Name: Paradise Dynasty
Address: Level 2, S Maison, Conrad Manila, Seaside Boulevard Corner Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City, Philippines
Telephone: +63288288333
Price range: ₱200 - ₱800

One of the best Chinese restaurants out there? Let's find out!

This time, we'll review the famed Paradise Dynasty is part of a Singaporean-based restaurant chain called Paradise Group Holdings. They serve "authentic" Chinese cuisine specifically northern and southern Chinese dishes. Found in the middle of an upscale mall, they opened their first store in S Maison Mall in Conrad Hotel, SM Mall of Asia Complex.

We head here to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday - we were quickly assisted but had to wait for a bit since the restaurant is full which is fine as they have seats outside in their waiting area.

Paradise Dynasty in S Maison, Pasay City - WTF Review

Paradise Dynasty in S Maison Mall in Conrad Hotel, SM Mall of Asia Complex

It's quite big when you look at it from the outside and it has that posh, elegant motif as the interior is designed with a mix of gold, lighted vase and crystal decorations. It may look intimidating as it's considered an upscale restaurant located in an upscale mall.

We ordered their Signature Original Xiao Long Bao 10pcs (PHP298), Pork Dumpling in Hot Chili Vinaigrette 6pcs (PHP168), Drunken Chicken (PHP238), Stir-fried shredded Pork in Black Bean Sauce served with Chinese Crepes (PHP388), Kung Pao Chicken (PHP298), Stir-fried French Bean with Minced Pork (PHP238) and Stir-fried La Mian with Shredded Pork and Black Fungus (PHP238).

Signature Original Xiao Long Bao 10pcs in Paradise Dynasty in S Maison, Pasay City - WTF Review

Signature Original Xiao Long Bao 10pcs (PHP298)

We waited for quite a while and we are starting to experience poor service from the staff but let's dig in with the food first.

Signature Original Xiao Long Bao 10pcs (PHP298) - this, for me, is their pièce de résistance. The bun is fluffy, moist, bouncy, perfectly portioned and if you look closely all of the ten steamed buns have 18 folds on them.

One bite for me and it was over - the broth inside the bun surprised my mouth as I was not expecting it to be filled generously with clear broth packed with umami goodness on it. I just can't stop eating and devouring these little bouncy creations.

Pork Dumpling in Hot Chili Vinaigrette 6pcs (PHP168)

Pork Dumpling in Hot Chili Vinaigrette 6pcs (PHP168) - Not a fan of dumpling, nevertheless, this one is okay. The savory and tangy kick of the chili vinaigrette complements the scrumptious filling of the dumpling making you crave for more without being full.

Drunken Chicken (PHP238)

Drunken Chicken (PHP238) - I was never really a fan of cold cuts, especially anything with wine/beer/liquor on it, however, I kind off like this one because even though the rice wine smell is very strong and prominent, it provided that moist and acidity that the chicken meat needed to make it juicy and tender in the middle.

Stir-fried Shredded Pork in Black Bean Sauce served with Chinese Crepes (PHP388)

Chinese Crepe

Stir-fried Shredded Pork in Black Bean Sauce served with Chinese Crepes (PHP388) - this one I like. The savory shredded pork goes well with the crepes as it added texture to the dish. I recommend this if you're looking for an appetizer.

Kung Pao Chicken (PHP298)

Moving on to something heavier, their Kung Pao Chicken (PHP298). The combination of the crisp chicken and vegetables complements the succulent, savory, spicy and sweet sauce will make your palate explode with satisfaction.

Stir-fried French Bean with Minced Pork (PHP238)

Stir-fried French Bean with Minced Pork (PHP238) - the French bean has that mild sweetness and grassy-ish flavor to it but don't forget to mix everything up as doing so will make the flavor more intense as the spiciness of the chili and the succulent juice from the pork will envelop the beans and will make it more enjoyable.

Stir-fried La Mian with Shredded Pork and Black Fungus (PHP238)

Stir-fried La Mian with Shredded Pork and Black Fungus (PHP238) - I'm only familiar with La Mian being served with a broth - I didn't know that this particular La Mian will make my rave about this dish. Every strand of noodles makes it feel like you're sipping a broth along with it - the noodles are flavored perfectly and the shredded pork with the fungus added more texture for the dish.

Paradise Dynasty in S Maison Mall in Conrad Hotel, SM Mall of Asia Complex

I enjoyed their Xiao Long Bao as it's not too overwhelming for my palate. The rest of the dish is great as well although if you're a newbie when it comes to spicy food, you might want to check their menu items carefully. The food was awesome, the place was great but the service is kind of so-so.

I will surely go back and try their famous Specialty Dynasty Xiao Long Bao (PHP388) and other Szechuan and La Mian dishes.

Place

The place is elegant - it's Instagrammable and very easy to the eyes.
Well lit and air-conditioned.
Spacious and can accommodate at least 105 pax if I'm not mistaken.

Service

My first impression was good as the receptionist is very accommodating.
Everything goes south while we are dining. It took them 15 minutes to give us something to drink at all and we had to ask them.
Two of our orders took too long to serve so we've decided to cancel it because we are already done eating yet no news on what happened to the said dishes (we dine for approximately 1 hour).
Refilling water, asking something or even requesting the bill will take ages. It's weird because you'll see a couple of waiters but none was paying attention to our table.

Price

The price seems intimidating but you don't need to worry as the quality of the food is great and yes, I'm proud to say that they serve authentic Chinese dishes but the service killed everything.

Let's rate them, shall we?

Food: 5/5

Ambiance: 5/5

Service: 1/5

Value for money: 3/5

OVERALL: 3.5/5

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