Heartwarming Xmas Celebration At Din Tai Fung

Wohoo... We are making Xiao Long Bao!!!

As parents, there is nothing more important and rewarding, than seeing our kids grow up happy and healthy. And that had always been my wish since we had our first child, Steffi and it still holds true for our fourth child, Louie. Although my kids are really small sized and way below national average in terms of physical development, I am truly thankful that they are healthy and hopefully happy as well. We had a scare earlier when Louie feel ill last month but anyway, will talk about that in another post.

We were given red bean paste instead of meat fillings so that it would not be that messy! See how our bao looked like?

All the Xiao Long Bao should be consistent in terms of size and thickness, with diameter of 6.5cm.

Just on 19 Dec 2014, Din Tai Fung kicked off its inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative in partnership with the Children’s Cancer Foundation at its Bedok Mall branch. And what better time to do so, especially when we are nearing the festive season of caring and sharing? 13 children from the Children’s Cancer Foundation participated in a Junior Chef Xiao Long Bao workshop together with their family members and were also treated to a scrumptious spread of Din Tai Fung’s signature dishes after that as well. 

Leroy getting some help from a real chef!

Here's a photo with a very patient Chef who did help him dunno how many times!

I was really honored and happy to be invited to participate in this meaningful afternoon activity together with Leroy, whom obviously had great fun playing with his food, and trying to “playdoh” his Xiao Long Bao skin. Everyone present was given a chef hat and apron and all of us had the awesome CHEF seh!

Leroy enjoying the special performance by Act 3 International.

And how can one miss eating the yummy Xiao Long Bao, even though they were not made by us!

There was also a BIG yummy dark chocolate log cake for everyone to celebrate the Xmas cheers!

During the high-tea session, all the kids were also entertained by the funny folks from Act 3 International who did a funny Xmas story, much to everyone's amusement. But the highlight for the kids have to be the giving out of early Xmas presents to the beneficiaries! A successful CSR program largely depends on the directions set by the top honchos, and it is heartening to know that all the presents were personally chosen and presented to the kids by the senior executives themselves.

Leroy giving the thumbs up to Mr William Cheng, who gave the presents to the kids personally as well.

All the staff, from the waitresses, chefs, heads-of-whatever to even the CEO of Restaurant Division, Mr William Cheng, looked genuinely happy to interact and mingle with the beneficiaries and their family members. Well, we know because we were there. In the continual effort for this CSR initiative, limited edition Din Tai Fung key-chains will be sold at $10 each island-wide and all proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Foundation in support of their mission of improving the quality of life cancer-stricken children and their families through enhancing their emotional, social and medical well-being.

If you happen to eat or pass by at any of their outlets, do support them with a purchase of the cute key-chains and do your part for the children as well! There's 3 to collect!

Complimentary Famous Amos Cookies Gift Set 

From now to 31 December 2014, diners who spend a minimum of $110 in a single receipt will receive complimentary Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies (worth $10.80) presented in a festive Din Tai Fung gift box (while stocks last). Citibank cardmembers only need to spend a minimum of $100. 

And here's Leroy with all his wonderful "Shifu" at the end of the event!