Why did we dine here? – Din Tai Fung is a popular Xiao Long Bao (It means small bamboo steamer bun in Chinese) – Shanghai Steamed Soup dumpling restaurant with locations in Bellevue, Seattle, Southern California, Taiwan, Japan, China, Indonesia, Macau, Singapore, and several other countries. Few Chinese dishes generate so much obsession. Think of it like a quest to find the best burger or pizza. We have been to this location several times. Din Tai Fung grosses more per location than any other restaurant, even Nobu. Last visit was in late 2025. Be sure to Read: Best Xiao Long Bao in San Francisco They take reservations online for a limited number of tables. Most are available at the restaurant. Insider tip: If you have a small party, sit at the bar. It has a separate line. We waited 10 minutes to get sat in December 2024. Yelp review rating fell to 3.7 in late 2024. People are pissed off for waiting a long time and expect miracles from their dumplings.  We find the restaurant is still consistently good with both service and food quality. Din Tai Fung Santa Clara Video Compare the Dumpling making to the real deal in […]

This post originally from Din Tai Fung, Santa Clara

Last Update: June 2025 We love Xiao Long Bao (XLB) aka Shanghai Steamed Soup Dumplings and have eaten all over the world seeking the best. Are you a Xiao Long Bao addict too? Read on. One tip: If you are looking for good XLB, do not order them from a Cantonese Chinese restaurant. You are almost always guaranteed disappointing results even at the Best Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco: Koi Palace.  Order these little balls of wonder from a Shanghainese Chinese restaurant. Making Dumplings at Jia Jia Tang Bao Shanghai, China Authentic Xiao Long Bao? What the heck is a real authentic Xiao Long Bao Soup Dumplings? In late 2014 we made a pilgramage to a branch of Fu Chun in Shanghai, China (富春) – Dianping listing all branches of this authentic old school xiaolongbao restaurant. Modern day Xiao Long Bao should really be called Nanjing tangbao with the thinner skin and lots of soup.  The real dumpling deal at Fu Chun was meatier with a leaner filling, thicker skinned, and possessed not much soup. This restaurant has several locations in Shanghai, be sure to visit one when you are in Shanghai. Any real XLB enthusiast needs to understand what authentic XLB is. Here is […]

This post originally from Best Shanghai Steamed Soup Dumplings or Xiao Long Bao in San Francisco

Better soup dumplings than Din Tai Fung? Worthy respite after a 14 hour flight! Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao is an casual dining sit down Chinese restaurant located near the arrivals area at the Hong Kong International Airport. In 2020 we ate at their location in Times Square Shopping center, Causeway Bay and also at Ocean Terminal.  Quality was very similar to the Airport. Established in 1991, they have several styles of restaurants and many locations throughout China, Singapore, and other Asian countries. 9 of these informal restaurants in Hong Kong alone.  There used to be a high end Crystal Jade in San Francisco, but it closed. Crystal Jade was touting their Michelin Bib Gourmand rating. Other Hong Kong Reviews: Hong Kong Mini Restaurant Reviews Lung King Heen Lei Garden, Yung Kee, Chuen Kee Seafood Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao Conrad Nicolini’s Sunday Brunch Buffet Harbourside Buffet Decor, Vibe – Crystal Jade has clean modern Asian decor even in this small location. The place was obviously filled with fellow travelers. Crystal Jade Menu Crystal Jade Menu has a wide variety of items, from dim sum to noodles to large plates. Peking, Sichuan and Shanghai cuisine makes […]

This post originally from Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, Hong Kong

Best place for Dim Sum newbies plus the Best xiao long bao steamed dumpings in San Francisco?!? Yank Sing Rincon Center How does San Francisco’s famous Yank Sing compare to the world’s best Dim Sum restaurants or nearby Chinese Restaurants? Since 1958, Yank Sing has been specializing in Chinese Dim Sum. Many folks have exclaimed that this is their favorite Chinese restaurant, so it was time to come back. Make reservations or be prepared to wait. They now have 2 locations, both in the San Francisco Financial District. We visited the smaller Stevenson street location, situated in an alley just off 2nd street. This location has fewer items, but is known for rapid fire service. Yank Sing is known for quality dim sum with very nice service, at high prices. Our last visit was in 2018 to the Rincon center location. Be sure to read our Introduction to Chinese Dim Sum. Yank Sing Decor, Vibe – Clean modern room that filled up rapidly after the doors opened. The Rincon center location is a lot bigger and nicer. On the weekends, they extend service into the courtyard. Even the bathrooms are clean. Dim Sum Carts roaming the room all the time. The […]

This post originally from Yank Sing, San Francisco Rincon Center

Why did we dine here? – Din Tai Fung is a popular Xiao Long Bao (small bamboo steamer bun in Chinese) – Shanghai Steamed dumpling restaurant with locations in Bellevue, Los Angeles, Taipei, Japan, China, Singapore, and several other countries. We have dined at the location in Shanghai’s touristy Xintiandi, Bellevue, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The Los Angeles location is in Arcadia with Yelp reviews unfortunately indicating it is a step down from the ones abroad, although some say it is better than the original in Taiwan. Glendale, CA also has a location with Truffle dumplings. This restaurant started in Taipei City and has expanded over the years based on the popularity of their Shanghai steamed dumplings. We were near the LA and decided to refresh our Xiao Long Bao dumpling memory. This Din Tai Fung is located a typical San Gabriel Valley strip mall. This restaurant is popular, and the diners were a nice mixed crowd. Insider Tip – Go early to avoid the lines Cuisine – Chinese Shanghainese – Taiwanese Location – Arcadia, CA Opened – Service – Din Tai Fung was friendly and somewhat efficient. Verdict – Din Tai Fung Arcadia is definitely a great place to […]

This post originally from Din Tai Fung, Arcadia, CA

This post originally from Fu Chun, Shanghai