Cover Paradise Dynasty’s ‘Signature Dynasty xiao long bao’, a selection of eight colourful flavours including original, Korean kimchi, foie gras, black truffle, cheese, crab roe, garlic and Szechuan
Paradise Dynasty’s ‘Signature Dynasty xiao long bao’, a selection of eight colourful flavours including original, Korean kimchi, foie gras, black truffle, cheese, crab roe, garlic and Szechuan
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Your same old Chinese favourite from Singapore brings delight in its new place in Robinson’s Magnolia. Here’s why you and your loved ones should pay Paradise Dynasty a visit
The north is home to a sizeable Chinese community with deep fondness for authentic, classic cuisine. This is precisely why Paradise Dynasty, from Singapore, opened its latest branch inside one of the area's busiest malls: Robinsons Magnolia.
“We opened in May this year with the goal of bringing the flavours of Paradise Dynasty to our Chinese friends in the area,” says its senior manager, Jonathan Ko. “There had been growing requests at our other branches asking, ‘Why not open in the north?’ So we finally did, and the reception has been remarkable.”
For Ko and the team behind Paradise Dynasty, the restaurant’s vision has always been clear: to bring the classic flavours of Singapore to the Filipino table.
“We’re glad we came to the north to branch out [so we could] cater to our friends, not only the Chinese friends but also our Filipino friends,” Ko says.
In case you missed it: Where to Eat Chinese Food in Metro Manila: Feast Like Royalty at Paradise Dynasty
Above Paradise Dynasty’s poached pork with garlic sauce
Paradise Dynasty’s poached pork with garlic sauce
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Above Yam paste xiao long bao from Paradise Dynasty
Yam paste xiao long bao from Paradise Dynasty
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“There had been growing requests at our other branches asking, ‘Why not open in the north?’ So we finally did, and the reception has been remarkable.”
Tatler was offered servings of Paradise Dynasty’s best and sought-after offerings. Among them was the Signature Dynasty xiao long bao, a selection of eight colourful flavours including original, Korean kimchi, foie gras, black truffle, cheese, crab roe, garlic and Szechuan.
Ko explains that the restaurant places great importance on consistency, which is why the dish still carries the same familiar flavour Filipinos have loved since the first branch opened in Pasay in 2016.
“For our eight-flavour xiao long bao, we always use original ingredients. Even the colours are made entirely from scratch,” he stresses. “Some people ask if we use food colouring. We don’t. Everything is created in-house; we use special ingredients to extract the colours for each dumpling,” Ko adds, noting that there had previously been some doubts about the authenticity of their methods. “People keep coming back to this dish because the flavour has stayed consistent. After nine years, it still tastes the same. We never cut corners, and that’s exactly why our guests return.”
Paradise Dynasty’s standout offerings include the yam paste xiao long bao, a dumpling filled with smooth, earthy purée made from Taro.
More from Tatler: Learn all about the iconic Chinese food favourite, East Ocean Palace
Above The black fungus in peppercorn vinaigrette
The black fungus in peppercorn vinaigrette
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Above Paradise Dynasty’s signature prawn and pork dumpling in hot chilli vinaigrette
Paradise Dynasty’s signature prawn and pork dumpling in hot chilli vinaigrette
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Another highlight was the prawn and pork dumpling in hot chilli vinaigrette with just the right kick of spice, leaving enough room for the sweetness of the seafood to come through.
Then there’s the black fungus in a peppercorn vinaigrette, made with wood ear mushrooms known for their pleasantly chewy texture. The sharp peppercorn dressing leaves a lingering finish that keeps you reaching for another bite.
Another memorable bite was the poached pork in spicy garlic sauce: a bold, flavourful dish that enhances both the tender meat and the vegetables tucked within.
For those looking for a subtle savoury taste, the stir-fried Australian lettuce will be a revelation. This simple yet satisfying dish might easily be overlooked, but with just the right touch of salt and crunch, it’s the kind of bite you'd keep coming back for with a spoonful of piping hot rice to match or even just as enjoyable as a light snack.
Not to be missed is the speciality fish in pickled vegetable broth, which Ko explains is simmered for two hours to allow the soup to draw out every layer of flavour. “The soup is simmered for about two hours to develop its flavour and richness,” he says.
Related: Paradise Dynasty opens a new location in the heart of Greenbelt 5
Above The specialty fish in pickled vegetable broth by Paradise Dynasty
Above Stir-fried Australian lettuce by Paradise Dynasty
The specialty fish in pickled vegetable broth by Paradise Dynasty
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For Paradise Dynasty, delivering quality Chinese cuisine using cooking methods that stay true to their origins is essential. Ultimately, it’s the comfort of knowing what to expect and the consistent standards set since day one that keeps their loyal customers coming back.
Ko asserts that this is what their patrons value and deserve: timeless classics with creative twists, one serving at a time.
“We started from just a few branches. Now, we’re trying to expand it to all corners. We want to showcase that this is the Paradise Dynasty design. It reflects traditional Chinese elements, local influences and of course, the essence of Chinese cuisine.”
Visit Paradise Dynasty’s newest location at Robinsons Magnolia and follow their Instagram @paradisedynastyph.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
