Finding a good dupe is a delicate balance. I want to back the creator of a dish, even if the original isn’t the sole inventor. Din Tai Fung didn’t exactly invent honey lemonade, but they were the first to introduce me to this tasty creation. So I’m inclined to support them. And they’re serving some pretty solid dishes, too (shoutout to the chocolate xiao long bao).
Sadly, my budget doesn’t allow daily trips to Din Tai Fung. That’s why stumbling upon a worthy knockoff in the wild is such a relief. This week, Costco brings a look-alike option you can sip on for a little indulgence between visits, helping you save a few dollars in the process.
Synear Smoky Chipotle Albóndigas Soup Dumplings
Soup dumplings with a dash of Mexican influence. This is fusion cuisine at its peak. Inside you’ll discover flavors reminiscent of a meatball soup from Mexico, featuring a savory tomato broth, seasoned beef and pork, and an added blend of aromatic herbs. Costco, you clever geniuses, I can’t believe you cooked up something so inventive.
Brazi Bites: Brazilian Cheddar & Parmesan Cheese Bread
Little bite-sized breads that explode with cheddar and Parmesan notes. This snack-ready treat is made for grazing! In a Costco-sized bag you get over 60 tiny morsels to stash for later, keeping hunger at bay between meals. Or simply pile them onto a plate with some meatballs for a complete, circular meal.
Smash Foods Blueberry Superfood Spread
It’s a bit goofy to say, but I adore the name Smash Foods. And they truly do smash fruits into spreads, which I find wonderfully whimsical. This blueberry spread earns a superfood badge thanks to chia seeds and dates (with a touch of lemon). Costco isn’t stocking your ordinary fruit spread here—they’re offering a super fruit version!
Cuisine Adventures Chicken Naan Bites
Indian-inspired butter sauce with chicken tucked inside tiny naan bites! This is exactly my speed. I’ll happily demolish a plate of these straight from the air fryer after a little gardening. Or even without any gardening at all. Costco did a fantastic job with these, so we should definitely give them a try this week.
Love-Me-Sweet Honey Lemonade
My current crush is Din Tai Fung’s honey lemonade, so this comes at the perfect moment. Don’t worry, I’ll still plan a few trips to DTF in the future (and perhaps avoid abbreviating that name), but this will tide me over in between. Love-Me-Sweet’s honey lemonade from Costco comes in a two-pack, making it easy to share throughout the week!
