Din Tai Fung

ARCADIA. This far-flung branch of the Taiwanese chain is renowned for having some of LA's tastiest Shanghai-style dumplings. Tender steamed pillows are filled with a wide assortment of savory items – pork, shrimp, beef, and even soup. Pork buns, rice dishes, noodle soups and entrees, and some unclassifiable choices – steamed red bean paste cake for instance – round out a menu that manages to be brief yet completely satisfactory. Lines are almost always long at Din Tai Fung, so arrive early and be patient.