Noodles and Dumplings...at Paradise Dynasty.

When a sudden craving for noodles and dumplings hits you at the mall, there's just one place for that comforting fix at The Podium...

Paradise Dynasty, Singapore's famed restaurant group, satisfies any craving for authentic noodles and dumplings with its signature Xiao Long Bao and La Mian along with many other dishes. Now open at The Podium, noodle and dumpling paradise is just a few steps away...

You can start with Paradise Dynasty's Special Xiao Long Bao Set (P 388 for 8 pcs) with all eight flavors like Garlic, Ginseng, Szechuan, Cheese, Crab Roe and Original, or go for the Single Flavor Sets (for more on Paradise Dynasty's signature Xiao Long Bao and new dishes, see my earlier post, Paradise Just Got A Whole Lot Closer: Paradise Dynasty Opens At The Podium). That day, the Foie Gras Xiao Long Bao (P 330-6pcs/P 540-10 pcs) was the unanimous choice, but the Black Truffle Xiao Long Bao (P 330-6 pcs/P 540-10 pcs) is another must-try at Paradise Dynasty.

Paradise Dynasty's signature Xiao Long Bao is prepared by hand with its elaborate top knot and distinctive "18-folds" and steamed as ordered, so you get it fresh from the kitchen's steamers a la minute. Allow ten to fifteen minutes for your Xiao Long Bao, and it's definitely worth the wait. The soft yet firm dough with its flavorful foie gras broth bursts with deep and rich notes tempered by the black vinegar and ginger for perfectly balanced flavors.

Enjoying your Xiao Long Bao can be a tricky and delicate process, but it's all part of the fun. Each table includes a standee detailing the proper way to enjoy Paradise Dynasty's signature soup dumplings in five easy steps (see my previous post here for the easy-to-follow guide and be an expert in no time).

The signature Xiao Long Bao is the ideal starter for any sumptuous feast at Paradise Dynasty, but there's more. Like the Stir-Fried Broccoli (P 288) topped with crisp and crunchy garlic bits with its clean and fresh flavors opening up your palate for the next round of dishes...

The Crispy Vegetable Spring Roll (P 138-3 pcs) offers both flavor and textural contrasts with the subtle sweetness of fresh vegetables playing with the thin, delicate and crisp spring roll wrapper. There is a lightness that comes with each crunchy bite, yet bold flavors linger long after the first bite.

A duo of dumplings is served next, with the Pan-Fried Pork Dumpling (P 138-3 pcs) with its tasty pork filling delivering a savory richness. Perfect with a dab of hot chili, the soft and chewy dough and the richly seasoned pork filling come together for rich flavors.

And if you're craving for more heat, the Pork Dumpling with Hot Chili Vinaigrette (P 168-6 pcs) should do the trick. Draped with a tart, mildly sour and spicy sauce, these pork dumplings offer bold and vibrant flavors. The mild and soothing spicy notes don't overwhelm the subtle flavors of the dumplings, adding yet another layer of flavor to the dish. The fresh spring onions add a minty sharpness to complete the flavors.

Then, there's Paradise Dynasty's signature hand-pulled La Mian with twelve flavorful options to choose from, each one a comforting and satisfying bowl guaranteed to satisfy any noodle craving. The La Mian with Pork Wonton in Hot Chili Vinaigrette (P 280) is a dry noodle dish draped in the sweet, sour and spicy hot chili vinaigrette topped with wontons, a meal in itself. The hand-pulled noodles have a distinct soft yet firm and delectably chewy texture capped by the intense flavors of the hot chili. But just like the Pork Dumpling with Hot Chili Vinaigrette, the hot chili doesn't overpower the delicate notes of the dumpling and noodles, but it's there warming your palate with its gentle heat. This one's a personal favorite.

The La Mian with Seafood (P 380) offers a rich and comforting blend of fresh and succulent seafood, vegetables, egg and hand-pulled noodles with Paradise Dynasty's famous pork bone broth. The richness of the milky white broth, a result of slow-fired simmering with pork bones for over twelve hours, is just one of the many reasons to visit Paradise Dynasty. The pork bone broth has a smooth and almost creamy finish complementing the briny sweetness of the fresh seafood and vegetables. And I just can't say enough about those hand-pulled La Mian noodles...

Noodles, dumplings and more, Paradise Dynasty's got it covered. Hit by a sudden craving for noodles and dumplings? Noodle and dumpling paradise is just a few steps away...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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