FIRST LOOK: Din Tai Fung Opens Its First-Ever Xiao Long Bao Bar in the World

Din Tai Fung Xiao Long Bao Bar
R1, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City
Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monday to Thursday), 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Friday), and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)

IMAGE Majoy Siason

(SPOT.ph) We may be in the final days of 2017 but that doesn’t mean it’s also the end of all things exciting. Get ready: Michelin-starred Taiwanese chain Din Tai Fung reveals possibly the biggest plot twist of the year by opening the first Din Tai Fung Xiao Long Bao Bar in the world!

IMAGE Majoy Siason

IMAGE Majoy Siason

IMAGE Majoy Siason

Xiao Long Bao Bar, located at Power Plant Mall’s new wing, features the same, crisp and bright interiors we’ve all loved since the restaurant opened their doors in Manila in 2015. The international franchise was brought in by The Moment Group, the same people behind well-loved diners like Ooma, 8 Cuts, and Manam. Although almost half the size of its Mega Fashion Hall and BGC counterparts, this 86-seater restaurant gives off a more intimate and relaxed vibe similar to a café. 

IMAGE Majoy Siason

Meanwhile, they’re not called Xiao Long Bar for nothing—the offshoot offers select xiao long bao flavors that you won’t find in regular Din Tai Fung branches. Don’t miss the Uni and Pork Xialongbao (P345/five pieces, P685/10 pieces), which combines their classic pork xiao long bao blend with rich and velvety bits of uni.

Pork and Kimchi Xiaolongbao

The Chili Crab and Shrimp Xiaolongbao (P345/five pieces), on the other hand, is for the adventurous eater, with a spicy-sweet, bold broth that will tickle your taste buds, while the Pork and Kimchi Xiaolongbao (P185/five pieces, P335/10 pieces) is a playful medley of classic Taiwanese and Korean flavors.

Chicken and Mushroom Bun

Chili Crab and Pork Bun

But xiao long baos aren’t just the star of the show; they’re also introducing new and exciting bun flavors to the menu: Chili Crab and Pork Bun (P225/three pieces), Chicken and Mushroom Bun (P140/three pieces), and Braised Beef Bun (P140/three pieces). These flavors are also exclusive to Din Tai Fung’s Xiao Long Bao Bar.

Din Tai Fung's Xiao Long Bao Bar also has noodle dishes like the Dry Noodles with Braised Beef (P325)

The Jasmine and Rose Milk Tea (P130) is a refreshing take on your favorite drink.

IMAGE Majoy Siason

Best part is they also have a sleek take-out counter where you can just grab-and-go with some dim sum whenever your cravings kick in. Milk tea or chicken buns at the movies? Why not!

Photos by Majoy Siason