There is a new joint in town for dimsum.
Specifically for Xiao Long Bao.
When we have Sunday brunch with my sister, Maria, we usually opt for dimsum. We can sit, chat, catch up from the week’s activities, have tea, and enjoy a variety of small parcels, packed with different flavors and different textures.
Recently, I have been seeing a very colorful presentation of Xiao Long Bao in my Instagram feed from the foodies that I follow. I was super intrigued and in fact, I mentioned to Miguel (who LOVES Xiao Long Bao) that we should try this new place out because it has something different to offer.
And that’s when my friend Marj invited me with a bunch of other mommas to try out Paradise Dynasty.
Paradise Dynasty is a chain of restaurants that came to be in September 2010 under the guidance of Eldwin Chua. He was “inspired by the array of food in the different provinces across China and came up with this restaurant concept offering affordable dishes from northern and southern Chinese cuisine.” Currently there are restaurants in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, and now the Philippines.
Chua shares, “With this new concept, we want to provide diners with a valuable dining experience that comprises affordable food in a mesmerizing setting located at a prime location.”
That he has.
View from @smaison_conrad. #moa #ferriswheel
A photo posted by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on
Visiting the restaurant for the first time brought me to S Maison Mall at the beautiful location of The Conrad. Views are always nicer when the salt water is present. In fact, I stepped outside a few times just to take the ocean view in.
I always love trying out new restaurants with friends. When there are more ladies sitting at the table, we all get to order what we would normally prefer and of course sample what others find to be their habit of ordering as well.
Did you ever notice that?
How when you go to a restaurant, you usually end up ordering the same thing? Is there a name for that? More than just being a creature of habit?
At any rate, with so many mommas sitting at one table, we all had our preferences, but Marj was sure to order all of the most popular dishes that she knew we would like.
We really had a lovely time, catching up over some really great food, and making chikka.
But the stars of the afternoon?
The stars of the afternoon were the delectable Xiao Long Bao.
With a paper thin wrapper, and a variety of different flavors to explore, I found myself oohing and ahhing. I know the other mommas enjoyed the ritual of eating these pretty little packages of soup, pork, cheese, truffle, foie gras, and crab.They even give you an idea of how to enjoy the soup dumplings, so as not to over stimulate your palate. (Kinda like the way you are supposed to eat Korean food as well.)
But that’s not all we had. We dined on noodles, pork, chicken, beef, and my friend Rowena’s favorite, Sticky Rice Filled Dates.
I don’t know about you, but I have a couple of things I like to do when eating out at a restaurant for the first time.
First, I like to ask what is the best seller in the restaurant. I want to eat what they are known for.
Second, I want to have a bunch of different textures.
Third, I want to have a variety of flavors.
And lastly, I like to have sauces to dip in or top with….
And Paradise Dynasty delivered.

Chilled Jellyfish and Seafood in Vinaigrette P250, Special Dynasty Xiao Long Bao P388, Stir fried River Shrimps with Garden Greens P488
IN A BIG WAY…
I can’t wait to bring my family back so we can try more items off the menu!
Paradise Dynasty
https://www.facebook.com/paradisedynastyph
Hours of Operation: 11am to 11pm
S Maison
2/L S Maison a the Conrad
Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
02-828-8333
I will definitely eat there!
I will definitely eat there !