SINGAPORE - BreadTalk, the franchise operator of Din Tai Fung restaurants in Singapore, will be bringing the famous Chinese restaurant with its signature xiaolongbao, to Britain as part of a joint venture.

The first restaurant in Britain is expected to open in London in 2017.

The restaurants in Britain will be run by a joint venture between BreadTalk, Din Tai Fung franchise owner Fairy Rise Development, Din Tai Fung Taiwan, a British partner and a Taiwanese individual.

BreadTalk said it will be the major shareholder of the joint venture company. The details of its structure have not yet been finalised, the company added.

BreadTalk currently operates 21 Din Tai Fung restaurants in Singapore, and three in Thailand.

Said Mr Cheng William, divisional CEO (Restaurant) of BreadTalk Group: "The company is excited to bring Din Tai Fung to the European market for the first time. With our experience in operating the brand for the last 13 years in both Singapore and Thailand, we hope to bring the much loved Din Tai Fung to new consumers who will appreciate this authentic Taiwanese cuisine."