Having spent quite a bit of time in Covent Garden recently, I made a delightful discovery: Din Tai Fung. For those unfamiliar, it’s an exceptional restaurant specializing in Taiwanese dumplings. As a big fan of Asian cuisine, I can confidently say the dishes I’ve tried here rank among the best in London.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON invites you to explore Din Tai Fung, an authentic and exquisite Taiwanese dining experience right in the heart of the city.
Din Tai Fung: Covent Garden’s dumpling spot
The international chain opened its UK flagship in Covent Garden in 2018 and has since earned Michelin praise and rave reviews from customers. Its philosophy of serving quality cuisine with excellent service at reasonable prices has clearly proven successful.
I arrived at Din Tai Fung with my family on a Sunday morning, just after it opened at 11 a.m. Knowing reservations weren’t possible, we got there early, enjoying a brisk walk through Covent Garden and its festive decorations.
The menu was both extensive and irresistible, making it a delightful challenge to choose what to share. Not being dumpling connoisseurs (just eager enthusiasts) we let the tantalising photos guide us, and every choice exceeded our expectations.
Authentic Taiwanese flavours
The menu features several signature dishes, including the world-famous Xiao Long Bao (steamed pork dumplings). Each dumpling is filled with savory pork, wrapped in delicate dough, carefully pleated at the top, and steamed to perfection. I learned that each Xiao Long Bao passes through six stations and undergoes a 40-minute hand-preparation process before being served!
My chili crab and pork dumpling had a wonderfully delicate texture, with the filling and thin dough melting in the steaming-hot sauce. The flavours were intense, and each dumpling left a lasting impression.
We then moved on to another classic: the prawn and pork Shao Mai. Served in bamboo baskets that open before you, releasing fragrant steam, these dumplings are truly spectacular. The juicy filling, topped with a whole prawn, resembles a beautiful little bouquet.
For the main courses, my kids ordered noodles: one with braised beef, the other with mushrooms and edamame. Both were devoured immediately, leaving no time for photos! The dishes were simply irresistible.
We also tried Jiao Zi, a delightful addition to our feast, and finished with desserts. The buns, with sesame or red bean fillings, were impressive, particularly the sesame with its unique flavour and texture.
The perfect finale was the chocolate Xiao Long Bao. Each dessert dumpling has a molten chocolate center that flows as soon as you pierce it: rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious. These dessert dumplings are just as addictive as the savory ones.
Din Tai Fung: Taiwanese delights
Din Tai Fung, the world’s largest dumpling chain with over 160 locations (including Michelin-starred branches in Macau and Hong Kong) offers a London flagship that seats around 250 guests across two levels.
The decor is simple and warm, but the real star is what’s on the plate. As you walk to your table, you’ll watch dumpling experts craft Xiao Long Bao, Shao Mai, Jiaozi, and more.
Dining here among mostly local guests was a delight! We almost forgot we were in London. Highly recommended for delicate, flavourful food, attentive service, reasonable prices, and a prime central location.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you’re planning to visit Din Tai Fung, share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON!
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To go further:
Din Tai Fung: 5-6 Henrietta Street, London WC2
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