After almost three years in the pandemic, the metro slowly and cautiously opens up once more. And that means returning back to one of the metro's popular Chinese-inspired Singaporean restaurants...
High on my list is Paradise Dynasty with its extensive menu in addition to its specialty noodles and dumplings, and their branch at The Podium is ready to welcome you back again with all the mandatory health and safety protocols in place. A recent visit was the perfect opportunity to enjoy comfortingly familiar dishes in this new normal...
A quick scan of the menu takes you back to the days before the pandemic and then it sinks in, you've missed Paradise Dynasty. To celebrate our return to Paradise Dynasty since the quarantine, we start with some starters before the mains. The Sliced Beef and Tripe in Spicy Szechuan Sauce (P 328) opens up the palate, with the richness of the beef and tripe perfectly tempered by the soothing heat of the chilis.
One bite, and you're just glad to be back at Paradise Dynasty (for more on Paradise Dynasty and their authentic best-selling dishes, see my previous posts, Paradise Just Got A Whole Lot Closer: Paradise Dynasty Opens at The Podium on my very first post on the popular Singaporean chain from four years back, Noodles and Dumplings...at Paradise Dynasty on their specialty dishes, Four New Dishes and Four More Reasons to Visit Paradise Dynasty from 2018, Noodles and Dumplings...Back at Paradise Dynasty on why I keep coming back, First Dibs on Paradise Dynasty's Limited Edition Chili Crab Xiao Long Bao on their seasonal offerings, Let's Do Noodles and Dumplings at Paradise Dynasty on some of my go-to dishes, More Than Dimsum and Dumplings: Paradise Dynasty Celebrates Its Third Anniversary in the Philippines on their recent milestone, and Dining in the Next Normal: Recalling Days of Noodles and Dumplings at Paradise Dynasty Before the Lockdown).
Always a must-have at Paradise Dynasty, the savory Pork Dumplings with Hot Chili Vinaigrette (P 168-6 pcs) brings soft, mildly chewy and juicy textural contrasts with each bite rounded out by the chili vinaigrette and fresh spring onions. Not too spicy, just enough to bring out the flavors of the pork for that balanced finish.
The Crispy Fried Crystal Prawns tossed with Salted Egg Yolk (P 588) are another tasty treat at Paradise Dynasty with plump and succulent prawns draped in a rich salted egg coating for that mildly salty and briny sweetness. And the flavors remain just as you remember it down to the last bite.
The Paradise Dynasty dining experience always includes their specialty Xiao Long Bao (P 188 to P 540) in a variety of flavors identified by its color including the Signature Original, Garlic, Ginseng, Foie Gras, Szechuan, Cheese, Crab Roe and Black Truffle.
Each soup dumpling is tediously handmade, delivering a flavorful burst in one bite. Along with their noodles, these tasty bite-sized pockets are what made Paradise Dynasty a well-loved chain in Singapore and around the world.
The Dynasty Crispy Chicken (P 298) paired with a sweet and creamy mayo dressing brings a delectable crunch to your sumptuous feast at Paradise Dynasty...
...while the Poached Beef in Szechuan Chili Oil (P 788) satisfies your craving for even more soothing heat. The palate numbing spice isn't upfront with that first bite, but it lingers with each succeeding sip.
The Deep-Fried Pork Ribs in Mayonnaise (P 388) brings contrasting textures and flavors into play before the specialty noodle dishes...
...like the mildly sharp and spicy La Mian with Pork Wanton in Hot Chili Vinaigrette (P 280), a dry noodle dish and a personal favorite.
You may also opt for the light and refreshing La Mian Seafood in Signature Pork Bone Broth Soup (P 380) with the day's freshest catch in a thin yet milky broth. Light and delicate on the palate, one can enjoy the briny sweetness of the fresh seafood followed by the creamy finish of the pork bone broth.
But it's the spice, soft and chewy wantons and springy texture of the noodles slathered with flavorful chilis of the La Mian with Pork Wanton in Hot Chili Vinaigrette that keeps me coming back to Paradise Dynasty.
For dessert, how about some Chilled Glutinous Rice Rolls with Red Bean Paste topped with Grated Nuts (P 168-3 pcs)? Paradise Dynasty offers a wide array of indulgent options, and whatever you choose you'll find that sweet and perfect ending to cap your dining experience at Paradise Dynasty. Open for lunch and dinner, note that Paradise Dynasty at The Podium is closed from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Another year in the new normal, and it's great to be back at Paradise Dynasty...
Paradise Dynasty is located at the Second Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City or call 682-3333 for inquiries and reservations.
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