Yep – the rumors are true. Din Tai Fung Vancouver is happening.
The internationally acclaimed Xiaolongbao restaurant, Din Tai Fung, is making its way to the city, marking the chain’s first entrance into Canada.
If you’ve had to trek all the way to Seattle for DTF, you’ll be happy you won’t need to soon.
A Long-Awaited Arrival
News of the upcoming location surfaced when a Noms community member shared a public ‘Shape Your City’ redevelopment listing for a commercial unit on Alberni Street, including an official operational letter from Din Tai Fung.
According to the address, the unit will be beside Michelin Recommended Archer.
Shape Your City is an online platform by the City of Vancouver, that allows Vancouver residents to engage with the city’s development initiatives, and it was through this channel that the much-anticipated rumours can be put to rest.
Who is Din Tai Fung?
Founded in Taiwan, Din Tai Fung is a global sensation, with branches across continents, including Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, and the United States.
The restaurant’s roots trace back to 1958 when founder Yang Bing-yi and his Hakka wife, Lai Penmei, started as a cooking oil retailer.
Around 1970, they transitioned to making and selling steamed buns (xiaolongbao), which eventually led them to become a full-fledged restaurant in 1972.
A Culinary Success Story
Din Tai Fung is celebrated for its paper-thin wrapped xiaolongbao with precisely 18 folds.
Every dumpling is hand-made, weighing 5 grams for the skin and 21 grams when filled with the signature stuffing.
Part of the allure of DTF is seeing their staff masterfully fold the XLBs.
This meticulous attention to detail has earned the restaurant international acclaim, including a Michelin star for its Hong Kong branch at Tsim Sha Tsui and named one of the top ten gourmet restaurants in the world by The New York Times.
The restaurant’s journey towards international fame began with its first overseas branch in Tokyo in 1996, followed by North America in Arcadia, California, in 2000.
Great News for Vancouver
For Vancouverites, the arrival of Din Tai Fung is a culinary delight.
Previously, fans of the brand would have to travel all the way to Seattle to enjoy the restaurant’s offerings.
Though the official opening date has yet to be announced, speculation points to early 2024.
This new addition to Vancouver’s restaurant scene signifies the city’s growing appeal to global food brands.
Just this week, 2 Michelin-starred Chef Masakazu Ishibashi was announced to take over the rebrand of Sushi Kiwami, rocking the high-end omakase arena.
Back in February, the popular global udon chain, Marugame Udon was announced to open their first Canadian location in downtown Vancouver as well.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Address: 1132 Alberni St., Vancouver BC