Din Tai Fung JB City Square continues to prove that sometimes the best versions of iconic dishes happen outside their birthplace. Though Din Tai Fung remains a renowned Taiwanese brand, I actually find the Malaysia and Singapore outlets much better than their Taiwanese counterparts.
My visit to the OG Din Tai Fung outlet on Xinyi Road in Taipei left me underwhelmed. Perhaps the local adaptations in Malaysia and Singapore better suit regional palates, or maybe it’s the ingredient sourcing. Either way, Din Tai Fung JB City Square remains our go-to spot for exceptional xiaolongbao and fried rice.
Where to Find Din Tai Fung in Johor Bahru
Besides the City Square location, Din Tai Fung operates at AEON Mall Tebrau City and Mid Valley Southkey in JB. Each outlet maintains the brand’s signature standards, but the City Square branch holds special appeal for frequent visitors from Singapore.
Must-Try Dishes at Din Tai Fung JB City Square
Spicy Sichuan Chicken
This tender, chilled poached chicken arrives bathed in piquant, appetising spicy chilli oil. Crunchy peanuts and sesame seeds add textural contrast whilst aromatic and bold flavours create perfect balance between heat and spice.
Spicy Shrimp & Pork Wonton
Each wonton arrives plump and supple, stuffed with juicy pork and shrimp filling. The wonton skin stays soft without excessive thickness. That spicy chilli oil sauce delivers flavourful heat that makes this my husband’s all-time favourite.
Pork Xiao Long Bao
The signature dish requires careful technique: lift each XLB gently, bite a small hole, and suck up that precious soup inside. Dip into black vinegar and eat with shredded ginger for the complete experience. The skin maintains delicate thinness whilst the comforting flavours make this one of the best XLBs you’ll find anywhere.
Shrimp & Pork Shaomai
Though less ‘soupy’ than XLB, these shaomai deliver delightful flavour bursts thanks to juicy filling. The prawn on top adds nice crunchy texture. My only minor gripe involves the slightly thick skin where the folds gather, but the overall execution remains solid.
Braised Beef Noodle Soup
Rich, hearty, flavoursome soup forms the foundation of this comfort dish. The braised beef achieves perfect tenderness, requiring minimal effort to chew. Springy noodles avoid sogginess whilst maintaining ideal texture.
Shrimp & Shredded Pork Egg Fried Rice
Light, fluffy rice carries wok hei alongside nice seasoning balance. Fresh prawns maintain their crunch whilst the overall dish ranks among my all-time favourite fried rice.
Pricing Comparison: JB vs Singapore
Our entire feast cost RM169.60 after taxes (including 10% service charge and 6% SST), equivalent to roughly S$51.30. The same dishes at Singapore’s Din Tai Fung would set you back approximately S$92.80 after taxes – that’s 45% cheaper in Johor Bahru.
Singapore’s Din Tai Fung lacks the Spicy Sichuan Chicken, so I’ve compared it with their Drunken Chicken dish instead. The significant price difference makes cross-border dining incredibly attractive for Singapore residents.
The Little Details That Matter
Whilst settling the bill, I spotted Din Tai Fung’s in-house branded toothpicks. Beyond their frozen buns and dumplings, they’ve expanded into quirky merchandise. These small touches demonstrate the brand’s attention to every aspect of the dining experience.
Service at Din Tai Fung Johor Bahru City Square remains impeccable. Staff maintain efficiency without compromising warmth, ensuring smooth operations even during peak hours.
Final Verdict on Din Tai Fung JB City Square
Every visit to Din Tai Fung JB City Square delivers satisfaction without breaking the bank. The combination of superior flavours, reasonable pricing, and excellent service creates compelling reasons to return regularly. Whether you’re seeking authentic xiaolongbao or exploring their broader menu, this outlet consistently exceeds expectations.
The cross-border dining experience proves that sometimes the best interpretations of classic dishes happen in unexpected places. 🙂