LA and Seattle are the only locations in the U.S. We went to the Din Tai Fung in Seattle on our recent trip up there, and I can’t wait to go back to the LA (Arcadia) location. “Xiao long bao,” hubby and Harold kept saying over and over all day. Yes, it’s fun to say, but I had no idea what they were saying. I thought they had discussed a movie and were referencing a line in the movie or an actor. Nope. “Xiao long bao” is the term for small buns steamed in small bamboo baskets. They are loosely referred to as “dumplings.” But they are not your average Joe dumplings. Besides whatever filling you order, it has a little bit of soup inside that results in the perfect delicious bite. The place is Michelin Guide recommended. Need I say more?
As you enter the restaurant, you can view workers through glass windows preparing the little morsels. I thought that was pretty cool…no shady business going on.
I never would have thought. But the julienned ginger with the 3:1 ratio of soy sauce to vinegar (as performed by the waiter) was absolutely divine with the xiao long bao. You know I’m gonna try this at home, but mine will probably be a 1:1 ratio of soy sauce to vinegar. I heart vinegar.
These green beans were fantastic. Can’t you just tell from the photo?? Mmmm…
We ordered baskets on top of baskets of the xiao long baos…literally. It was a never-ending supply.
Then this bowl of plain white noodles came out, but little did I know that this was so far from plain. Upon mixing, you get a yummy mixture of seasonings that I wish I can taste right this moment.
Here’s a closer look. 
Then this unsuspecting bowl of plain wontons or dumplings came out. I’m sorry I don’t know what they were. I don’t mean to offend you guys. (I’m talking to the food.)
Ahhh, but of course. These ain’t no plain Jane wontons. Look at that perfect bite. Looking at my photos, I realized that we had fried rice as well, but I failed to get a good shot of it. 
It’s difficult to stuff your face and take photos at the same time.
After a long meal, it was time for dessert. To the left is the taro dumpling, and to the right is the sweet red bean dumpling. Oh so yummy! I preferred the taro. Hubby preferred the red bean. But I’ll take either!
Then this giant bowl of shaved ice with various goodies on top…it was big enough to feed our party of nine.
My share.
And sadly it came to an end. I can’t wait to go back! I hear there are lines outside the LA location sometimes. But I’d wait in line. Din Tai Fung, thank you for an awesome experience!
Anyone else notice the Hello Kitty card? Not mine, but cute!
