The Din Tai Fung Taiwanese Restaurant Covent Garden, London WC2, is well worth a visit if you love steamed dumplings. We went with a family who lives in our apartment block, it’s one of their favourite restaurants, and I can see why. There was a queue outside when we arrived, so I knew we were in for a treat. The speciality is Xiao Long Bao (Steamed Dumplings) which you can watch being made in a preparation area with glass windows. If you’re looking for the best Taiwanese food in London, places to eat steamed buns in Covent Garden or dinner in WC2, you’ll be impressed by Din Tai Fung.
“Savour the meticulously made Xiao Long Bao, which takes 40 minutes to prepare by hand. Fans of Steamed Buns, Dumplings and Wantons will appreciate the high standard of food and incredible flavours at Din Tai Fung,” Homegirl London.
Din Tai Fung Taiwanese Menu
Start with a selection of appetisers. Meat options include Honey and Vinegar Short Ribs, Original Shanghainese Drunken Chicken, Braised Sichuan Sliced Beef with Vinegar Dressing and Sauteed String Beans with Minced Pork and Dried Shrimp. I was happy to find some veggie options such as Cucumber in Spicy Sauce, Spinach in Sesame Oil and Wood Ear Mushrooms with Ginger Strips.
The Sides and Snacks include Pork and Vegetable or Prawn and Pork Wantons in Spicy Sauce. Another option is to have those in Chicken Broth or fried so they are crispy. Or you may prefer the Pan-Fried Tianjin Cabbage and Chicken Gyoza or Crispy Prawn Pancakes.
You must try the world-famous Xiao Long Bao, Steamed Buns/Dumplings. These consist of 18 folds and a lengthy process as each pass through six different stations of hand preparation before they reach your table. You’ll be impressed by how neat the buns are with the 18 folds, so take a moment to admire them before popping one into your mouth! Fillings include Crab with Pork, Truffle with Pork, Beef or Chicken. There is one vegan option, Mushroom and Truffle, which I tried, and it didn’t disappoint. The Truffle flavour lingered for a few days, so I was constantly reminded of my visit to the restaurant.
You’ve probably worked out that the vegan and veggie bun/dumpling selection is limited, but I found enough to satisfy my hunger and what I ate was exceptional. Under Steamed Buns, you can choose Pork, Chicken, Pork with Vegetable or Vegetable. The Steamed Dumplings section includes similar fillings as the Xiao Long Bao, with Vegetable Jiao as the vegan offering.
If it’s cold and rainy, the soups will be tempting. Flavours range from Hot and Sour to Chicken and Pork with Prawns or Vegetables in a Superior Broth.
You’ll find quite a few vegan and veggie options under Vegetables (obviously!) and Stir Fries. I loved the Broccoli with Garlic, a simple dish full of flavour. Alternatively, you may prefer String Beans, Cabbage or Spinach with Garlic.
We paired the Vegetable and Mushroom Egg Fried Rice with our Broccoli. Those preferring Noodles will enjoy Dan Dan, Mushroom with Edamame, Mince Pork in Bean Sauce or a Spicy Sauce. Pork Chop and Dry Noodles in House Sauce is a popular choice.
Unfortunately, we were too stuffed to sample the Desserts, which is a pity because I love Custard Buns. They also have Red Bean, Sweet Taro Buns, Mango Puddings and Grass Jelly Topped Jelly with Sweet Black Glutinous Rice. I didn’t like the sound of the last one, but the Red Bean Xiao Long Bao with Chocolate Lava was a contender. I’m planning to visit again so I can try the desserts!
Watch My Din Tai Fung Video
Helpful Information About Din Tai Fung
To find out more, visit the Din Tai Fung. The address is 5 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8PS. Covent Garden is the nearest station. Current opening times are Monday to Friday from 12 noon until 11 pm, Saturday from 11 am until 11 pm and Sunday from 11 am until 10 pm. The interiors are contemporary and stylish. I’d recommend this restaurant for families and couples and a place to take clients for lunch or dinner. Other branches are Centre Point and Selfridges, both in London. Please book a table to avoid disappointment.
If you wish to explore the area further, please read these articles:
Ten Things To Do in Covent Garden
Ten Reasons To Visit The Yards Covent Garden
Nine Reasons To Visit Neal Street Covent Garden
Best Shopping Streets In Covent Garden
Visits Seven Dials Covent Garden
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about restaurants where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research as restaurant standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the restaurant is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.
