A world famous maker of soup dumplings is coming to Santa Monica this month and opening its doors in an expansive spot overlooking the ocean.
Din Tai Fung, which is known for its Xiao Long Bao, a type of Chinese soup dumpling that originated in Shanghai, is holding a grand opening celebration on Feb. 28 at its new 10,615-square foot indoor-outdoor dining space at 395 Santa Monica Place.
Originally founded as a cooking oil retail business in Taiwan in 1958, Din Tai Fung became a small dumpling and noodle shop in 1972. Today the Michelin-recognized restaurant has more than 165 locations in 13 countries worldwide.
That growth came largely as a result of the restaurant’s acclaimed Xiao Long Bao, which are made through an intricate 18-fold process and balanced fillings, known as the restaurant’s “Golden Ratio.” Other popular menu options include dishes such as the Cucumber Salad, Spicy Wontons, featuring a signature house spicy sauce, and the hand-shaken Pear Lychee Martini, made with Grey Goose La Poire Vodka and St-Germain.
The sleek new spot is decked out in beachy hues and natural light, floating circular canopies in the patio space and Xiao Long Bao steamer baskets throughout the restaurant, in the furniture and the ceiling.
Din Tai Fung opened its first local restaurant in Arcadia in 2000 and now has nine Southern California spots. For more information go to dtf.com