Din Tai Fung, from its humble beginnings of selling cooking oil to becoming renowned for its Shanghai dim sum such as xiaolongbao, now boasts over 170 stores worldwide, achieving legendary status in Chinese cuisine. Experts analyze that Din Tai Fung is exporting Taiwan’s soft power, showcasing the differences between Taiwan and mainland China to the world.
In 2024, Din Tai Fung expanded its reach to New York City, Phuket in Thailand, Singapore, Dubai, and Anaheim, California near Disneyland. In May of this year, its first Canadian branch opened in Vancouver, drawing attention from mainstream media in Canada. Almost every Din Tai Fung store around the globe sees long lines of customers, making it a favorite dining spot for prominent figures in politics and business.
Wang Hsiu-wen, Assistant Research Fellow at the Institute for the Studies of the People’s Liberation Army and Operational Concepts of the National Defense Institute under Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, told Epoch Times that despite Taiwan’s small size, its influence extends beyond its physical borders. The presence of Din Tai Fung in many parts of the world helps export Taiwan’s soft power, showcasing Taiwan as distinctive from mainland China. Additionally, the semiconductor industry in Taiwan, led by TSMC, has highlighted Taiwan’s importance on a global scale.
Wang noted that while both Taiwan and mainland China speak Mandarin, foreigners are gradually noticing significant differences between Taiwanese and Chinese people. Koreans and Japanese, for instance, are beginning to distinguish between mainland Chinese tourists and Taiwanese tourists, recognizing Taiwanese individuals as more courteous and law-abiding.
During a visit to observe Din Tai Fung’s digital transformation initiatives, Wang shared insights on the high-tech management system employed by the restaurant chain. At their headquarters, Din Tai Fung has an advanced command center with multiple screens, allowing real-time communication with their global branches. Chairman Yang Chi-hua can observe the quality of xiaolongbao at each branch through cameras, ensuring consistent standards across all locations. It is this application of cutting-edge technology that has earned Din Tai Fung praise for its delicious Taiwanese cuisine.
Founder Yang Bing-yi, born in Shanxi province, China, migrated to Taiwan in the summer of 1948 during the Chinese Civil War and established Din Tai Fung as an oil retailer in 1958. In 1972, the business shifted towards selling xiaolongbao, eventually transforming into the renowned Din Tai Fung chain, including the flagship store in Taipei’s Xinyi district.
Wang emphasized that Taiwan, as the best preserver of Chinese culture among Chinese communities, promotes itself globally through Din Tai Fung’s expansion, enhancing Taiwan’s soft power. Taiwan is regarded as a place where Chinese culture can be showcased effectively. She added that if Taiwan aims to become a tech island in the future, companies can learn from Din Tai Fung’s global business model and pursue digital transformation efforts.
Furthermore, Wang highlighted that Din Tai Fung prioritizes employee welfare by offering competitive salaries and creating a positive work environment. The chain’s emphasis on humanistic management, respecting personal privacy, and maintaining transparency in their kitchen operations has supported them through challenging times, including the recent pandemic.
Din Tai Fung’s first East Coast U.S. branch opened in New York City in 2024, situated between Broadway, Times Square, and Central Park. Foreign Policy magazine has likened Din Tai Fung’s xiaolongbao to TSMC chips, symbolizing Taiwan’s soft power, with even American politicians hoping for a Din Tai Fung outlet in Washington D.C.
Wang underlined that Taiwan’s culinary culture can take center stage on a global platform. Despite being just a humble xiaolongbao with its signature “18 folds,” Din Tai Fung has captured the palates of many international diners. As Confucius Institutes sponsored by the Chinese government face exclusion in many countries, promoting Taiwan as the true representative of Chinese culture becomes crucial.
In conclusion, Wang praised Din Tai Fung as a beacon of a fulfilling workplace with rigorous training programs, emphasizing the importance of such practices in developing Taiwan’s service industry to cater to a global audience. She reiterated that Taiwan, with its distinctive soft power, is indeed the orthodox entity when compared to mainland China, and its international presence must continue to shine brightly on the world stage.