Din Tai Fung — Review by Grub with Greg
Los Angeles, United States — Chinese
The reviewer visits Din Tai Fung to try their exclusive Little Red Dragon cocktail, a mezcal-based drink infused with Din Tai Fung chili oil and complemented with lime, pineapple juice, agave, and sesame tahini rim. They sample classic dishes including cucumber salad, garlic green beans, spicy wontons, fried dumplings, shrimp fried rice, and fried noodles with skirt steak, praising the quality throughout.
What was great: The Little Red Dragon cocktail with infused mezcal, spicy wontons, cucumber salad, garlic green beans, fried dumplings, shrimp fried rice, and fried noodles with skirt steak
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The standout item of the visit is clearly the Little Red Dragon cocktail, an exclusive drink available only at this location. This sophisticated cocktail combines Din Tai Fung's signature chili oil-infused mezcal with lime juice, pineapple juice, a touch of agave, and features an impressive sesame tahini rim. The combination delivers a complex flavor profile described as sweet, spicy, and smoky all at once. The spicy wontons are expertly paired with this cocktail, with their heat bringing out the infused mezcal's complex notes.
Beyond the cocktail, the reviewer ordered classic Din Tai Fung favorites that demonstrate why the restaurant maintains its reputation. The cucumber salad and garlic green beans are staples that the reviewer always orders, providing fresh, well-executed sides. The fried dumplings showcase the kitchen's skill with their signature product, while the shrimp fried rice offers a satisfying rice course. The fried noodles with skirt steak represents an interesting fusion of traditional and contemporary preparations, combining the restaurant's noodle expertise with quality steak.
The Experience
The overall dining experience at Din Tai Fung maintains the restaurant's reputation for quality. The reviewer demonstrates familiarity with the menu, indicating a regular patron relationship with the establishment.
Value and Pricing
No specific pricing information was mentioned in the review, though Din Tai Fung is known as an upscale Asian dining establishment.
Notable Moments
Only one Din Tai Fung in the world has this right now. It's called a little red dragon.
I mean, it's Din Tai Fung, so you can't really go wrong with anything.
The Verdict
This is a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts and Din Tai Fung devotees, particularly those seeking exclusive menu items not available elsewhere. The combination of exceptional dishes and innovative cocktails makes Din Tai Fung an outstanding destination for both regular patrons and newcomers alike.