Kao Chi Taipei Review 2026: Dongpo Pork & Juicy Dim Sum

Your Ultimate Taipei Food Adventure

Mouthwatering Dim Sum & Xiao Long Bao

The Best Dongpo Pork You'll Ever Taste!

Welcome to Kao Chi

Nanjing East Flagship Store (Now Closed)

Hey there, fellow food adventurers!

If you're planning a trip to Taipei, you absolutely have to add Kao Chi to your culinary itinerary. I recently indulged in their incredible Dongpo Pork and dim sum, and it was an experience I'm still dreaming about. Seriously, this place is a game-changer!

Kao Chi Xinsheng Restaurant Quick Info

*Important Update: The Nanjing East Flagship Store mentioned in this review officially closed its doors in April 2026.*

While the specific branch I visited is no longer operating, Kao Chi is a fantastic chain, and I highly recommend checking out their Xinsheng (or Xinsheng S. Rd.) location to savor their legendary Dongpo Pork and delectable dim sum. Don't miss out!

🥟Kao Chi Taipei: Who is it for?

✔︎ Travelers seeking the best Dongpo Pork in Taipei

✔︎ Dim sum lovers craving incredibly juicy and flavorful dumplings in Taipei

‼️Please note: This review is based on a visit to the Nanjing East Flagship Store, which is now permanently closed.‼️

The exterior of the Nanjing East Flagship Store, now a part of Taipei's culinary history. I wish I had visited more often before its closure in April!

The open kitchen was a highlight, showcasing the chefs at work, meticulously preparing both the famous Dongpo Pork and a wide array of dim sum. It immediately instilled confidence in their hygiene and quality.

We dined on the second floor, and the entire restaurant was impeccably clean and inviting. It's a shame this particular branch closed, as it had a wonderful ambiance!

Our table was set with pristine tableware, ready for the feast ahead.

While I don't recall the exact type, we were served a delightful warm tea – I believe it was jasmine tea, which was a perfect complement to the rich flavors of the meal.

We also mixed our own soy sauce dipping creation, perfect for the dim sum.

Crispy Tofu Bites

These crispy tofu bites were a delightful surprise! They were lightly crisp on the outside and incredibly soft and warm on the inside. Delicious on their own, even better with the accompanying chili sauce, or with a dash of soy sauce and pickled ginger. Definitely worth trying!

Shrimp & Egg Fried Rice

Whether at Din Tai Fung or Kao Chi, the shrimp and egg fried rice always hits the spot. It's consistently good, but if I had to pick a favorite, Kao Chi gets my vote for its perfectly balanced flavors!

General Tso's Chicken

This dish features crispy fried chicken coated in a savory, slightly spicy sauce. It's not quite like American-style General Tso's or Korean fried chicken, but it's absolutely delicious! The sauce was so good, it made even the accompanying vegetables taste amazing.

Stir-fried Cabbage

Honestly, I'm usually not a big fan of stir-fried cabbage, but I decided to give it a try. And wow, I was pleasantly surprised! It turns out I might actually like cabbage when it's prepared this well. While I'm still a devoted carnivore and wouldn't typically order this myself, if you love your greens, Kao Chi's stir-fried cabbage is a solid choice!

Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)

Everyone raves about Din Tai Fung's dim sum, and while I've had it before and found it decent, Kao Chi's Xiao Long Bao truly blew me away. The broth inside these dumplings was absolutely bursting with flavor – a real explosion of juiciness! This is what authentic soup dumplings are all about.

In my humble opinion, Kao Chi's Xiao Long Bao surpasses Din Tai Fung's. The sheer amount of savory broth and tender filling in each bite was unforgettable!

Shaomai (Open-Faced Dumplings)

The Shaomai were beautifully presented, and the texture was delightfully chewy and tender. However, after the incredible impact of the Xiao Long Bao, these felt a bit more 'standard' in comparison. Still good, just not as mind-blowing!

They were tasty and offered a nice contrast, but the Xiao Long Bao stole the show!

Dongpo Pork (Braised Pork Belly)

This is THE dish that made me want to write this review, even knowing my original branch had closed! For years, I'd been curious about Dongpo Pork, especially after seeing chefs like Ken Hom feature it. Getting to try Kao Chi's signature Dongpo Pork in Taipei was a dream come true.

Just look at that glistening, tender pork belly! It literally melts in your mouth – so incredibly soft and flavorful. It's divine on its own, but the real magic happens when you pair it with the steamed buns.

Wrap a piece of that succulent pork in a warm, fluffy steamed bun (these aren't your average buns, they're wonderfully soft!) and you've got a handheld masterpiece that rivals any gourmet burger. It can be a bit rich if you eat too much, but honestly, if I ever return to Taipei, I'd skip Din Tai Fung entirely and head straight back to Kao Chi for this Dongpo Pork. It's that good!

Custard Steamed Buns

These adorable steamed buns, adorned with a red pattern, were almost too pretty to eat!

Breaking one open revealed a generous, warm, and sweet custard filling. They were absolutely delicious – a perfect sweet ending to our meal. While the sweetness might be intense for some, I was completely smitten!

✔︎ My Kao Chi Taipei Review: Dongpo Pork & Dim Sum

Many will tell you to hit up Din Tai Fung when in Taipei, but trust me, I'm shouting Kao Chi's name from the rooftops! While Din Tai Fung is good, Kao Chi was, for me, a far superior experience.

Even though the specific branch I visited has closed, please seek out their other locations. You absolutely MUST order the Dongpo Pork and Xiao Long Bao. You won't regret it!

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