Xiao Long Bao, a type of traditional Chinese steamed bun from China, is all the rave right now. Its extraordinary palatability to even non-eastern diners may be rooted to the experience it gives: from the preparation style, usually presented in quaint small bamboo steaming baskets, to how it is eaten, which has its own style and flair—the “poke, sip, eat, and savor” steps. This dish has definitely invaded the Philippines, and now Paradise Dynasty is offering something new for diners to further relish the cuisine.
Paradise Dynasty, a Singaporean restaurant that offers a gourmet of Oriental cuisine, captures the exquisite flavor from northern and southern China for a unique dining experience like no other. Its flagship store opened in Manila at S Maison Mall in Conrad a year ago. And now, they’ve recently just opened their second branch at The Podium.
It is popular for its unique xiao long bao, a type of Chinese steamed bun which is not made from pork lard unlike other traditional dumplings. Aside from this, Paradise Dynasty also sets itself apart from others by being the first to offer French macaron-inspired flavored xiao long bao. They came up with eight flavors in respective colors that you can savor, one piece at a time — all in just one basket! It’s called the Special Dynasty Xiao Long Bao and they comprise of different flavors with varying tastes: Original (white), Ginseng (green), Foie Gras (flesh), Black Truffle (black), Cheesy (yellow), Crab Roe (orange), Garlic (gray), and Szechuan (red).
To fully enjoy their unique tastes, customers are recommended to start with the original xiao long bao and consume it in this order: Ginseng, Foie Gras, Black Truffle, Cheesy, Crab Rose, Garlic and lastly, Szechuan so that you can appreciate the varying tastes of each flavor. (Another tip: Eat these without ginger and vinegar to enjoy the flavor better!)
The dining experience at Paradise Dynasty doesn’t stop at just relishing these sumptuous xiao long baos. They have a variety of other Asian-fusion cuisines you can try from appetizers, dimsum, and hot dishes on your next family get-together or when you take out your significant other, such as:
If you like a bit of spice and garlic, try out their Pork Dumpling with Hot Chili Vinaigrette (P168) that is best served as an appetizer. Or if you have a sweet tooth, then their Charcoal Custard Lava Bun (P188) will satiate your craving. It is filled and oozing with hot salted egg yolk custard as you take a bite. It is a curious piece in the menu because you may prefer it as a dessert than as an appetizer.
Their Lettuce Roll with Homemade Sesame Seed (P288) is one for the books! It’s so crunchy that it’s like you’re eating our very own lumpia rolls — guilt-free! Complete the experience by dipping it into the roasted sesame dressing. Another healthy option is their Radish Pastry (P138) with shredded radish inside layers of paper-thin pastry wrapper.
You can also check out their Steamed Glutinous Rice Stuffed in Red Dates (P238) that is popular in China for its health benefits. It is covered with sweet glaze and has a mochi-like texture that makes it easy to chew.
Other options for appetizers are their Stir Fried Shredded Pork in Black Bean Sauce (P388) that comes with Chinese crepes or their Scrambled Egg White with Fish and Conpoy (P328). Their Chilled Baby Spinach with Vermicelli (P288) and Chilled Jellyfish and Seafood in Vinaigrette (P328) are definitely a must-try too!
One of the local street delights in China was their La Mian or Hand Pulled Noodles until it was honored by a Ming Dynasty emperor with a culinary title of Dragon Beard Noodles. Paradise Dynasty offers this historical part of Chinese cuisine in the form of the La Mian with Scallion Oil (P200) coupled with Pork Bone Soup that will further enhance its taste.
If you’re looking for something hot and spicy, you should try their Poached Sliced Fish in Szechuan Chili Oil (P788). It’s bold flavors and pungent smell of garlic, chili peppers, and Szechuan chili is definitely not for the weak at heart.
You can also try several options for their hot dishes such as: Stir-Fried Beef with Scallion (P388) that’s perfect for all beef-lovers; Kung Pao Chicken (P298) which is highly recommended to try for its rich oriental flavor; and their Crispy-fried Crystal Prawns served with Salted Egg Yolk (P588) which is a unique combination of prawn and salted egg. he latter dish is exclusively available in the Philippines!
Of course, your dining experience wouldn’t be complete without desserts! You can try either their Pan-fried Pumpkin Pastry (P138) or their Pan-fried Pancake with Red Bean Paste (P168) which is a must-try for all red bean fans.
These dish descriptions can only do so much justice. Head over to Paradise Dynasty, located at 2nd floor of The Podium and discover new dining pleasures with your family, barkada, or special someone. Check out their Facebook page for more info. INQUIRER.net/RNA