One of the big name among Chinese restaurateurs - Ding Tai Fung (鼎泰豐) has been established in Penang Gurney Plaza for a few years and the crowd still never ceded. Being the only one Taiwanese restaurant that awarded One Michelin Star (Hong Kong Branch), Ding Tai Fung is renowned for serving topnotch Xiao Long Bao (Steamed Dumplings), along with a range of delicious noodles, soup, fried rice, dishes, stir-fried vegetables and desserts. It was truly a gourmet experience dining at Ding Tai Fung.
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| Pork Xiao Long Bao (RM 16.20/6 pcs) |
One of the must order here is their Xiao Long Bao. It is available in a either 6 or 12 pieces in a bamboo steamer, with a variation of filling you can choose from. Although these xiao long bao looks tiny, it exhibits such a high degree of finesse - thin skin, delicate pork filling along with sweet broth upon puncturing the skin. Furthermore, the crew will expertly mix the condiments which comprises of soy sauce, vinegar and a few fine slices of ginger to give these xiao long bao a refreshing and balancing taste.
No one should miss their Xiao Long Bao during the visit to Ding Tai Fung. If you have budget to spare, you may consider their Truffle Xiao Long Bao.
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| Chicken Soup (RM 18.80) |
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| Shrimp & Pork Fried Rice (RM 25.10) |
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| Organic Pea Sprout with Shimeji Mushroom (RM 26.50) |
We personally enjoyed their Shrimp and Pork Fried Rice (RM 25.10). It may look simple but the plate of fried rice was brimming with aroma from the eggs, and the usage of shorter grains also improved the overall mouth feeling of the fried rice. Besides, the shrimp was juicy and the pork was cooked to tender texture. If you are not a big eater and plan to save your stomach for other goodies in Ding Tai Fung, do consider split the small portion of fried rice among 2 persons.
The Organic Pea Sprout with Shimeji Mushroom (RM 26.50) is addictive too. It gives a crunchy sensation, and the shimeji mushrooms introduces a light sweet taste to the dish.
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| Hot & Sour Noodle Soup |
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| String Bean with Shrimp |
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| Fish with Salted Egg |
If you are not in the hurry for quick fix, try their noodle soup. Our Hot and Sour Noodle soup required us 15 minutes of waiting time. Soury pungent starchy soups with pork minced, mushroom and mini diced tofu to accompany their noodle is just addictive.
String Bean with Shrimp got a big thumbs up from us. String bean's crunchy texture remained with flavourful seasoning. Fish with salted egg on the other side was a little disappointment, was the salted egg taste doesn't seem to blend well with the soft tender fish. Perhaps if prawn would be a better texture to go with.
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| Steamed Thousand Layer Cake |
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| Yam Paste with Gingko Nuts (RM 10.50) |
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| Sesame Ball Coated with Peanuts (RM 9) |
Popular Teochew dessert - Yam Paste with Gingko Nuts (RM 10.50) is a surprise find at Ding Tai Fung. Not many restaurant is offering this dessert nowadays due to the meticulous works required during preparation. Thankfully, the yam paste is nice. It is blended to a smooth texture with a natural sweet taste derived from the yam. You could slowly enjoy this dessert slowly by having it in small spoonful.
We also leverage this opportunity to try another dessert - Sesame Ball Coated with Peanuts (RM 9). The peanuts coating the sesame ball has a nice scent, though a stronger peanut scent would have elevated its taste even more. Meanwhile, the black sesame filling is smooth in texture, but again a stronger sesame taste would make this dessert better.
Thousand Layer Cake was another dessert menu that intrigued us. Soft fluffy texture in layers, kind of reminded us of the Chinese Miku bun but in better texture. Add on the condensed milk for enhancing taste and aroma.
Overall, dining in Ding Tai Fung is a great experience. Not only the food is great, the service is impeccable too. It makes you feel every penny you spend here is worthwhile.
Ding Tai Fung (鼎泰豐)
Tel: 04-293 3634
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