Paradise Dynasty Food Review: 8-flavored Xiao Long Bao, FTW!
Dim sum has always been my comfort food and I would totally grab one at any time of the day. Months ago, my social media feed was stormed with these colorful baskets of dim sum. Upon further reading, I found out that the newly-opened Paradise Dynasty is offering the famous 8-flavored xiao long bao (soup dumplings) at its PH flagship store located in S Maison Mall, Conrad Manila, Pasay City.
Finally, I had the chance to visit them since I just live in the south! Lucky for us, southies! 💕
INTERIORS
From the outside, Paradise Dynasty has this inviting vibe that shouts Xiao Long Bao (XLB). Also, the warm welcome by the staff on the podium adds to the premium experience that we're expecting to have.
There are various table arrangements fitted for couples, families, and even large number of groups (up to 20 pax). They have a private room inside the restaurant which anyone can reserve by meeting the minimum consumable amount.
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| The see-through window where the chef creates the 8-flavored Xiao Long Bao |
The staff happily obliged us to our designated seat and provided us a black basket where we can secure our bags as we happily dine-in.
HOW TO ORDER
Once settled, the waiter provided us a menu and a sheet where we can jot down our order. We only need to indicate the quantity we intend to order per dish.
FOOD OFFERINGS
Making its way from the Singapore, I'm glad that the 8-flavored xiao long bao found its way to the Philippines. A mix of the two things that I love (soup + dumplings), it's a no-brainer that I can finish a basket all by myself. 😛
8 flavors of the Specialty Dynasty Xiao Long Bao: Original, Ginseng, Foie Gras, Black Truffle, Cheesy, Crab Roe, Garlic, and Szechuan
Experience: To ensure the optimum tasting of these 8 distinct flavors, it is best to start from the original flavored XLB, followed by the Ginseng (green one), following the sequence ending with the Szechuan XLB (the red soup dumpling, has the strongest taste of all).
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| Paradise Dynasty's Specialty Dynasty Xia Long Bao |
As I devoured my way towards the end of the lineup, I was blown away by how scrumptious all these XLBs are. I was also left in awe of how they were able to make the Cheesy, Foie Gras and Crab Roe flavor taste delectable in a soup dumpling form.
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| My favorite xiao long bao flavor: Szechuan |
The Steamed Glutinous Rice Stuffed in Red Date is a good way to kick off our gastronomic experience at Paradise Dynasty. It provides a perfect balance of both (glutinous rice and date) to ready ourselves for the other savory Chinese dishes coming our way.
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| Steamed Glutinous Rice Stuffed in Red Date |
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| Scrambled Egg White with Fish and Conpoy |
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| Dimsum Pork Dumpling with Hot Chili Vinaigrette |
As a person who's judgmental about the way a food looks, the Stir-fried Shredded Pork in Black Bean Sauce didn't look appetizing to me at all. Yet as I see my blogger friends devour this dish by wrapping a good portion of the food in the wrapper, I tried one and didn't stop eating until we finish the plate! It was the right kind of tasty that I ask in a pork dish. I can say that it definitely made a mark of its own. No wonder, it kicks off the Hot Dishes category in the menu.
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| Stir-fried Shredded Pork in Black Bean Sauce served with Chinese Crepes |
Luckily, I didn't blow fire after the bite. The Szechuan flavor instantly grabbed my palate and felt the kick of the chili moments after. It was so spicy that I had to sip the mango shake in an instant to take away the spicy aftertaste. Even if it comes in three chili levels, I only recommend this to the brave souls out there.
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| Poached Beef in Szechuan Chili Oil |
VERDICT
The dining experience inside Paradise Dynasty's function room felt prime. We stayed there for two hours and the staff was accommodating the moment we stepped in and stepped out of the restaurant. This place is perfect for a group of people dining because their serving is meant for sharing. If you're dining with friends, why not chip in and fulfill your hearts and tummies' desire at the same time?
You can expect me to be at Paradise Dynasty when I badly need my xiao long bao fix because they simply offer the best one in the south! I don't mind the 1-hour travel just to get my hands on the special colorful soup dumpling basket.
While I like their savory dishes, I felt like their desserts don't fill my sweet tooth's fancy. I hope they expand their dessert selection in the near future. 😌
As for the price point, they offer highly-satisfactory dishes at a midrange level. I wouldn't mind recommending my family and friends here at Paradise Dynasty especially on special occasions.
Since you're here already, here's a good news for you. Paradise Dynasty is opening their second Philippine branch at the re-opened The Podium in Ortigas, Mandaluyong this December! The official opening date is not yet announced that's why you need to stay tuned to their facebook page for details. 😊
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