Who is your oldest friend? Someone whom you have known for a very long time, and with whom you still keep in contact? Someone who is so close to you, no amount of distance or time spent apart will break the bond between you?
For me, that would be Yu Jin (but let’s call her by her English name, Danielle, just to make it easier for you).
I’ve known Danielle since I was six. She is a year younger than me, and we got to know each other through our parents. Her father is a Korean pastor too, and at that time, both he and my dad were in the same church denomination. Even now, I can still remember her trailing after me, calling me “Unni, unni!” (That is Korean for “older sister”).
We weren’t the best of friends from the start. In fact, she annoyed the hell out of me at first. She kept asking me questions, snatching my things and running away as a game, eating my food, and talking incessantly. In return, I was nasty and snobby to her, treating her like a pest.
But because of our parents’ relationship, we were forced to meet each other, again and again…and she somehow grew onto me. My affection for her started to grow as I started accepting her quirkiness…and instead of finding her irritating, I found her fun, lovable, and adorable. And pretty soon, we became best friends and did everything together.
We had tons of sleepovers together, buying $20 worth of snacks for midnight feasts. We played mermaids together in the pool. We hung out every week after church to climb trees, play hopscotch, jump rope, and freeze tag. We shared a common love for violence— we reigned Queens of the Playground, picking fights with anyone who didn’t fit our fancy; we made up superhero characters and practiced Power Ranger moves on each other. 
Oh, gosh…Danielle and I share so many stories together. I can sit here all day sharing our stories. And yes, we also got into tons of catfights, most of it over food. I can’t even count how many times I came home with scratches and broken glasses!
So when I met Danielle today for lunch…it was like meeting a long-lost sister. Danielle studies in University of Michigan right now, but she happened to be back in Singapore for summer vacation, too. Obviously, we had the most joyful reunion. We flew into each other’s arms, and talked a mile to a dozen. Yet at the same time, I felt like it was just yesterday that I had last seen her.
We decided to dine at Din Tai Fung in Tampines, a famous dumpling restaurant that originated from Taiwan. 
If you’re a (real) Asian, I’m sure you’ve heard of this place before. They’ve got branches all over Asia, and even have a restaurant in Los Angeles. Well, we both happened to crave xiao long baos, so the decision to eat at Din Tai Fung was an easy one. 
Now, Danielle is a faithful reader of my blog, so she was more than happy to let me click away. I wish everyone was like her! Sure will make food blogging much easier! Check out the interior of this place: 
This place is usually always packed; but we came on a weekday, when it is much less crowded. 
The neat thing about this place? They have an open kitchen, sealed off by clear windows so that you can see all the diligent chefs preparing your meal: 
So interesting!! If every restaurant was like this, you need not ever worry about sanitation and servers spitting in your food again! 
If I wasn’t so engrossed with talking to Danielle, I would have propped up my elbows by the windows and stare at them working all day. And is it just me, or do they look like doctors performing some kind of intricate surgery? Must be the masks and gloves and the serious expressions… 
But making xiao long baos is a serious art. In fact, Din Tai Fung proudly states that they have at least 18 folds in their precious xiao long baos: 
Apparently, that’s the perfect number in retaining all the juices in the bun or something, so that the soup and insides stay “plump and juicy within”…
Din Tai Fung has an extensive menu that offers other dishes like vegetables, noodles, and rice besides dumplings… 
But I was here for their specialty, the xiao long baos. So we ordered a 10-piece crabmeat and pork xiao long bao: 
It came hot and steaming. I had to wait awhile for the steam to clear off before I could take a picture! 
Many, many people have given Din Tai Fung less than average ratings. They call this place “overrated”, “not that great”, “can be better”, etc…Well, you know what? They are arrogant peacocks who just want to have the satisfaction of turning their noses up at a popular place. Because you know what? I’ve never had a better xiao long bao. 
The insides was hot and juicy, the dumpling skin just the perfect amount of thickness and chewability, and I didn’t know what I tasted more—the delicious pork and crabmeat filling, or my overflowing saliva. I’m sorry I couldn’t take a picture of the insides…I was just too busy stuffing my mouth. I was also too absorbed with the flavor to actually count the 18 folds in the dumplings. 18 folds or not, it was DAMN GOOD!!!! Worth every penny!
We also ordered a 10-piece vegetable and pork dumpling: 
You know why I love dumplings? They are not only tasty—they’re also so. damn. cute. Look at the little pinches of dough! The green color peeping out of the slightly translucent skin! How pretty is that? 
This was really good, too. The vegetables were bright and tasted really fresh and grassy in my mouth, with just minimal amount of pork to flavor it. 
On the side, we also ordered the much recommended the steamed chicken soup: 
It turned out to be a pretty small portion, but together with the dumplings and xiao long baos, turned out to be just the right size for the both of us. The soup was clear-tasting, with an intense, almost sweet chicken taste. Also one of the best chicken soups I’ve ever tasted! 
The only complaint is the chicken skin. Ew. I HATE soft and chewy chicken skin, unless it’s fried up to a crisp with tons of seasoning. It also left a pool of grease floating on top of the soup, which can be kind of a turn-off.
Another cool thing about this place? They have a little basket beside your table to store your bags: 
I’ve always detested having to hold on to my bag while eating. Such a simple solution! (The black one is Danielle’s, the cloth one is mine)
Oh, and one more word about the service: Freaking impeccable. Always smiling, always helpful, but without being cloying or officious. They were so efficient in refilling our tea that I am pretty sure they have a designated tea-refiller guy.
If you can’t tell already, I am in love with Din Tai Fung. Screw all the naysayers—I don’t care if I’m “following the crowd” or “jumping on the bandwagon”…I know good food when I see it!
I also know a good friend when I see one. Danielle and I…we’re bound forever—not just within this lifetime, but for eternity as sisters in Christ. I’ll be there in her wedding no matter how far away I may be at the time, and she damn well attend my funeral and say a nice eulogy for me when I die.
After our meal, we spent the whole day together basically just chatting and doing some half-hearted window-shopping. We came across an accessories shop, so I made Danielle do a pose for me: 
The girl with the headband. Look familiar? (Psst, check out my avatar and facebook profile pic).
I had fun trying on a peacock one: 
I look like a flapper. It was kinda cool. But not worth it at $23.
Oh, and I just absolutely had to take a picture of this for my dear avocado-loving bloggers: 
How cool is that?!! Avocado coffee!!! I’m surprised this hasn’t hit California first. Or maybe it has, and I was just oblivious to that fact. I don’t even like avocados, but just thought this might interest you!
I’ll be seeing Danielle each week—so look out for her cute little face again!
Question of the day: Who is your oldest friend with whom you still keep in contact? How did you guys met?
And…what is one “overrated” restaurant that you secretly (or openly) love?
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Those dumplings look incredible! You absolutely have me craving them right now. I still talk to my oldest friend (we met at age 2) who goes to grad school at Uni of Michigan. We only see each other every couple of years but it’s always like no time has passed.
Hey gorgeous!
I hate soft chicken shin too, but the other foods look jummy!
My oldest friend I know since I was two and we still see each other, in fact: I’m going out with her this thursday!
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
What a great and memorable time spent with someone so special to you!
i’ve known my oldest friend since i was about 4 or so. unfortunately we didn’t live in the same town so we drifted a bit in high school and college but we do see each other occasionally and it’s rarely awkward. i think that’s a sign of a good friend
dumplings are my fav chinese food ever!!! so glad you got to spend some time with a great friend- looks fun!
How fun to travel with one of your oldest friends! I’m so happy for you guys!
what a great reunion! i’ve known my oldest friend since we were little babies, and even though i rarely see her now, we have so many shared memories & i hold the biggest place in my heart for her! cute headbands by the way — you totally rock those!!
Oh my goodness, I’m so jealous of your experience! Not only did you get to hang out with one of your best friends, but you also ate amazing food! What could be better than that? I love dumplings but good (and authentic!) ones are so hard to find where I live. Vegan ones that qualify are almost impossible. Sadface. Maybe I’ll just have to try making my own
. Those headbands are so cute, by the way. I’m a total headband lover, as well.
Have a lovely day!
xox
I love the picture of the two of you together — what an adorable clip in your hair! I like the peacock one too. very cute
My oldest friend is someone I’ve known since elementary school, so more than 20 years! We see each other every couple months or so — for a meal and movie or something like that. It’s so amazing how time flies.
I wish i had long friendships like that!
During my childhood yrs I nvr had much time to cultivate such deep relationships. It didnt help tht i was shy and such a loner then,
Well..I’m out more and definitely outgoing now. I meet at lot of ppl, and all are friends. But nope, there are not those who can call or jz bawl yr eyes out without feeling self-consious or worried htat they might let out yr secret behind yr back.
Friendship like yrs n Danielle,takes time..& i;m so happy babe..u got someone like that!
i have never seen such pretty dumplings. the only time i have ever actually seen them is when my mom makes drop dumplings but theyre from scratch. yours are all fancied up!
im the same way about chicken skin i despise the soft chewy ew thats so gross…but crispy salty chicken legs…. hand them over NOW!!!!!!!
avocado coffee…hmm.. haha the more i eat avocados the more i do not like them IN anything but just sliced with salt & pepper
Those dumplings look so crazy good! My oldest friend is Hugh and him and I go way back to when we were 2 years old! We were in school together all the way through high school and we’re still good friends!
My oldest friend is my friend Dani. We met when we were 2! We’ve grown up and apart so much over the course of our lives but we always find a way to reconnect a few times a year. I treasure an old friendship like that!
I LOVE Din Tai Fung, and you ordered some of my favorite dumplings! I love the vegetable pork dumpling because it actually has LOTS of veggies. Yummmmmm
You know I saw in a blog somewhere how they do these dumplings and that it takes two years to master the skill and all that; fascinating! I would love to taste them and the chicken soup; like you I am not fond of the skin!
Your friend is great and it is so nice to have a friend like that.
I love dumplings! You’re so right. They are TOO cute! And yummy. We can’t forget that.
Uno’s Chicago Grill is a place is secretly love. I always get a cup of their vegetable soup and a flatbread pizza without cheese. I think I really just like that there is something on their menu for everyone in my family, including my carb-phobe of a father.
I wish chefs here were that sterile looking when making food!
I wish I could watch them prepare too! too amazing
what a fun meetup
love good friends, i’ve got a couple i’ve known since kindergarden and still keep in touch!
OMG the avocado coffee! I can’t even imagine what that would taste like, but I bet it’s good.
I love the look of those dumplings with all the greens inside – so fresh! IwantIneed.
I’m still in touch with just a couple friends I’ve known since kindergarten, but I really think my best friend and (now ex-)roommate counts for more, even though I’ve only known her since 9th grade. That’s still 13 years! Found a picture of her and me from that year actually, and all I could think was “WOW, awkward,” and “whoa, that was obviously before we started plucking our eyebrows.”
I immediately thought of doctors when I saw the chefs too! I worked in a restaurant throughout high school, and yes, I sometimes I wish I could see just what the waitresses are doing to my food, because I’ve seen some not-so-appetizing stuff.
My oldest friend and I don’t talk all that often anymore, but we’ll always be there for each other. We have different beliefs, personalities and friends, but I know that she will be at my wedding, smiling and happy for me
I have to admit the chicken skin soup made me throw up in my mouth a little bit (not really, but gross) but the fun little steamed buns made up for it. No, they didn’t, but I loved your flapper headband. We’re even.
My oldest friend is Danny and I’ve known him since I was 2 and moved into the neighborhood. We went through school together all through college and he still only lives a couple miles from me. I was a HUGE tomboy and I love him to death. And I still call him Danny…
Those surgeon-like chefs evidently have surgeon-like precision when it comes to food! I’ve made some great friends in the past out of people who have initially annoyed me, and then grown on me…I’m glad you have such a lovely friend there who is there for the long haul
Sarah x
SOPHIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I keep putting off reading your blog because I keep telling myself that I really, truly need to sit down and have a huge BLOCK of time to absorb and enjoy every one of your posts. But obviously, huge BLOCKS of time never just APPEAR when you’re schooling full time and working part time and doing other stupid stuff in between. So WTH I’m on your blog now and reading reading reading away!
XIAO LONG BAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THOSE BABIES WERE MY FAVOURITE GROWING UP AS A CHILD. I particularly enjoyed all the juice that gushed out of them after the initial bite — OH SO TASTY. I bet they must taste a billion times better though, coming from the HK.
There’s apparently a Dumpling Festival in a nearby town, close to where I go to school now, and I’ve always wanted to check it out. Inspired by your eats, perhaps I’ll have to actually do it this year, hmm?
Thank you Sophia for allowing us to live vicariously through you in HK. I loved reading about your (incr)edible adventures halfway across the globe!
xo aletheia
what an awesome reunion! catching up with old friends is the best!!!! My best friend is in NY and it doesn’t matter how many months/years go by, it’s like we were never apart when we get together again. Except she has a baby now so thinks might have changed slightly.
That’s so great that you have such a wonderful friend!I have a friend I first met in 6th grade, and we’ve always just clicked. It doesn’t matter how much time goes by, when we get together it’s like no time has passed at all. It’s so great!
I love restaurants with open kitchens like that!
“She annoyed the hell out of me at first” – LOL! Too cute! I’ve been best friend with my best friend for…23 years. Um, crazy considering we’re 25!! We met at pre-pre school and have been friends ever since!
Your relationship with Danielle sounds a lot like mine with my best friend 
Hate chicken skin, too…ewwwwwwwwww. I don’t see how people like it, but I know so many do!!
I love dumplings too! I love that they’re cute little packages with delicious fillings, and I love dipping them in sauces.
One of my best friends is someone I met in first grade. We met on the playground, playing a game of Duck, Duck Goose with a bunch of other girls. We’re still great friends, even though we only speak a handful of times a year.
=D i love great friends. the oldest friend i have is either Jon, a family friend of my dad i met when he was in COLLEGE – he’s 30 something now. or either my high school best friend, Kate, who i’ve kept in touch with for 8+ years!
i too…LOVE DIN TAI FUNG! it’s overrated…whatever. hmmm…i love hurry curry too. in santamonica!
That’s awesome that you’ve kept in touch with Danielle for so long! My oldest friend is either my cousin, Catie whom I’ve known since I was 3 months old, or my best friend Kristina…we met in 3rd grade!
And that restaurant looks amazing! I definitely agree that it looks like they are doctors performing surgery! & So funny that you think they have a “tea re-filler guy” haha!
You just made me realize how long it’s been since I had xiao long baos… my favorite is from a chain that you can find in both Singapore and Hong Kong (not sure about LA), but it’s called Crystal Jade if you’ve heard of it. Their baos are fantastic, and their Zha Zhong mian, dan dan mians, and pork dumplings in chilli oil are eye roll inducing… going to have to try Din Tai Fung upon your recommendation now though the next time I’m back in Singapore.
You look like you had a kick@ss time with your buddy.. the best reunions always involve food!
The teenager used to be obsessed with Power Rangers!
So glad you are enjoying your trip! There is nothing better than meeting up with old friends! 
YES!!! Those were precisely the dumplings I was talking about that I’d like to try! The soup dumplings! Oh I’m so jealous and the pics are beautiful!
My oldest friend is my cousin Anne-Marie. She’s 7 months older and I met her when I was born! hehe We grew up like sisters, but haven’t seen each other since 2001 I think. We talk everyday on AIM, email, and Facebook.
I can’t think of any overrated restuarants that I love, only a bunch that I don’t get the hype over. There’s this one Mexican restaurant here in the Chicago area called Pepe’s and J’s circle of friends and family RAAAAAVED about it. So I tried it once w/ his sister eating in the restaurant and once w/ J as take out and both times it was disgusting. Like – worse than Taco Bell disgusting and about 5 times the price.
Awww, what a fun meet-up with Danielle! The dumplings look absolutely divine, and yes, they really do look like surgeons!
you’re killing me with those dumpling, i’m dying to dig in! how fun to share that with such a long time friend. i have a friend like that. years could go by without seeing one another and we could just pick up without missing a beat!
Wow, 18 folds in each bun and dumpling. That’s pretty meticulous work right there!
I can’t think of any restaurants that I like that others don’t, but I can do the reverse. I think Cheesecake Factory is terrible and evil, but everyone raves about it. Yuck.
I love catching up with life-long friends. something so valuable to an effortless friendship, for sure <3
Looks like a lovely time with a pal. So glad for you!
The meal looks delicious too!
I think the masks are a wonderful idea. I’ve had people openly cough and hand me my plate. Absolutely ridiculous!
LOL they totally look like doctors!!! I think a dumpling doctor tv show would be way more interesting than greys anatomy and the like. Pitch that in LA! Anyways, back to the food, everything looks amazing at Din Tai Fung!
Awwwwwwww, old friends are THE BEST!! My BFF and I have been friends since kindergarten. We know EVERYTHING about one another… I mean every. thing. Love her!
i wonder how it compares to the los angeles branch? i love that one – i wish they had those purse holders!
I met my oldest friend when I was about seven, so there’s some similarities there! And now that same person is pregnant with twins! It feels strange. And I want a dumpling!
Fun time with your friend! The xiao long baos and dumplings look so good!
My oldest friend is my best friend from school. We have been best friends since grade 3, and she was the maid of honour in my wedding. We still see each other all the time!
I love the basket for the purses!! What a great idea!!
I like Boston Pizza, even though I am not a big “chain restaurant” person.
My oldest friend I keep in contact with is Rebecca but we haven’t seen each other since her wedding due to distance. My oldest friend I see is Melissa. We met in college and are complete opposites.
I love PF Changs that can be so overrated but I love that they have easy to identify vegetarian options that are so good.
So glad you got to meet up with Danielle! Looks like you had good food to boot:)
i am still in awe of your amazing trip…wow!
impeccable service is SUCH a key part to dining…love that you were able to get some. it can be rare when traveling, sadly but good deal for you!
Oh wow, those dumplings look amazinggg!! and oh so cute!
That basket idea is genius!!! I think we need to start bringing it to the states.
Old friends are the best. Always dependable and reliable and such an asset in life. I’m so glad you have one Sophia! And those dumplings – delicious. I’m amazed by the avocado coffee. We need to import that pronto.
I can’t of any really old friends, really, but my best friends & I have been friends since freshman year of high school, so eight years.
Those dumplings look soooo good – but I’d be with you on the chicken skin – eekk!
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