Din Tai Fung (Paragon)

Perpetually packed, this Taiwanese restaurant chain is a fail-safe crowdpleaser for comfort Chinese fare that hits the spot. The cold oriental salad in special vinegar dressing is fresh and tangy, and bound to prepare appetites for its famed xiao long bao (pork soup dumplings). These sport delicate skin and juicy filling, and are best enjoyed with generous lashings of fresh shredded ginger and vinegar. A Paragon outlet exclusive, the deep-fried handmade tofu with water chestnuts and mushrooms is earthy and delicate, and pairs wonderfully with its classic dish of fried rice with shrimp and egg. Save space for the steamed custard buns, yet another Paragon exclusive. Expect soft, pillowy dough that encases an oozing salted-egg lava centre.

TATLER TIP

The Paragon outlet has an exclusive menu worth exploring. It also has a pretty decent wine list, but you’ll have to ask for it if you’re in the mood for a drink.

SIGNATURE DISHES

1. Deep-fried handmade tofu with water chestnuts and mushrooms 2. Steamed custard buns

3. Steamed pork xiao long bao

4. Oriental salad in special vinegar dressing