Concrete Playground

An infamous Taiwanese noodle chain is introducing Sydney to the best dumplings it's ever had. Just make sure you turn up early, or be prepared to pull up a wooden stool and wait.

That's not to imply that Din Tai Fung are not efficient. This they are, in the extreme. Peer into the kitchen and you can observe the production line: line baskets with cloth, cut dough into discs, roll the dough, fill and pinch it at the top, then pop the newly made dumplings into the baskets ready for steaming. It's strangely hypnotising.

Once inside, order up a storm. A must have are the Xiao Long Bao Pork Dumplings ($8.80 for 6, $10.80 for 8), filled with hot broth as well as delicious pork filling. Take a small bite from the top, drink the broth from within, then munch the remaining dumpling down. Also check out the Vegetable and Pork Wanton Soup ($9.50) or the Vegetable and Pork Wanton Dipped in a Spicy Sauce ($11.80).

Drinks and desserts are no less exciting. The Lychee Mint Juice ($6.50) is hard to go past, while the Steamed Mini Black Sesame Bun ($1.90) and Golden Taro Bread ($5.80) are delicate but indulgent ways to finish up your meal.