tai Fung @ The Mall Mid Valley Southkey JB vs Original DTF XLB in Taipei

The signature tea colour broth wrapped in the little dumpling. Of course they taste different as one is filled with minced pork and the other with minced chicken.

But in terms of flavour, both broth are savoury sweet i.e. though different, are similar. And, I enjoyed both types of well balanced savoury sweetness.

Halal Xiao Long Bao in Din Tai Fung @ The Mall Mid Valley Southkey JB vs Original DTF XLB in Taipei

At the heart of the matter dumpling, the original Din Tai Fung xiao long bao is filled with minced pork while the Halal version in Mid Valley Mall JB is filled with minced chicken.

The original minced pork filling is nicely tender bursting savoury sweet flavours with every bite. But hey, the Halal minced chicken version is not too shabby in flavour either. The tender ball of well marinated and seasoned minced chicken is infused with well balanced savoury sweet flavours that pleases with every chew.

Halal Xiao Long Bao in Din Tai Fung @ The Mall Mid Valley Southkey JB vs Original DTF XLB in Taipei

OK it's done - side by side comparison of original Taipei Din Tai Fung xiao long bao with Halal DTF XLB in JB. I think the Halal version fared rather well and I enjoyed it. The original in Taipei, don't need to say lah.... .

Halal Xiao Long Bao in Din Tai Fung @ The Mall Mid Valley Southkey JB vs Original DTF XLB in Taipei

Meanwhile, in other news: The only other thing we tried at the Mid Valley DTF was their signature fried rice. It wasn't good - a bit too wet, lumpy and greasy, and frozen prawns were used.

Pro tip (JB): Today, we ordered two cups of tea which costs RM3.80+ each. But were served a pot which costs RM21.70+. It was explained to us that when customers order 2 cups of tea, a pot will be served instead.

Pro tip (Taipei): There is always a long queue at the original Din Tai Fung as it is a must for DTF pilgrims. If you don't like to wait, tell the manager that you are willing to share table. Usually the wait is much shorter, sometimes you will be ushered to a table immediately.

Johor Kaki Telegram

Halal Xiao Long Bao in Din Tai Fung @ The Mall Mid Valley Southkey JB vs Original DTF XLB in Taipei

Restaurant name: Din Tai Fung
AddressLG-005 Lower Ground Floor, The Mall Mid Valley Southkey, No. 1, Persiaran Southkey 1, Johor Bahru
GPS1°30'06.9"N 103°46'36.0"E 🌐 1.501927, 103.776665
Tel: +607 336 1855
Hours: 11:00am - 9:30pm

Halal



Halal Xiao Long Bao in Din Tai Fung @ The Mall Mid Valley Southkey JB vs Original DTF XLB in Taipei

Restaurant name: Din Tai Fung
AddressNo. 194號, Section 2, Xinyi Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
GPS25°02'00.9"N 121°31'48.4"E 🌐 25.033573, 121.530102
Tel+886 2 2321 8928
Hours: 10:00am - 9:00pm

Non Halal



Date: 17 Sep 2019

1 comment:

  1. Bought takeaway noodles soup and prawn egg fried rice. The paper carrier handle was not strong enough. Both are the same. What will happen if you carry it and give it away? Will spill onto the floor

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