The founder of the hugely popular Taiwanese restaurant chain Din Tai Fung, Mr Yang Bing Yi, passed away recently at the ripe old age of 96.
He died peacefully and his family has requested for privacy as they prepare for their late patriarch’s funeral, according to a statement to Focus Taiwan.
Started from the bottom
Din Tai Fung is a popular Taiwanese restaurant chain known for its famous steamed soup dumplings, which are made to order and freshly prepared in-house. Founded in 1958 in Taipei, Din Tai Fung started as a small stall selling xiaolongbao, a type of soup dumpling that originated in Shanghai. Today, the restaurant has over 170 locations worldwide, with branches in North America, Asia, and the Middle East. In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of Din Tai Fung and how it became one of the most successful restaurant chains in the world.
The story of Din Tai Fung began in 1958 when Yang Bingyi and his wife, Lai Penmei, opened a cooking oil shop in Taipei’s Xinyi District. The shop was successful, and the couple eventually expanded their business by selling steamed dumplings in front of their store. The dumplings were an instant hit with customers, who would flock to their shop to taste the delicious soup dumplings.
In 1972, Yang Bingyi’s son, Yang Jiyuan, joined the family business and decided to focus on the restaurant business. He opened the first Din Tai Fung restaurant in Xinyi District, serving steamed soup dumplings and other Taiwanese dishes. The restaurant’s popularity grew quickly, and it soon became a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
In 1993, Din Tai Fung received international recognition when it was awarded a Michelin star for its original restaurant in Taipei. The Michelin star was a significant achievement for the restaurant, as it was the first time a restaurant outside of France had received the prestigious award. The recognition helped to further establish Din Tai Fung as a top-rated restaurant and drew even more customers to its doors.
Success
Over the years, Din Tai Fung has continued to expand its business, opening new branches in Taiwan and other countries. Today, the restaurant has locations in over 15 countries, including the United States, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. The chain’s success is due in part to its commitment to quality and consistency, with each location using the same recipes and techniques to prepare their food.
Din Tai Fung’s success can also be attributed to its unique business model, which focuses on providing excellent customer service and maintaining high standards of food quality. The restaurant is known for its open kitchen concept, where customers can watch the chefs prepare their food in front of them. The restaurant’s staff is trained to be attentive and friendly, ensuring that customers have an enjoyable dining experience.