It’s a beautiful Saturday morning, the birds are chirping, and I’m standing at the end of a line leading into Din Tai Fung Dumpling House, or as I like to call it, “Happy Yum Yums in my mouth.” It’s packed and it hasn’t even reached noon. The sun’s starting to make me sweat, I’m still hung over, there’s crust still between my eyes, and it’s all worth it for that mouth-watering dumpling.

The line shortens and I’m standing right behind the glass window, which displays the kitchen. The cooks (one Mexican guy), use ninja-like skills to make hundreds of dumplings. One after another they stuff a variety of delicious meats into the dumpling dough. Their hands moving as if independent from their bodies. My stomach growls and I feel like they are taunting me behind the glass. The raw dumplings are placed in special steam trays and staked on top of one another. There is no time to waste as the orders continuously fly into the kitchen.

 

 

http://www.foodgps.com/review/din-tai-fung-dumpling-house-arcadia-ca-saturday-august-12-2006/

I finally get seated. The ordering is done very efficiently in the restaurant. You simply check off a box on a sheet of paper corresponding to the dumplings you would like, and before you know it a waitress places the dumplings on the table. The dumplings are served in the very same steam trays they were cooked in. I grabbed my chop sticks and attacked the dumplings. The first one entered my mouth and I could have died right there. The outer texture of the dumpling is perfectly cooked. The meaty inside has been cooked in its own juices and is seasoned in traditional spices. The small amount of juice in every dumpling can only be described as the tears of angels. Your mind doesn’t even know what to think. It’s like sex but without all the crying. It’s brilliant.

 

How could such a dish taste so amazing? Simplicity is the key. Unlike other Chinese restaurants that serve a variety of different foods, Din Tai Fung has stuck to what it knows best, the dumpling. They have perfected the art of making dumplings and I thank them for it. I am actually standing behind my computer and applauding you.

 

The dumplings come in a variety of flavors and shapes. You can order anything from crab stuffed dumplings to red bean buns. No matter what you order you will not be disappointed. Along with your dumplings, you can order some noodle or rice dishes.

 

The food is simple, fresh, and satisfying.

 

http://www.foodgps.com/review/din-tai-fung-dumpling-house-arcadia-ca-saturday-august-12-2006/

So take it from JohnnyD: if you’re looking for something magically delicious that doesn’t involve a scary leprechaun, then Din Tai Fung is your place.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 Neaves

 

 

Din Tai Fung

1108 South Baldwin Avenue
Arcadia, CA 91007