I grew up in Arcadia where the first U.S. location of Din Tai Fung landed in 2000. Back then, it was an unfussy strip mall joint known primarily for expertly folded soup dumplings. Flash forward to 2026 and Din Tai Fung seems to be springing up everywhere — or at least in every vibey mall — with an expanded menu that includes pear lychee martinis and dessert dumplings as well as ambient dining rooms that feel luxuriously minimalist. The most important factor, however, remains the dumplings. They’re still worth the trip (and the inevitable wait time that has grown with DTF’s popularity).
Since closing its original Arcadia outpost and expanding to locations like Santa Monica and Century City, Din Tai Fung now places greater emphasis on the vibe of the dining room — which feels expensive and luxurious (despite typically being planted in malls).
Save excess sweet and sour sauce from the baby spare ribs to eat with cucumber salad, garlic string beans, and fried rice. A drizzle of sauce adds depth to dishes that don’t always feel particularly exciting.
Dining and Cooking