China Food Trip # 4 : Din Tai Fung - Foie Gras Soup Dumplings... Enough said!

July 06, 2010

China Food Trip # 4 : Din Tai Fung - Foie Gras Soup Dumplings... Enough said!

I've blogged about Shanghai soup dumplings many times over but I guess the main difference now is that I actually tried the real deal. And I mean, steamed soup dumplings in Shanghai baby! How authentic is that! And where better place to go than the best Xiao Long Bao place found in the heart of Xintiandi... Din Tai Fung. This multi-awarded restaurant has received a lot of good reviews worldwide. In fact, their Hong Kong branch was recently awarded 1 Michelin star (2010 Edition).

Their menu boasts of its global presence and of being one of Asia's finest restaurants.

They give you a laminated instruction card on how to best enjoy their xiao long bao

So I go as the note says...

The first to arrive was a bamboo steamer filled with their famous pork soup dumplings

The wrapper was soft, very thin, delicate yet it held the soup well. It didn't break easily compared to many others I've tried before.

This was the one with pork and hairy crab roe xiao long bao! The bright orange crab fat added a wonderful "oomph" to the dumpling.

Pork and Shrimp Siu Mai

Chicken and Goose Liver Xiao Long Bao

Yes my friends, they serve Foie Gras Dumplings although a bit pricey for just 5 pieces! I must tell you that those five little buns were nothing short of heavenly. This was the highlight of the whole meal for me. It was definitely love at first sip! The soup was so rich and intense, you could really taste the creamy foie gras...buttery with a a very subdued liver flavor. A must try for foei-enthusiasts like moi!