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.... .
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).
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
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.
At the heart of the
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.
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.... .
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.
Restaurant name: Din Tai Fung
Address: LG-005 Lower Ground Floor, The Mall Mid Valley Southkey, No. 1, Persiaran Southkey 1, Johor Bahru
GPS: 1°30'06.9"N 103°46'36.0"E 🌐 1.501927, 103.776665
Tel: +607 336 1855
Hours: 11:00am - 9:30pm
Halal
Restaurant name: Din Tai Fung
Address: No. 194號, Section 2, Xinyi Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
GPS: 25°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
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
ReplyDelete