Christmas is just TWO days away. And, let's face it, you've still got some last minute shopping to do. So, why not kill two birds with one stone by going to Din Tai Fung at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.
No matter how you slice it, you'll be waiting two hours for a table as they don't take reservations. (It's worth the wait and the service is faster than you'd think.) So, the minute you arrive at South Coast, put your name down at Din Tai Fung.
Established in 1958, it originally started out as a retail business, selling cooking oil. By 1972, they re-opened as a Taiwanese steamed dumpling & noodle house with international locations reaching from Hong Kong to Australia and New York.
The restaurant has earned a Michelin star and been recognized as one of the Top Ten Gourmet restaurants in the world. So, if you've yet to try a dumpling house, make sure Din Tai Fung is your first stop.
Ordering is easy with food pictures on the menu and suggestions from your friendly waiter.
There are plenty of seating areas, too, from the bar to the patio and two different dining rooms.
The Grubdown:
- must order, tender, soup explosion in your mouth, Pork XiaoLongBao Soup Dumplings
- similar to aforementioned, but holds its shape better, Shrimp & Pork Shao Mai
- well balanced, not overly crispy or fried, Chicken Fried Noodles with Cabbage & Spinach
- a lot going on in a good way, Hot & Sour Soup with Mushrooms, Black and White Pepper, Chile & Green Onions
- a creative two-fer drink & dessert combo, Blood Orange Boba Martini
If you want a taste of comfort food, or just want to try something new, Din Tai Fung brings it all.
Just make sure you plan ahead by getting your shopping done while you wait. (It can be up to 2.5 hours, but there's lots to do during the holidays, like ride the Reindeer merry-go-round and snap a pic on Santa's lap.)
Merry Christmas!
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