Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled and reported
The flagship Din Tai Fung Yongkang store. (Photo / Din Tai Fung)
A must-order item, the xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), rose from NT$210 (for 10 pieces) to NT$220, an increase of 4%—a change most people found acceptable. The bigger jump was seen in the medium bowl of tomato and egg drop soup, which went from NT$120 to NT$160, a 22% increase. The largest hike was for the large bowl of tomato and egg drop soup, rising from NT$160 to NT$220—an astonishing 37%.
Photo / MOOK
The reason for the price increases includes rising raw material costs and higher inspection fees. It is generally believed that rising labor costs also played a role. Recently, there has been a subtle upward trend in prices across the board, and many food businesses have also raised their prices in response to increased ingredient, labor, and rental costs. Consumers are becoming more cost-conscious. Many also believe that they can simply avoid ordering items with significant price hikes and will continue patronizing the restaurant regardless.