9.303
4 (Sun) November 2018
Specialty Dynasty Xiao Long Bao (WHAT)
2.5
at Paradise Dynasty (SM Aura Premier) (WHERE)
-BGC, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines-
with the Boys
Paradise Dynasty is a Chinese restaurant chain. Founded in Singapore in 2008, currently 25 branches across Asia, including 3 in the Philippines. The house specialty is xiao long bao. Also offers a selection of Szechuan dishes.
But first, the other stuff. Generally, the dishes were competent, nothing to write home about (as I am doing here).
The Stir-Fried Shredded Pork in Black Bean Sauce Served with Chinese Crepes, on the other, was outstanding. Super juicy strips of pork, perfectly seasoned in a savory-sweet black bean sauce, mixed with shredded scallion for a touch of freshness, wrapped in hand-made pancakes – awesome. Reason alone for a return visit.
To set itself apart from the well-established giants in the industry, Paradise Dynasty invented an array of multi-colored, multi-flavored fusion dumplings that is now the chain’s signature dish.
A speed-date breakdown, in descending order of preference:
- Szechuan (3.0) – nice mouth-numbing kick from the Szechuan pepper, complementing the base flavors, though I wouldn’t want more than maybe 2 dumplings
- Garlic (2.5) – a touch richer in flavor than the original
- Signature Original (2.25) – acceptable, if otherwise unremarkable
- Ginseng (2.0) – slightly bitter, perhaps enjoyable for anyone who likes ginseng
- Crab Roe (2.0) – crab roe and pork seem lost in contrast to each other
- Black Truffle (2.0) – not sure whether the ammoniac funk of the truffle works within the flavor profile
- Foie Gras (1.5) – weirdly fatty
- Cheese (1.0) – weird
This could be a fun meal, at least the first time around. To fully enjoy the experience, however, it would require the capacity to eat 8 dumplings in one sitting.
Overall, not overwhelmed. Worth a second shot.