Recently one Taiwan-based J/V company, named 'Din Tai Fung'(鼎泰豊)Korea has been spotlighted because of that their Xiaolongbao(small steamed dumplings/餃子)could be a new meal to be served on 'Asiana airlines' to America, one of the Korea-based international airways, since this September.
This story was not a nine days' wonder but a topic of everyday especially among epicure, even lots of foreign visitors in Seoul.
Originally 'Din Tai Fung' dumplings were found by a Chinese in Taiwan R.O.C, whose hometown was 'Shanxi-Province'(山西省) about fifty years ago.
Now it become the most attractive resturant in Taiwan as well as many different countries, having 34 overseas outlet's network, as one of the top 10 brands by the New York Times.
'Din Tai Fung' Korea has two outlets, one's in Myungdong(明洞), world class downtown of Seoul, and the other is located in 'Kangnam'(江南), the center of Southern Seoul's busy street.
Thus our anxiety was peaked, and we got an interview with Mr.Kim J W, the Manager of Myungdong's outlet.
Q1) What's the main background of your dumpling's becoming in-flight meals ?
A1) So far as we know, the Vice-President of Asiana airline found the possibility after his enjoying 'Din Tai Fung'. And at that time he accidently heard about that Xiaolongbao had been served as a in-flight meal on the Taiwan-based EVA Airways.
From that time one, the both has cultivated each other for the epoch of in-flight meal's area.
Q2) So far as we know, you have numerous foreign customers, aside from Koreans.
Could you tell us which countries usually they came from ?
A2) Japanese, Chinese from Mainland or Taiwan including overseas Chinese, and resident aliens from America & European countries.
But Tourists from Japan and China are in the most numerous.
Q3) Do you have any plan to increase outlets in Korea ?
A3) Not yet. Because our system is not same as those from the food factory-based franchise. Our system is the 100% 'hand-made' based.
Namely we have created our cuisines, case by case, in accordance with customer's order.
Q4) Considering that you have Chinese customers from mainland as well as Taiwan, According to my view, 'Din Tai Fung' Korea may offer space for the both to realize that they can realize what the source of Chinese pride is, thinking again about Chinese culture.
A4) There may be some truth in it. Though 'Din Tai Fung' came from Taiwan, I have seen many Chinese guests enjoying it, being full of praise for its taste.
Actually we have many distinguished guests from China Embassy in Seoul.
Q5) We know you have done social welfare service very..very secretly !
Can you say about that ?
A6) We have a volunteer-service purposed club, called 'The Happy always with Me'
We did establishment of sisterhood ties with one social welfare institution, 'Namsan-Won', nearby Mt.Namsan.
And a bloob doner's offical registration card can be given preferential treatment, which means that we exchange it for our free-meal coupon.
국제부 이명근 기자/문화관광부 및 외교통상부 出入記者
(e-mail : welove5555@yahoo.co.kr)
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