First Dibs on Paradise Dynasty's Limited Edition Chili Crab Xiao Long Bao

When a celebrated Singaporean restaurant group pays homage to an iconic Singaporean dish, you just know it's going to be special. And tasty too... 

Paradise Dynasty introduces another innovative dim sum variant in addition to its signature Xiao Long Bao with the new Chili Crab Xiao Long Bao for a limited time only at SM Aura Premier. If you've enjoyed Paradise Dynasty's Xiao Long Bao, all eight flavors, you'll definitely enjoy the new variant. But better hurry, the Chili Crab Xiao Long Bao will only be available for a limited duration... 

Located at the Second Level of SM Aura Premier, diners get a peek at Paradise Dynasty's kitchen as bamboo steamers are loaded with fresh, handmade dim sum. Our Chili Crab Xiao Long Bao is prepped for steaming, and in minutes, served to our table for a first taste of another tasty variant.

Singapore is known for a number of iconic dishes, and chili crabs is just one of many that comes to mind with a snap. Paradise Dynasty transforms this national dish into another flavorful xiao long bao creation with its Chili Crab Xiao Long Bao (P 540), served fresh from the steamers.

At first glance, diners will notice the gradated tones of vibrant red on one side of the soup dumpling, and it's a visual cue that easily sets it apart from the rest of Paradise Dynasty's signature xiao long bao offerings. 

There's some unwritten protocol when properly enjoying xiao long bao, but this one's special. Once cooled, all it takes is one big bite, go for the whole soup dumpling and wait for the briny richness of the crab coat your palate followed by the subtle heat from the chili. The intense flavors capture the familiar flavors of Singapore's famous chili crabs in one bite. And you'll want another...

The chili doesn't overwhelm the delicate notes of the crab, allowing you to enjoy its natural sweetness and fresh, clean flavors. The flavors are bold and deep yet subtle, you don't need to dip it in the traditional black vinegar sauce. Enjoy it as is, and savor the flavors of succulent crab with just a mild hint of chili. One order comes with five pieces, and if you're with me, that steamer will be clean and empty in no time, so why not order another? You can add this to your list of growing favorites at Paradise Dynasty... 

...like the Specialty Dynasty Xiao Long Bao (P 388) with eight flavors including Garlic, Ginseng, Foie Gras, Szechuan, Cheese, Crab Roe, Black Truffle and Signature Original Xiao Long Bao in one steamer. The variety of distinct flavors makes this a bestseller at Paradise Dynasty. Say goodbye to that last piece of Black Truffle...

...but there's more. My personal list of favorites at Paradise Dynasty includes the refreshing Lettuce Roll with Homemade Sesame Sauce (P 288) with tightly packed and delicately rolled garden-fresh and crisp lettuce.

An audible crunch comes with each bite, and I'm still amazed at how delectably crisp lettuce can be. A dip in the thick and creamy sesame sauce completes the flavors, perfectly finished with bold nutty notes.

The Radish Pastry (P 138) is another favorite, with contrasting textures and delicate flavors. The multiple fine layers of the pastry deliver an airy and light crispness followed by the subtle sweetness of the radish. Our server expertly slices the pastry for the group to share...

...as another favorite is served, Paradise Dynasty's Pork Dumpling in Hot Chili Vinaigrette (P 168). The soft dumplings filled with finely minced pork drapes your palate with its savory richness, tempered by the fiery heat from the chili for balanced flavors. The play on nuanced yet contrasting flavors will make you go for another. Guaranteed. 

The Scrambled Egg White with Fish and Conpoy (P 328) is another of those dishes that seem strange at first, but one spoonful is all it takes to make you fall in love with this deceptively simple dish. 

Our server gently breaks the yolk and drizzles it around the dish, adding yet another layer of richness. 

The Stir-Fried Shredded Pork in Black Bean Sauce served with Chinese Crepes (P 388) is a light yet tasty dish, and part of the fun is preparing your own crepe. My own crepe wrapping skills, admittedly, needs much more improvement. But no worries, simply leave it to the server to prepare that perfect crepe for you...

With just a few folds using chopsticks, our server prepared one crepe after another in a flash. That's table side service for you at Paradise Dynasty.

While our server prepared another crepe, going for seconds is a no-brainer. And why not? The rich flavors of the fork-tender pork are kicked up even more by the sharpness of the black bean sauce, all neatly wrapped in a soft crepe. Just perfect. 

But no meal at Paradise Dynasty is complete without the Crispy Fried Crystal Prawns tossed in Salted Egg Yolk (P 588). The light crispness of the outer layer and the succulent prawns with its fresh and clean snap with every bite gets even better when the deep flavors of the salted egg yolk kicks in. You just can't go wrong with plump prawns and salted egg yolk for a winning flavor combination.

Craving for some heat? The Spicy Szechuan Crispy Chicken (P 298) delivers some very serious spice. Under all that red chili, you'll find crunchy bites of chicken, perfect when paired with Paradise Dynasty's fried rice. The chili adds that layer of intense notes that linger long after the last bite, warming the palate and body with numbing heat.

And when it gets too hot, cool down with the Stir-Fried French Beans with Minced Pork (P 238) as the natural sweetness of the French beans soothes your burning palate. My dining experiences at Paradise Dynasty are always satisfying, and it just doesn't get any better when your table is served with your usual favorites.  

But it does. This Chili Crab Xiao Long Bao is an absolute must-try at Paradise Dynasty in SM Aura Premier. Available for a limited time and only at Paradise Dynasty's SM Aura Premier location, head on over to Bonifacio Global City for a tasty bite of yet another flavorful xiao long bao creation...