I must admit that I'd largely given up on my campaign to bring legendary purveyors of xiao long bao 小籠包, Din Tai Fung 鼎泰豐, to London. However, some encouraging words from twitter (and beyond) have put me back on the right path.
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| Shanghai soup dumplings aka xiao long bao (小籠包) |
I'd previously left messages on Din Tai Fung's website, but only received boilerplate replies. So this time I decided to up the ante by writing a letter to the company's management in Taiwan. I'm hoping for a more detailed response, and perhaps a glimmer of hope that a restaurant will open in London.
If you want to know what London is missing out on then check out my reviews of the branches in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Other cities lucky enough to be blessed with Din Tai Fung include: Bangkok, Beijing, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Los Angeles, Osaka, Seattle, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei and Tokyo.
You know if they do open they will probably make you the figurehead. That would suck eh?! :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck
I'll sign any sort of petition you care to put around. Having sampled their XLB with Tom in HK, I would really (REALLY) like them to open a London joint.
ReplyDeleteHappy NY!
Holy crap! They're in Seattle???!? I'll be there in two weeks!!!
ReplyDeleteYESSS! Your efforts are hugely appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI'll sign up to any petition as well. We've been to DTF in Shanghai and Singapore: their soup dumplings are outstanding!
ReplyDeleteTom - brand ambassador for DTF, now that would be a dream job!
ReplyDeleteGrubworm - let's see what the DTF peeps say, but an online petition is the next logical step in the campaign.
Susan - I don't know Seattle at all, but the DTF there is in Bellevue. More details on their website.
Lizzie - you should do the same for Ippudo!
Paula/Tim - Did you know there are 12 DTF's in Singapore! Watch this space for a petition...
Yay! DTF, please come to London!
ReplyDeleteI love love love the xlb! They had a special chili crab version last time I went but I think the classics fare best.
ReplyDeleteLove the yam (ornee) dessert xlb. I can happily whack an entire serve by myself.
Mr Noodles, at least you got a template response, they've just been ignoring my requests!
ReplyDeletePlease keep us up to date with all the news re DTF opening in London, potentially!
I agree - I'll sign any petition. I really want to try these dumplings at their best.
ReplyDeleteOnly thing is - abbreviating to Din Tai Fung to DTF is probably not a great idea.
Google DTF... ;-)
Su-Lin - it was your tweet that got me thinking about the campaign again.
ReplyDeleteVix - ooh! Chilli crab XLB! Was that in Singapore? I've also heard that Din Tai Fung sometimes serve XLB with truffle as a special.
swml83 - on recent comments, I've also received no response from Din Tai Fung.
Frank - good to know! Let's hope that XLB doesn't have a double-meaning, too!
I recently retried the Sydney branch and even that has improved - the soup was super sweet! Who says chain stores can't make good food : )
ReplyDeleteTaiwanese QC is amazing. No wonder the workers for iPhone products are jumping off the buildings sigh.... : (
I'm most likely headed to Taipei soon-ish. I can help to personally deliver a letter?
ReplyDeleteI believe Din Tai Fung will be successful wherever they go. I wish they'd open one in San Francisco. :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you have not given up on your campaign. Remember I am more than willing to quit my job and help you run the franchisee here in London.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing - having recently left Sydney for London I think I miss Din Tai more than Bondi...
ReplyDeleteOooh I did not know there was a branch in Sydney - good news indeed.
ReplyDeleteKay - I'm envious! If you do visit Din Tai Fung, do let them know that they have a big London fan club!
ReplyDeleteShanti - welcome! You're so right, I'm actually surprised there isn't one in SF given its deep-rooted historic Chinese connections.
Mzungu - I don't give up that easily! And yes, I do remember that you'll be my partner in dumplings!
Ikans - it's not bloody fair that there are 3 branches in Sydney! In general, you must be missing the Chinese food of Sydney, which I consider a notch or two above the stuff you get in London.
GChick - maybe you should persuade them to open in Melbourne! After all, it won't do that your hometown is being beaten 3-0 in the Din Tai Fung stakes by Sydney!
Dont give up, Mr Noodles! i do solemnly believe DTF will get to London one day. They will make a killing, I have no idea whats stopping them!!
ReplyDeletecatty - so jealous that you have the choice of 3 branches down in Sydney!
ReplyDeleteDON'T GIVE UP!!! I'm sure they'll respond one day, I hope they will!! get a petition going, I'll sign (:
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support. Watch this space for a petition...
DeleteOh man, I'd love one here in London. Went to the Taipei one 3 times over Christmas, it was great!
ReplyDeletecncplyr - thanks for the support. Keep posted for further developments.
Deletemy mother tells me the Din Tai Fung in Nagoya, Japan is crap.
ReplyDeleteI loved the one in Taipei and in Hong Kong - please bring one to London!!!
Vivian - shame about the Nagoya branch! Nevertheless, please sign my petition!
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