Din Tai Fung, K.L.

Great dim sum from a chain resataurant in a mall?   Oh yes!

DTF in Kuala Lumpur, Pavillions

Their food is so good I can't believe Din Tai Fung is a chain.  As if that is not enough to give you pause, this location is in a big mall (The Pavilion, 6th floor, Kuala Lumpur).   Can you really get exceptional dim sum from a chain in a mall?   Oh yes, you can!    Each dumpling is meticulously rolled, filled, and folded shut with precision and artistry.

The best thing on the DTF menu is the original pork soup dumplings. These are among the best bites of food I've had the pleasure to enjoy, but be warned: do not eat the soup dumplings right away or you will sear the skin in your mouth with the molten hot soup inside.  Your patience will be rewarded with a magical balance of texture and flavor that explodes in your mouth.  Traditional condiments of vinegar, or soy sauce, and matchsticks of fresh ginger provide yet another layer of flavor.  This is the stuff of which foodies dream.

The chicken soup dumplings were also good, as were the dumplings in a soup broth which had an excellent ginger flavor. However, I'd pass on any of the veggie dumplings which seemed a little bitter (and not in a good way) and lacked the extreme awesomeness of the pork-filled version.

The restaurant looks great and was very clean. The price was very reasonable considering the location, good service, and excellent food quality. I will definitely return to Din Tai Fung every time I'm in KL.

Eat it.