Chinese Food in Metro Manila 2022: Paradise Dynasty

The lauded Chinese restaurant from Singapore has more to offer beyond its iconic xiao long bao

Good things take time, and the internationally-celebrated Chinese restaurant Paradise Dynasty is proof. For years, its Singapore-based proprietor, the Paradise Group had been itching to expand to the Philippines, but restlessly waited to find the right people for the job. Finding confidence in the dedicated crew that leads the restaurant today, it was time for the real work to begin.

The Philippine team spent four long months sourcing all the ingredients prior to opening. Repeated excursions through the city and extended calls with suppliers became everyday tasks, efforts that often ended in rejection due to the chefs’ unwavering standards. The top three chefs from Paradise Dynasty in Singapore then flew to Manila for one week to taste all of the dishes, challenging the kitchen staff to repeatedly prepare every item on the menu—including the signature xiao long bao—and present them to the panel for judgment. With this series of pressure tests, they not only achieved quality but consistency, too.

At long last, Paradise Dynasty opened the doors to its first-ever Philippine outlet at S Maison. Fast forward six years (and two branches later), and the Singaporean brand has undeniably won over the palettes of the Philippine market, one dumpling at a time.

Above Paradise Dynasty at S Maison opened in 2016

Above One of the main dining areas at Paradise Dynasty, S Maison

Above The private room seats eight on a round table with a lazy Susan

Above Another dining hall at Paradise Dynasty, S Maison

The restaurant is hard to miss; with intricate wooden detailing and glowing lanterns that bear its crest, Paradise Dynasty sets itself apart from neighbouring establishments. The elegant design continues throughout the dining halls and the eight-seater private room, drawing you in with a warm atmosphere as a (literal) stone-faced dragon welcomes you to imperial China. With regal interiors and the humble, attentive service, you'll definitely be eating like royalty.

Above Chilled slice pork with minced garlic

Above Fried rice in Shanghai style, la mian with braised pork belly, and sliced beef and tripe in spicy Szechuan sauce

The banquet that awaits you at Paradise Dynasty is a celebration of both Northern and Southern Chinese cuisines, a gastronomic journey through one of the world’s oldest food cultures. Whereas the former is characterised by wheat-filled dishes like noodles and dumplings, the latter is known for fresh seafood, rice, and the mystical Szechuan pepper.

Our feast started with an array of cold appetisers that showcased the restaurant’s vast range. Fierce yet balanced, the toothsome rolls of bacon slices wrapped around refreshing cucumber was one such highlight, topped with minced garlic and vibrant ma la oil.

The la mian with braised pork was a hearty meal all on its own, with fresh, hand-made noodles, a hefty chunk of melt-in-your-mouth belly, and a perfectly runny egg, all within a bowl of their flavourful pork bone soup—a broth that could compete with some of the Metro’s best-loved noodle houses.

Above Scrambled egg white with fish and conpoy, designed to mimic crab meat

Above Addictive spicy Szechuan crispy chicken, a must-try at Paradise Dynasty

The scrambled egg white with fish and conpoy, which I had initially mistaken for seafood congee, comes with a tantalizing tale. As legend has it, an empress demanded a crab-filled dish in a time and place the crustacean was nowhere to be found. Anxious chefs took their turns trying to impress the empress with dishes reminiscent of the beloved shellfish, and those who failed the test were beheaded—this dish was one chef’s saving glory, and it’s easy to see why. Comforting, delicious, and mind-bogglingly crab-free, it’s a verifiable must-try.

Another non-negotiable is the spicy Szechuan chicken: crispy, bite-sized portions of juicy fried chicken with warm roasted peanuts and pungent garlic flakes. With every crunch, the chilli’s wonderfully tingly effect activates, enveloping your mouth in a pins-and-needles sensation that makes it dangerously addictive.

Photo 1 of 4 The signature eight-flavour xiao long bao: original, garlic, ginseng, foie gras, Szechuan, cheese, crab roe, and black truffle

Photo 2 of 4 Desserts include pan-fried pumpkin pastry, chilled glutinous rice rolls with red bean paste and grated nuts, and chilled aloe vera and osmanthus jelly in honey lemon juice

Photo 3 of 4 The delicate radish pastry and perfectly-cooked crystal prawns in salted egg yolk were great to snack on

Photo 4 of 4 Diners can also choose to enjoy their meals al fresco with a view of Manila Bay

Despite the impressive portfolio, the eight-flavour xiao long bao remains their most sought-after item. Open the bamboo steamer to unveil eight soup-filled dumplings in a variety of vibrant hues, each indicating a unique flavour. Designed to be enjoyed by one hungry diner, the dumplings course through ginseng, foie gras, crab roe, and even black truffle, all of which are coloured and flavoured with natural ingredients (yes, the black truffle dumpling has real truffle!). Our recommendation? Skip the black vinegar and enjoy them as is, they really are that good.

If you somehow still have room for dessert, the chilled glutinous rice roll with red bean paste speaks to the palettes of mochi-lovers, while those looking for a lighter ending can delight in the chilled aloe vera and osmanthus jelly, served in a refreshing honey lemon juice.

Book a table (or better yet, the private room) at Paradise Dynasty, call up your most appetite-endowed friends, and come in stretchy pants—you can thank us later.

NOW READ

Dining Radar: 5 New Restaurants and Tasting Menus to Try This March 2022

What Are the Differences Between Indian and Persian Cuisine?

7 Must-Try Asian Condiments: XO Sauce, Sambal, And More

Topics

Paradise Dynasty Where to Eat Chinese Food Xiao Long Bao Szechuan Restaurants

Tatler Asia

Where to Eat Chinese Food in Metro Manila: Feast Like Royalty at Paradise Dynasty