Chopsticks, Fork and Spoon

It is TT, Ling and I, and we are attempting to score some last minute tickets for Avenue Q. As we get to the Theatre Royal we find that there are three tickets left, but were in seats with obstructed views. We decided to postpone watching Avenue Q.

As disappointed as we were, we needed to find something to do as it was only 5pm and it was too early to call it quits. As we were having cravings for Xiao Long Bao, we headed to Din Tai Fung, knowing that at this early time we can still go there without having to queue up.
The Xiao Long Bao came out first, Din Tai Fung's signature dish. I had high expectations of their dumplings from everyones reviews and had never been to Din Tai Fung before. As I dipped my Xiao Long Bao into my red vinegar and ginger sauce, I can tell that these dumplings had a few man hours involved in making these beauties. The broth that was encased in the pastry was flavoursome but not overpowering, and the wrapping had a nice thickness and didn't feel starchy, as some that I have tried. The pork mince mixture inside was lovely, moist and well cooked and the dumplings were a great start to our meal.
TT had ordered the avocado shake. I took a sip, and it was so creamy and buttery and so good. The chocolate sauce a little over the top and I thought the drink did not need it. Nonetheless, a great drink.
Vegetable and Pork dumplings in Spicy sauce was also ordered and came out. I really enjoyed the sauce, it was sweet and had enough chilliness to add that extra kick. I was hard pressed to find any meat in the dumplings as it was all spinach, but all was forgiven as the dumplings tasted as good as the xiao long bao.
TT ordered the Dan Dan noodles, rice noodles in a peanut based chilli broth. TT enjoyed his dish very much, but by three quarters into the dish, the sauce became too rich and was left unfinished.
Ling ordered the Mince Pork Noodles. I did not get to taste this but she informs me that it tasted great and was finished happily.

I ordered the chicken cutlet and noodle soup. The soup base of the noodles was rather bland, and I prefer a broth with much more flavour. The chicken was crunchy and delicious, and when combined with some chilli oil and the noodles and soup, made a great combination.
The drunken noodles were ordered for the table to share. TT and I both thought the dish was exceptionally small and were depressed. TT had a bite of the chicken and said that he like the chicken and could taste the rice wine in this dish. I had a taste and could also taste the rice wine, which was a bit too strong for me and so didn't have much more during the dinner.

After leaving Din Tai Fung, I was the only hungry one as TT and Ling were pretty full. I knew I could still eat but waited till I was more hungry before eating again, so TT and I both decide to get a haircut while Ling watches us boys get pampered. After a short haircut pit stop, it was time for supper at I Heart Taiwan.

For drinks we have ordered the hot taro milk tea. It was one of the best drinks I have ever had. I enjoy anything Taro flavoured and this was just pure bliss. It was creamy and had the true taro flavour I long for when I order this drink. As excited as I was, I was keen to drink this in one gulp, but burnt my tongue on the first sip. Relunctantly, I sip the drink slowly and carefully not to burn myself. If it wasn't for the lateness of our supper I would have ordered another one. It was that good.
The Taiwanese sticky rice was also ordered and TT and Ling did not think I would like this. They were wrong. I enjoy sticky rice in Yum Cha, and this was not that much different. While I still prefer the yum cha version, this was still delicious, with shitake mushrooms and pork and rice that was cooked to a nice sticky consistency, I easily devoured this.

We lingered on in the cafe drinking our teas and talking about how they make the tea and about how long this cafe will be in business, but we noticed that there were people waiting to come in, so we ask for the bill and decide to call it a night.