A Vegan's Review of Din Tai Fung - Central Park, Chippendale

On the top level of Central Park Din Tai Fung diners sit in the light filled dining area sharing baskets upon baskets of the restaurant's famous dumplings. The staff buzz around efficiently, speaking to the kitchen through their ear pieces. The kitchens have an open view where you can watch the famous 5 star dumplings in the making.

Restaurants can be found at:

World Square

Chatswood

Central Park

Miranda

Emporium Melbourne

and in the food courts at:

Westfield Sydney

The Star

Greenwood Plaza

There are a few vegan options on the menu but if you only try one thing make it the Vegetarian Jiao Ze.

Vegetarian Jiao Ze (6 pieces), $10.80

I would visit Din Tai Fung for the Vegetarian Jiao Ze alone. They're piping hot, fresh, soft and filled with a mix of greens, vermicelli noodles and tofu. The mix of dipping sauce is important. I like to mix one spoon of chilli into 1/3 soy sauce and 2/3 vinegar.

Vegetarian Bun (1 piece), $3.80

The Vegetarian Bun has the same filling as the Vegetarian Jiao Ze wrapped in a fresh, warm, soft bun. It was good but I think I prefer my ratio of filling to casing more on the dumpling side with more filling and a soft thin dumpling wrapper.

Dan Dan Noodle (Peanut Sauce), $

Our waitress confirmed that the Dan Dan Noodle with peanut sauce is vegan so I ordered it with a side of steamed spinach. It's simple and filling covered in a lovely rich peanut sauce. 

Now onto the dessert..

Steamed mini buns

Steamed Mini Taro Bun, $2.80

Steamed Mini Red Bean Bun, $2.80

Always one to end on something sweet I couldn't go without trying the warm little dessert buns. These took a while to make it out of the kitchen but it was well worth the wait. They were steaming hot and while the Steamed Mini Taro Bun was subtle and slightly sweet, the Steamed Mini Red Bean Bun was super sweet and full of flavour.

Red Bean Dumplings

I had previously tried and wasn't keen on red bean filled desserts but was ready to give red bean another chance in the form of Red Bean Dumplings. After the Vegetarian Jiao Ze, Din Tai Fung had earned my trust and they did not disappoint with these rich, sweet and warm red bean filled dessert dumplings. These are now one of my favourites.

Limited Edition Dark Chocolate filled Steamed Buns

Every so often Din Tai Fung offers up cute novelty dishes such as these dark chocolate filled steamed buns or the Christmas edition green Vegetarian Jiao Ze as seen here. My friend and I didn't quite know where to start with these buns as we had the strange feeling we were being watched. I bit into the bun from behind then realised how unfortunate it looked.

I'd suggest double checking each limited edition dish is vegan before ordering, better safe than hungry!

I certainly think that Din Tai Fung, Central Park lives up to it's reputation for some of the world's tastiest dumplings. It may be a little pricier than other dumpling houses but it is well worth it.

What is your ultimate dipping sauce ratio? Do you prefer more filling or more bun? Would you eat the sheep shaped buns and how would you eat them?

Vegetarian Jiao Ze (6 pieces, $10.80

Vegetarian Bun (1 piece), $3.80

Overview

Price | Moderate - High

Cuisine | Taiwanese Restaurant renown for their "World's tastiest dumplings"

Vibe | Light, clean and fast

Must Try | Vegetarian Jiao Ze, Red Bean Dumplings, Mango Shake

Service | 5/5

Rating | 5/5

Shop Details

Central Park Menu

Address | Level 2 Central Kitchen, 28 Broadway, Chippendale
Telephone | (02) 8072 9425
Website | https://www.dintaifungaustralia.com.au
Facebook | Din Tai Fung Central Park
Instagram | @dintaifungaustralia

Opening Hours
Lunch
Monday to Sunday | 11.30am - 2.30pm
Dinner
Monday to Wednesday | 5.00pm - 8.30pm
Thursday to Saturday | 5.00pm - 9.00pm
Sunday | 5.00pm - 8.30pm