Bowl of cucumber salad

Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad Recipe (Copycat)

Make Din Tai Fung’s famous chilled cucumber salad at home in 15 minutes: crunchy Persian cucumbers with garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil and fresh fresno chili.

Prep15 min
Serves4
At Din Tai Fung$9.00
Copycat recipe based on Din Tai Fung’s official menu descriptionUpdated October 2026How we check

Din Tai Fung-style cucumber salad

Prep 15 minRest 30 minServes 4No cooking

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Persian cucumbers (about 6)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1–2 tsp chili oil
  • 1 red fresno chili, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Rinse the cucumbers, trim the ends and cut each one into bite-size chunks, about 1 inch long.
  2. Toss the cucumbers with the salt and sugar in a bowl and let them sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out water.
  3. Drain off the liquid and pat the cucumbers dry.
  4. Add the garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil and sliced fresno chili, and toss well.
  5. Chill for at least 15 minutes, toss again and serve cold.

What makes it taste like Din Tai Fung’s?

Din Tai Fung describes its version as crisp Persian cucumbers with cuts of mild fresno chili. Persian cucumbers have thin skin and few seeds, so they stay crunchy. The garlic, rice vinegar and a little sugar give the sweet-sour flavor, and the chili oil adds gentle heat.

Tips

  • Use Persian or mini cucumbers. English cucumbers work too; avoid waxy regular cucumbers.
  • For more heat, add more chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Make it 30 minutes before serving so it’s cold and well seasoned.

Want the real thing?

The Cucumber Salad is $9.00 at Din Tai Fung. See the full menu with prices or the best dishes to order.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is this the official Din Tai Fung cucumber salad recipe?

No. Din Tai Fung doesn’t publish its recipe. This is a copycat-style recipe built from Din Tai Fung’s menu description — crisp Persian cucumbers with mild fresno chili — and the classic garlic, vinegar and chili-oil dressing.

How much is the cucumber salad at Din Tai Fung?

It costs $9.00 at South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa on Din Tai Fung’s official online ordering (October 19, 2026).

Why salt the cucumbers first?

Salting pulls water out of the cucumbers, so they stay crunchy and the dressing doesn’t get watered down.

How long does cucumber salad keep?

It’s best the day you make it. Covered in the fridge, it keeps for about a day, but it gets softer over time.