A popular Taiwanese chain is planning to remove Shanghai’s famous rice cakes from its menu – sparking a petition and angering food lovers.
About 1,700 people have already signed a new petition to bring back the beloved Din Tai Fung dish after loyal customers were left “distraught” after staff at the popular restaurant, which is located in a busy location in midtown Manhattan, told The Post that the fan-favorite dish will slowly be phased out at restaurants across the country throughout the rest of the year.
In New York City, customers have until about the end of June to enjoy the dish before it disappears forever, employees from Din Tai Fung said — but fans of Shanghai Rice Cakes aren’t accepting that outcome and are demanding the famous Taiwanese reverse route.
“This iconic dish is not just a menu item, but a source of comfort and joy for countless individuals who cherish its flavors and cultural significance,” reads the petition, which was posted on Twitter. Change.orgreads.
Shanghai rice cakes are described on the menu as delicious “chewy rice eggs” stir-fried with premium chicken, crunchy cabbage, fresh spinach and a blend of soy sauce and house seasonings, with a drizzle of sesame oil to add a rich umami flavour.
Some described feeling personal connections to Shanghai rice cakes, describing how they found solace in the dish that they said comforted them when times were tough.
“Personally, I have fond memories of turning to rice cakes during some of the most difficult times, like when my house tragically burned down,” said Leila Glass, who started the petition.
“The comfort and warmth they provided was unparalleled, and reminded me of the resilience and spirit needed to move forward,” Glass added.
Another pastor described the news as “devastating” and signed the petition, saying: “We cannot let this happen.”
Another said: “I go every year on my birthday just for these things, and my family is in awe.”
In other parts of the country, such as many areas across California, the dish was actually removed more than a month ago, according to customers angry over… Reddit.
So far, there appear to be no plans for the world-famous Taiwanese restaurant to reverse course.
Din Tai Fung representatives did not respond to multiple requests for comment from The Post.