Chinese cuisine has been a staple for the Filipino palate for many years, and its growing affinity to our local taste buds has paved the way for numerous restaurants and stalls scattered all over Metro Manila.
With a unique combination of authentic Chinese dishes and innovative array of never-before-seen flavors, Paradise Dynasty has finally opened its doors to the food-crazed Filipinos.
The Singapore-based restaurant, which is the flagship store of the Paradise group of companies, offers casual-dining experience with an affordable selection of Northern and Southern Chinese cuisine, with shops in Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and, now, in the Philippines at the S Maison in Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Eldwin Chua, CEO of Paradise Group Holdings, said that his chain of restaurants was inspired by the wide array of foods available in different provinces across China. “With this new concept, we want to provide diners with a valuable dining experience that comprises affordable food in a mesmerized setting located at a prime location,” he said during a food-tasting invitation for members of the media.
First in the world
Paradise Dynasty is home to many amazing and delectable dishes, but it’s no secret that its unique take on the traditional xiao long bao is at the forefront of their selections. Long queues of excited foodies are usually seen inside the restaurant, as they await to get the acquired taste of this amazing delicacy.
The steamed bun delicacy originated from the Jiangnan region of China and is traditionally prepared in small bamboo steaming baskets called “xialong,” from which the dish also got its name.
The restaurant offers the original “soup dumpling” made out of fresh pork and sweet soup broth, served in eight pieces for a modest price of P180.
But the highlight of each meal is the refined taste of the vibrantly colored and flavored xiao long bao—a first in the Chinese culinary world.
In a dashing display of culinary creativity, Paradise Dynasty has come up with first-of-its-kind varieties of xiao long bao, each with a unique and distinct savor.
Customers are exposed to an array of seven tantalizing flavors, including premium offerings of black truffle, foie gras and ginseng, as well as cheese, garlic, crab roe and Szechuan. Eldwin himself, along with a team of chefs, came up with the inventive flavors after rigorous testing and tasting.
Culture with a dash of ingenuity
The intricacy behind the multi-flavored collection of xiao long bao is truly one of a kind, but the man behind the bold idea said he was inspired by another kaleidoscopic French treat.
“The idea actually came from macaroons,” Chua revealed. “When i wanted to compete in the xiao long bao market, I wanted something original and something that can shout out the idea of identity of the restaurant. Eventually, with a lot of handwork and a lot of effort we delivered the first colored xiao long bao.”
The Paradise Group CEO also detailed the challenges of adding an innovative twist to such a classic dish without losing its authenticity and redeeming qualities.
By infusing authentic Asian dishes with seemingly unconventional flavors such as truffle and cheese, Paradise Dynasty managed to elevate an already established dish to new heights—a gamble thay was eventually embraced by the market.
“Today’s era is not like last time. Now, consumers’ palate are more adventurous. They’re always looking for something new,” Chua disclosed. “I’m very proud that I created something that I can call a first.”
Ultimate comfort food
Aside from their must-try xiao long bao, Paradise Dynasty offers a wide selection of dishes that aim to give customers good value for their money.
Among these courses are hand-pulled noodles called “la mian,” which are freshly and expertly crafted in full view of diners in the open kitchen.
The silky noodles are then served with an assortment of the finest soups, sauces and ingredients from Singapore and China, which would surely satisfy each craving, minus the need to break bank.
Upscale dim sum
Paradise Dynasty also takes the country’s fascination with dim sum to a whole new level with an equally affordable range of authentic Shanghainese spread.
The extensive menu showcases different appetizers that are close to Filipinos’ hearts, including pork dumplings (siomai) with hot chili vinaigrette and light and flaky radish pastries.
The bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets is perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Paradise Dynasty has finally arrived in the Philippines and intends to stay here as one of the big-time players in the Chinese cuisine market.
The restaurant is open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and is located at 2/L S Maison at the Conrad, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. For inquiries, call 828-8333 or visit its website at www.paradisegp.com.
ADVT.
