Valentines in Japan are different.
While in other countries, it's the guy who gives gifts to the ladies, or maybe both, in Japan, it's the ladies who will give chocolates to the guys they like. And yes, the most common is chocolates but variations are fine, and I don't know any others. Maybe anything sweet..? The homemade, the better. Some ladies give chocolates to male colleagues and male friends as a sign of appreciation too, nothing romantic.
In short, Valentine's is when the girl gives something.
I didn't make any chocolates for my boyfriend though. π
But before you judge me, I gave him chocolates I secretly bought and treated him to a dinner date.
The night before Valentine's day was his off day so after my work, we went to Shinjuku. I tried searching for extravagant restaurants but he wanted to eat at Tim Ho Wan in Shinjuku because he likes that part of Shinjuku and he's craving Chinese.
We went late. At 8 PM, many people were waiting outside even when it was raining, and there was a notice that they were already full for the day.
And so, we went to the nearby Takashimaya building and chose to dine at Din Tai Fung. It was my suggestion because I've always wanted to come.
Din Tai Fung is located on the 12th floor. Other floors were department floors that were already closed when we arrived and only 12F~14F, the restaurant floors, were open til late.
They also offer set meals for lunch and takeout options. In addition, you can get something in boxes but I didn't check what that was because I was starving already.
Before entering, you'll be able to feast your eyes on how dim sum is made.
While waiting for our number to be called, we were choosing what to eat. They provided us with a menu and a place to write our orders. When our number was called after 5~10 minutes of waiting, we still haven't finalized our orders but they were okay with it.
We decided to get the things we wanted to eat.
The first thing that arrived was this cold soupy chicken named Shaoxing Wine Marinated Chicken, which became my boyfriend's favorite. Can't really blame him, it was really good. I just didn't like that it was cold.
By the way, we got this hot jasmine tea in a pot but we still ordered cold oolong tea. We were surprised though it came in a small long glass.
The Braised Beef Noodle Soup was unusually delicious. My boyfriend thought it would taste like curry but it didn't which he liked. The soup was already good but the beef was so soft and tender too!
We took the soup and ate it with the Kani Fried Rice. Not sure if they're using real crab or imitation crab but it was also good. We only ordered one because it was enough for the two of us.
And of course, we got ourselves their signature, Xiao Long Bao.
There were many variations but we got the usual. It was so delicious! We could have ordered 6 of them but I also wanted a taste of other dishes so we went with only 4.
So the reason why I wanted to come here was because of this dish. I went to eat at their branch in Taipei 101, in Taiwan in 2017 with my friends and it was the most heavenly dim sum I've ever tried. Since then, I've always wanted to taste it again but I can't just go to Taiwan for a food trip like I'm hopping on a bus and viola, Taiwan. LOL
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I realized they have the same color of chopsticks even when the country is different. I wanted that in the house. Don't worry, I didn't take the chopsticks home. π
Their Pork and Vegetable Dumplings didn't really stand out to me. Maybe because I've already had the dish I came here for? π Nevertheless, just look at the details of how this dumpling was made. It's just amazing.
In addition to their usual menu, they also have a seasonal menu.
And yes, I got something from here!
I wanted to eat something sweet and so I got their Strawberry Xiao Long Bao and Chocolate Xiao Long Bao. Good thing we can order a minimum of 2 for each or else, I'll be very hyper that night for eating too many sweets.
It looks like an ordinary xiao long bao but wait til you see the inside.
There's a sweet strawberry inside, I'm guessing γγΎγγ (read as amaou, don't know in english), and γγγ (sweet bean paste) and probably a little strawberry syrup or maybe jam. It was sweet of course, but it's just right.
Meanwhile, the Chocolate Xiao Long Bao was like eating hot cocoa. It's more to the bitter side of the chocolate. It's good for the occasion since Valentine's day is "choco day" in Japan but after getting a bite, my boyfriend gave me his share. I guess he liked the strawberry more.
The place is kinda good for couples and looks "expensive" but actually, our bill was just in the "affordable" level. Their service was good, nothing exceptional though but good. So maybe we'll be coming back when we're craving their Xiao Long Bao.
We ended our night at Din Tai Fung but at home, I was waiting for midnight to give my chocolates.
He was actually surprised because he didn't see me go out the entire week and was so busy with work so he thought maybe no chocolates for him this year. He was happy with what I gave him, aside from treating him to Din Tai Fung. Happy heart, happy tummy!
Thanks for reading!
See you around! γγγγγΎγγοΌ
All photos are taken using my phone/camera unless stated otherwise.