I’ve been seeing a lot of good reviews about Paradise Dynasty and I have always wanted to try their colorful and legendary Xiao Long Bao. So, I was glad when my friend Jam (@jamsaysyum) invited me to have an early dinner at Paradise Dynasty at the Podium.
My friend already knows what to order so, we chose all their bestsellers.
Specialty Xiao Long Bao – everyone’s been talking about this Xiao Long Bao because they are the only ones offering it with 8 flavors. The flavors are original, garlic, ginseng, foie gras, Szechuan, cheese, crab roe, and the black truffle Xiao Long Bao.
I was looking forward to the Truffle Xiao Long Bao the most but turned out that my favorite was the one with cheese then the truffle.
One order is actually meant for one person so that you can taste all the flavors but my friend and I shared it. Also, to ensure optimum tasting, one must start with the mildest flavor which is the original (center), then ginseng (green), foie gras (red) then counterclockwise.
By the way, you can also order each flavor separately.
Price: Php 388
Table for: 8 pcs
Food Rating: 5/5
Pork Dumpling in Hot Chili Vinaigrette – enjoyed these dumplings with spicy vinaigrette even though I am not that much into spicy food.
Price: Php 168
Table for: 6 pcs
Food Rating: 5/5
Crispy Fried Crystal Prawns – what made this prawns special was the salted egg yolk sauce. Super love the strong flavor of salted egg covering the prawns.
This one is a bit too expensive but who can resist?
Price: Php 588
Table for: 2-3 persons
Food Rating: 5/5
Sweet and Sour Pork – a typical dish made special by Paradise Dynasty. I simply can’t get enough of this especially that it has a generous amount of pineapple chunks.
Price: Php 328
Table for: 2-3 persons
Food Rating: 5/5
Fried Rice in Yang Zhou Style – the rice was generously served with shrimp. A perfect companion to our Sweet and Sour Pork and Crispy Fried Crystal Prawns.
Price: Php 238
Table for: 2 persons
Food Rating: 4/5
La Mian with Braised Pork Belly in Signature Pork Bone Soup – this Chinese Ramen is also a must-try for those who love noodles. It has a mild broth and flavorful pork belly though this ain’t one of my favorites.
Price: Php 330
Table for: 1 person
Food Rating: 3.5/5
For dessert, we had the Charcoal Custard Lava Bun that everyone seems to talk about aside from the Xiao Long Bao.
Charcoal Custard Lava Bun– my friend told me that this used to be bigger. How I wish it was bigger.
The oozing custard lava inside the charcoal bun is to die for! I can definitely finish all 3 pieces and still ask for more.
The way to eat it properly is to poke the bun and sip the custard out. Just be careful as the filling is hot.
Price: Php 188
Table for: 83pcs
Food Rating: 5/5
There’s a lot to try aside from the 8-flavored Xiao Long Bao and Charcoal Custard Lava Bun including the Sweet and Sour Pork and Crispy Fried Crystal Prawns.
Ambiance: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value for Money: 5/5
Overall Rating: 5/5
Overall, I love the ambiance of the restaurant though prices of food can be a bit stiff.
Location: Second Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Store Hours: Mall Hours
Contact Details: (02) 868-23-333
Facebook Page: Paradise Dynasty Philippines
Instagram: @paradisedynastyph
Disclaimer: My friend paid for our food and this review was written with an honest opinion