Din Tai Fung

After Seattle, this was our first time here in Portland’s Din Tai Fung. As always, loved their signature chilli wontons- we tried the vegan option, the flavor is so addictive. Noodles with sesame sauce was good, less spicy than expected but unique flavor in itself. The fried rice with mushroom and vegetable complemented well the chilli flavors- but it was bland in general and can be ordered as a side and not a main dish in itself. Very good ambience, quick and friendly service - they were very helpful to customize the menu options based on preference, overall a good experience.

Great experience would go again. If you're going for a calm, laid-back atmosphere, don't be surprised. It does get a bit busy and loud, but the food was amazing besides one or two dishes me and my girlfriend didn't like. The service was very quick. We got our food within 15 minutes after ordering, and the dishes came out pretty quickly after another. We ended up getting around 10 dishes, one drink, and a couple extras, we spent about 160$, including tip.

I am....kinda shocked. This was my first time at a Din Tai Fung and I had only ever heard such good things about it. But that wasn't good. The cucumber salad was good, but pretty one-note. The soup dumplings also tasted good but we're honestly pretty underwhelming. I've definitely had better dumplings before. The chicken buns were simply bad. The filling didn't actually fill the bun so I ended up with bites of plain wrapping. And the filling was super bland. The honey lemonade was also simply bad; it had such a bitter aftertaste with each sip. I expected this to be a lunch to remember, but not like this. $40 should have tasted a lot better. I don't think I will bother coming back here.

Din Tai Fung is a globally renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain that has earned a stellar reputation for its exquisite dumplings and impeccable service. I can confidently say it’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates refined Asian cuisine. The star of the show is undoubtedly the long bao—delicate soup dumplings that are a masterclass in precision. Each dumpling is hand-crafted with exactly 18 folds, a thin yet sturdy wrapper, and a burst of flavorful broth inside, paired with tender pork or other inventive fillings like crab or truffle. The balance of textures and flavors is near perfection, though you’ll want to eat them quickly while they’re steaming hot to get the full experience. Beyond the dumplings, the menu offers a variety of dishes that showcase Taiwanese and Chinese culinary traditions. Standouts include the cucumber salad, lightly pickled with a hint of garlic and chili, and the noodle dishes, like the beef noodle soup with its rich, aromatic broth. The fried rice is another crowd-pleaser—simple yet elevated with high-quality ingredients. Portions are modest, encouraging you to sample a range of items, though this can make the bill add up if you’re dining with a group. Service is consistently attentive and efficient, with staff often explaining how to eat the dumplings (soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger are your friends) if you’re a first-timer. The atmosphere is sleek and modern, though it can get bustling—expect a wait during peak hours, as reservations aren’t always available depending on the location. Overall, Din Tai Fung delivers a polished, flavorful experience that’s hard to fault if you’re in it for the dumplings. It’s not cheap, but it’s a worthy splurge for a special meal. I’d give it a solid 4.5 out of 5—near perfection, with just a pinch of room for improvement.

I have a deep affection for the Din Tai Fung chain and have visited its restaurants across various locations. I once deliberately sought out its very first store in Taiwan to experience its food firsthand. Whenever I’m in a country where this restaurant exists, I make it a point to visit and introduce it to the locals. Having also written a column about this restaurant chain, it holds a special place for me. Personally, I find the flavors in China and Taiwan better suited to my taste compared to the U.S., where the dishes are slightly adjusted to cater to American palates. Nevertheless, it remains incredibly appealing. Located in an upscale mall surrounded by luxury brand stores, the restaurant’s elegant decor and bold red logo create an air of excitement for dining out. As always, I ordered Xiaolongbao, vegetables, noodles, and a modest but satisfying selection of desserts. The pork Xiaolongbao was excellent in temperature, the amount of juice, and the quality of the filling. However, the crab and pork Xiaolongbao seemed to have too much filling, resulting in a lack of juice, so I returned it and ordered a different dish. The noodle dish was outstanding, and the dessert Xiaolongbao, paired with my unique method of adding hot oil, continued to delight my taste buds. If you try it, you'll discover the subtle complexity of its flavor. Isn’t it often said that sweet, salty, and spicy create an exceptional combination? Next time, I plan to add a bit of vinegar to further elevate the taste. The exceptional service from the waiter, the quality of the food, and the charming atmosphere combined to make for an excellent dining experience. This is a restaurant I highly recommend.