Paradise Dynasty Philippines at The Podium Mall + New Menu

After the success of the opening of its flagship store at S Maison Mall in Conrad Hotel MOA, Paradise Dynasty Philippines recently opened its second outlet located at the new Podium Mall in Ortigas, Pasig City. Its venture in this side of the metro gives chance to Northern and Eastern dwellers such as myself to finally try Paradise Dynasty's claim to fame - the Legendary Signature 8 International Flavoured Xiao Long Bao alongside other Shanghainese cuisines that this restaurant is well-lauded for.

Paradise Dynasty which hails from Singapore specializes in finest flavors from Northern and Southern China. It is poised to give its diners a gastronomical experience that will take them back to imperial China.

The dining ambiance of its outlets features alluring ambiance of luxury and grandeur fit for kings. This particular outlet at the Podium Mall exudes plush ambiance - contemporary but not devoid of touches that may remind one of bygone imperial era. It has a main dining hall and VIP rooms which are bigger than the ones they have at Conrad, as I was told. 

Our luncheon started with of course, the legendary signature 8 International Flavoured Xiao Long Bao named as Specialty Dynasty Specialty Dynasty Xiao Long Bao 8 Flavours  (Php388/8pcs) on their menu. The flavors included in this set are Original, Ginseng, Foie Gras, Black Truffle, Cheesy, Crab Roe, Garlic, and Szechuan. It is advised to consume these 8 distinct flavors xiao long bao exactly in that order for optimum tasting experience.

 

One set is good for one person, ideally. Especially if one wants to taste all of the flavors. On the other hand, you have already find yourself leaning towards specific flavor among the lot, you may have it in a set of 6pcs or 10pcs. Personally, I highly recommend the Specialty Dynasty set especially for first timers. But as for my favorite flavors, I find the Black Truffle, Foie Gras, and Ginseng.

Prices of the xiao long bao sets are as follows; Specialty Dynasty Xiao Long Bao 8 Flavours  (Php388/8pcs), Signature Original Xiao Long Bao (Php188/6pcs, Php298/10pcs), Garlic Xiao Long Bao (Php230/6pcs, Php380/10pcs), Szechuan Xiao Long Bao (Php230/6pcs, Php380/10pcs), Cheese Xiao Long Bao (Php230/6pcs, Php380/10pcs), Ginseng Xiao Long Bao (Php330/6pcs, Php540/10pcs), Foie Gras Xiao Long Bao (Php330/6pcs, Php540/10pcs), Crab Roe Xiao Long Bao (Php330/6pcs, Php540/10pcs), Black Truffle Xiao Long Bao (Php330/6pcs, Php540/10pcs).

The flavored xiao long baos are well-worth the people's rave, but for those who enjoys the classic, I must say that the downright simplicity and straightforwardness of the Signature Original Xiao Long Bao (Php188/6pcs, Php298/10pcs) is also noteworthy. Perfect for those who decides to take their adventurous palate aside and just enjoy a straight up delicious xiao long bao.

In line with the opening of Paradise Dynasty Philippines' new outlet at The Podium, new dishes on the menu were also recently launched. We were told that these dishes are not yet available at their Conrad outlet as of the moment but it will be eventually.

One of the new dishes include Charcoal Custard Lava Bun (Php188/3pcs). Stunning in appearance with its glistening black hue brought about by the edible charcoal on the dough. Equally mesmerizing was the flavor of the custard inside that flows in its graceful richness as luxurious as its golden hue.I am not too fond of custard buns as I always favored savory filling on buns in contrast to the sweet taste of custard, but with this one, I can certainly make an exception and enjoy each bite.

There's also Chilled Baby Spinach with Vermicelli (Php288) included on the new menu. Part of the appetizer line up but while it is a good start to a festive meal, its clean taste and fresh flavors can also be an effective palate cleanser which is a good excuse to have it on the side as you go along and traverse the different flavors while feasting at Paradise Dynasty.

The Kung Pao Chicken (Php298) is as good as the classic gets. I love the tenderness of the bite sized chicken the same way that I love how the distinct flavor of a Kung Pao dish plays with the taste buds. It can be a tad addictive because its spiciness wasn't as assaulting as the level of spiciness the other Kung Pao Chicken I have had in the past.

I love all the four new dishes we tried but if pressed to choose for one particular favorite, I will undoubtedly choose the Crispy-fried Crystal Prawns tossed in Salted Egg Yolk (Php588) in a heart beat. It is essentially a salted egg prawn dish, but it was the best one I have tried. The distinct flavor of the egg yolk was very prominent but it does not in anyway overpower the fresh taste of the prawns.

Aside from the new dishes, there are plenty more of great tasting dishes that are mainstays on Paradise Dynasty Philippines' menu. We got to try some of them, some I find amazing, while the others I find as a good enough reason to revisit again.

The Pork Dumpling in Hot Chili Vinaigrette (Php168/6pcs) on the Dimsum menu line up was one of those which I find really good. It was very addictive that I find myself reaching for third serving despite meaning to leave space on my tummy reserve for other dishes to come.

I am always crazy about radish cake making it a staple when dining in Chinese restaurants. At Paradise Dynasty, they took a different route and ditch the cake for pastry, hence the Radish Pastry (Php138/3pcs). And it was a good call, because the delightful texture of the pastry takes this otherwise common dish to several notch higher.

Steamed Glutinous Rice Stuffed in Red Dates (Php238) was one of the highly recommended dishes at Paradise Dynasty by my friends and I can understand why. While I find it more of a dessert due to its sweet taste than an appetizer, it was good dish all things considered. The sticky texture and the distinct taste of dates was a perfect combination you just cannot stop popping one into your mouth after another.

Quite a delightful dish, the Lettuce Roll with Homemade Sesame Sauce (Php288) was also a personal favorite. It was like eating well presented lettuce salad - straight up, without the flair of other ingredients one would normally find in a salad. But this one is really really good. The crispness of the lettuce and the nutty taste of the homemade sesame sauce was just amazing.

While it could use a little not more century egg, Paradise Dynasty's Chilled Tofu with Century Egg (Php188) was also a delightful treat to the palate. Tofu is always a great blank canvas that goes well with the flavor of the sauce and the century egg. While I would normally prefer one of my favorite Korean dish Sundubu Jjigae when talking about silken soft tofu, this dish is a welcome variety I would soon love to have again.

At first glance I thought it was my favorite Chinese noodle dish zha jiang mian. Surprisingly, it was not. While its appearance may also led you to believe that it is some kind of a noodle dish, let me tell you my friend that it is not. This amazing dish happens to be  Stir-fried Shredded Pork in Black Bean sauce served with Chinese Crepes (Php388). And truth be told, it is one of the dishes that will make me go back to Paradise Dynasty the next chance I get.

The shredded pork are meant to be eaten wrapped in the Chinese crepes it's served with.

There is a lot to say about the history of this dish but what I can say about Scrambled Egg White with Fish and Conpoy (Php328) is that it is one of the dishes well worth trying out when dining at paradise Dynasty. It was one of the crowd's favorite during our luncheon. My personal take is that it tasted like bird's nest soup more than anything.

There's also this Poached Sliced Fish in Szechuan Chili Oil (Php788) served in a gigantic bowl befitting of its gigantic flavor. Szechuan dishes are known to be spicy and this one in all its glory isn't an exception. Not for the faint of heart, it is a dish for brave souls.

We also got to try the  La Mian with Scallion Dry (Php200). There are several noodle dish at Paradise Dynasty menu but this one I figured is the most basic. Perfect for those who loves the taste of scallion and who does not want too much fanfare on their bowl of la mian.

There are several drinks available on the menu. The two which I have tried were the Homemade Barley Tea (Php80) and Water Chestnut Drink (Php80) - both can be served hot or cold. Diners also have the option to have their tea served at this luxurious golden kettle I find really glamorous.

Paradise Dynasty's dessert selection isn't really extensive, but those in the line up were decent enough to cap off a lovely feast. We got to try the Pan-fried Pancake with Red Bean Paste (Php168) and Pan-fried Pumpkin Pastry (Php138). Both are essentially sweet pancake with its respective flavors. between the two, I find the Pan-fried Pancake with Red Bean Paste more likeable, but that is not to say that the other one isn't any good.

I know a lot of people are happy that Paradise Dynasty decided to open a branch at the Podium, and I am one of them. There are several other dishes at Paradise Dynasty menu that I find really interesting. Judging from those which I have already tried, I have high expectations that other dishes are just as good. This means a revisit. Meanwhile, yes, Paradise Dynasty is one of the newest restaurants here in Manila which I can highly recommend.

Paradise Dynasty Philippines
2/L The Podium Mall
12 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center
Pasig City
Website: paradisegroup.com.sg
Contact Nos.: +632 828-8333 / 838-8333
Facebook: @paradisedynastyph
Instagram: @paradisedynastyph