Everyone goes to Paradise Dynasty for the famous Xiao Long Bao, so far I’ve asked a number of times to people saying that Paradise Dynasty hands down – the best xiao long bao so far and I personally agree so.
For those who haven’t tried eating xiao long bao, you should not miss it. There is a proper way of eating xiao long bao: Pick it up with your chopsticks, place it on the spoon, poke a small hole so that soup and steam comes out, sip the soup and take a bite while savouring the flavors. If you feel more adventurous try the 8 colored xiao long bao, start from the original (in the middle), then with the ginseng (green) going clockwise to szechuan (red). My top favourites would be the foie grois (light brown), the crab roe (orange), black truffle and garlic (grey) . I could finish the entire tray but the Schezuan was my downfall, I think it takes a certain person with a certain palette because it’s flavor and aroma is really distinct from all.
Besides the xiao long bao, they have others to offer like the CRISPY FRIED CRYSTAL PRAWNS WITH SALTED EGG – delish! If you plan on sharing, their noodles are good for 1- 2 persons, I got to personally try the LA MIAN WITH VEGETABLE PORK WANTON IN SIGNATURE PORK BONE SOUP. Another good for sharing (1-2 persons) is the FRIED RICE IN YANG ZHOU or any of their rice specials. To add some vegies on the side, try the Spinach with mixed garlic and to end your meal course, time for dessert! My personal favorite is the 3 pcs. CHARCOAL CUSTARD LAVA BAO – best served hot.
Recently they added new dishes to the menu, FRIED DUCK – perfectly marinated duck with white peppercorns and Sichuan pepper carefully fried to ensure crispy texture. It can be traditionally serve in a bun as you may please.
For large groups to share, GROUPER WITH PINE NUTS AND FRUITS, meticulously fried to be golden in color then topped with a special sauce grille in pine nuts and the GRILLED GROUPER WITH TOFU IN MAPO TOFU STYLE, grilled grouper smothered in tender tofu cooked in aromatic and spicy sauce.
This is my personal favorite since it has a sweet taste, SHANGHAI STYLE BRAISED PORK BELLY and it is cooked to perfection and oddly satisfying to cut. A very famous dish in china where the pork belly is accurately glazed with various special sauces to achieve the right flavor.
Paradise Dynasty branches are located at The Podium (Ortigas), Conrad S’ Maison (Pasig) and the latest branch at SM Aura Premiere.