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| Paradise Dynasty at the 2nd level of The Podium in Mandaluyong City |
Paradise Dynasty can be quite
intimidating for first-timers because of its high-end vibe and exquisite modern
imperial design with wood carvings and well-lighted ceilings. But don't allow such intimidation to stop you from dining here. Paradise Dynasty is a Singaporean restaurant franchise which specializes in imperial cuisine with authentic local flavors from Northern and Southern China. They have their flagship branch at the posh S Maison Mall in Conrad Hotel, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. And recently, they have opened another branch at the 2nd level of The Podium Mall in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City.
Known for their legendary take on the 8 flavors of their signature Xiao Long Bao, we were surprised to find out that there's a lot more to explore and experience at Paradise Dynasty. From their appetizers, soups, drinks, all the way to the mains (which are mostly composed of Szchuan and La Mien dishes)--were all value for one's money because they're really excellent in taste yet good for sharing too. The best part? They're all reasonably priced too.
According to the manager, all the dishes are made out of scratch (especially their famous Xia Long Bao) by 7 in-house chefs, so you can be assured of top quality and freshness. Hot woks run fast. Minutes after we had settled down, our table was covered with plates. The signature 8-flavored xiao long bao that had looked impressive on the menu board was staggering in real life.
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| Paradise Dynasty's Original Xiao Long Bao |
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| The Signature 8 Flavored Xiao Long Bao of Paradise Dynasty |
It burned and buzzed in the pulsating manner of Sichuan, but here at Paradise Dynasty, from the wonderfully presented appetizers down to the desserts, it clearly emphasized and amplified the flavors to the point where it knocked you down and left you happily breathless.
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| Paradise Dynasty's Ginger Flavored Xiao Long Bao |
I first slurped on a Black Truffle flavored Xiao Long Bao, although it wasn't exactly my first time eating xiao long bao, it really takes some skill not to poke the dumpling skin and experience the comforting goodness of its soupy broth. I loved nibbling at its translucent skin while I enjoyed its meaty filling. Paradise Dynasty's xiao long bao are revered and craved by foodies who have tried on the said specialty.
Paradise Dynasty's 8-flavored xiao long bao includes: Original (white), Ginseng (green), Garlic (brown), Black Truffle (black), Cheese (Yellow), Crab Roe (Orange), Foie Gras (Gray) and Szechuan (red). For the price of Php388 where in one basket you get to taste 8 exciting flavors, one basket is meant for one person so that you can taste all the flavors.
We cooled down for a minute with cold barley and water chestnut drinks (you can opt for the hot drinks of the same kind).
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| Cold Barley Drink |
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| Water Chestnut Cold Drink |
Then came the Baby Spinach in Vermicelli, Kung Pao Chicken, Pork Dumpling with Hot Chili Vinaigrette, Charcoal Lava Bun, the amazingly crunchy Lettuce roll with sesame dip (this is a must-try even for those who are not into veggies, perfect for my vegan friends too.)and Jellyfish Salad with Chili Vinaigrette. And oh, do not forget my new favorite, the sticky steamed glutinous rice in red dates. I chewed them as if they were taffy. Others would order this for appetizer, although I strongly suggest to leave this for dessert because it is sweet and a great way to cap off your meal.
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| An innovative way to serve salad by lettuce rolls with sesame dip |
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| Baby Spinach in Vermicelli |
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| Kung Pao Chicken with Cashews |
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| Scrambled egg white with fish and conpoy |
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| Pork Dumpling with Hot Chili Vinaigrette |
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| Jellyfish Salad with Chili Vinaigrette |
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| Sticky Steamed Glutinous Rice in Red Dates |
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| Steamed Glutinous Rice in Red Dates |
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| Beef stir-fried |
Then came the main dish which was the fiery Poached Sliced Fish in Szechuan Chili Oil. It smelled like some cumin powder with some familiar herbs and spices and then the conversation ceased completely. Hissing on our small bowls, I slurped its spices and felt my olfactory nerves worked with excitement. This fragrant soup is not for those who does not want spicy foods. Other must-try dishes include the Jellyfish Salad with Chili Vinaigrette, a slippery starter fit for sharing and put down your phone and pick up your chopstick as you relish in the La Mien Noodles. Don't waste another minute slurping it down.
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| Poached Sliced Fish in Szechuan Chili Oil |
While the other mains, including the La Mien noodles score high marks among the foodies and customers, you're doing yourself a disservice if you skip the Charcoal Lava Bun. It was so creamy and heavenly with soft buns. The salted egg filling would literally ooze down upon every bite of this yummy goodness. Order one and you won't regret it, we promise you that. You'd be surprised that even your kids will absolutely love it.
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| Soft and fluffy Charcoal Lava Buns |
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| Charcoal Lava Bun is oozing with the gooey creamy-goodness of salted egg inside |
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| La Mien Noodles |
Paradise Dynasty isn't the place for the ill-hearted or light stomached, though you'll fare well if you're scouring the city for reasonably priced eats. Known for its high-end dimsum and cocktail pairings, Paradise Dynasty's menu is an amalgamation of comfort food--think pork dumplings and other exotic and innovative dishes. While the restaurant serves awesome main course meals, the star of its offerings will always be their signature 8-flavored xiao long bao. All items are made fresh to order, so don't expect a rolling car to cruise by during dining, as is in a traditional dimsum joint. Nevermind---the food is fresh, the prices are right, yes, dimsum is served here all day, and the best way. It's no wonder that the regulars sing Paradise Dynasty's praises as on of the best dimsum spots in the metro.
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| Radish Pasty |
As they say, leave some room for dessert. Try the Radish Pasty. For a change, it's not in a cake-type form, but it is delicately folded fried pasty with hot radish inside. It reminds one of croissant bread.
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| Pan fried pancake with red bean paste |
Their Pan fried pancake with red bean paste reminds me of Bacolod's native delicacy called Piaya. But only this time it is served in small rectangles. Their Pan fried pumpkin pasty is also a great way for kids to eat pumpkins because it is chewy and very thin. It has some dash of confectioner's sugar for some added sweetness. This one reminds me of the Chinese "Tikoy" (rice cake).
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| Pan fried pumpkin pasty |
Overall, although their 8-Flavored Xiao Long Bao might just be the main reason for you to come and visit Paradise Dynasty Restaurant, but to tell you honestly, you will be surprised to taste the other dishes as they will satisfy your Chinese cravings without having to travel far to mainland China. Eat here and your tummy will surely be grateful you did.
Paradise Dynasty branches are located at:
PARADISE DYNASTY (flagship branch)
2/L, S Maison, Conrad Hotel, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
Facebook: @paradisedynastyph
Instagram: @paradisedynastyph
Telephone: +632 828-8333 / 838-8333
Paradise Dynasty Ortigas
2/L The Podium Mall,
ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Website: https://www.paradisegroup.com.sg/
Operating Hours:
Weekdays: Lunch Daily 11 AM to 3:00 PM, Dinner 6 PM to 10:00 PM
Weekends: 11 AM to 10 PM with last call at 9.30PM
Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.
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