Cebu’s food scene gets a global upgrade as Din Tai Fung, the world-renowned Taiwanese xiaolongbao brand, makes its highly anticipated debut in the Visayas region. Celebrating a decade of excellence in the Philippines, Din Tai Fung headlines its 10th anniversary with a major milestone—the grand opening of its newest store at SM City Cebu.
This marks not only the brand’s expansion beyond Luzon but also The Moment Group’s first foray into Visayas territory. Known for bringing exceptional dining concepts to Filipino food lovers, the F&B powerhouse has assembled a lineup of its all-star brands—including Manam, Ooma, 8Cuts, and Mo’ Cookies—in a vibrant new dining hub aptly dubbed the “Moment Block.”
“Having our brands open within days of each other and beside one another is something new and exciting for all of us. Our launching of the Moment Block, is our way of showing up for a new city with the full energy of who we are,” shares co-founder Abba Napa.
A World-Class Dumpling Experience Lands in Cebu
Din Tai Fung’s Cebu shop delivers the signature experience fans have come to know and love—from viewing freshly made xiaolongbao crafted with precise 18 folds by expert shifus, to savoring its iconic dishes in a space that blends warm wood textures with bold crimson details. With seating for 138 guests, the store offers a spacious and welcoming environment for both loyal patrons and curious newcomers.
“We’ve always wanted to treat more diners to the kind of experience you only get at Din Tai Fung,” shares co-founder Eliza Antonino about Din Tai Fung and Moment’s arrival in Cebu. “As we bring the brand to a new city, we want to demonstrate what makes this brand beloved all over the world, with its dishes especially the xiaolongbao, and its unparalleled service.”
Always a Full House
From the moment Din Tai Fung opened its doors in Cebu, the excitement has been nonstop. Day after day, the restaurant reaches full capacity, with eager diners lining up during lunch and dinner just to get a taste of the brand’s signature xiaolongbao. The buzz is undeniable—and the crowd only adds to the dynamic charm of the Moment Block.
Din Tai Fung’s menu is a celebration of Taiwanese culinary artistry, and these crowd favorites are a must for first-timers and loyal fans alike:
- Pork Xiaolongbao – The iconic soup dumpling that launched a global craze. Delicate, savory, and bursting with rich broth
- Pork Chop Fried Rice – Crispy pork chop served over fragrant egg fried rice—a comforting classic
- Salted Egg Yolk Prawns – Juicy prawns coated in golden salted egg batter; indulgent and addictive
- Sweet and Sour Pork – Crispy pork nuggets glazed in tangy-sweet sauce, a nostalgic favorite
- Shrimp and Pork Wontons in House Spicy Sauce – Dumplings swimming in a bold, garlicky chili sauce
- Crispy Beef Strips – Sweet-savory beef with a crunchy bite, ideal for snacking or pairing with rice
- Golden Lava Salted Egg Yolk Bun – A dessert bun filled with molten salted egg custard—pure indulgence
- Chocolate Lava Xiaolongbao – A Din Tai Fung Philippines original: rich molten chocolate wrapped in dumpling dough
- Black Milk Tea – Taiwan’s iconic drink with chewy pearls and bold tea flavor. Smooth, not sweet—just right.
Small Dumplings, Big Legacy
What began in 1958 as a humble cooking oil shop in Taipei evolved into a global culinary phenomenon when it reimagined itself as a xiaolongbao restaurant in the 1970s. Today, Din Tai Fung boasts over 179 locations across 15 countries, earning accolades like “The World’s Greatest Dumplings” from Forbes and recognition as one of the top ten restaurants in the world by The New York Times.
Now, Cebu joins the ranks of cities worldwide celebrating the artistry and joy of Din Tai Fung’s meticulously folded soup dumplings—and the craze is only just beginning.
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