Paradise Dynasty Celebrates its 3rd Year Anniversary

Paradise Dynasty is more than just a place where I get my xiao long bao fix. With its superb and mouthwatering dishes, each visit has been a sweet escapade. And just like any fun vacation, I always yearn for more. Fast forward to three years later, I still can't stop smiling from ear to ear every time I get a piece of its bestsellers. 

Hello, Paradise Dynasty. 

Paradise Dynasty's extensive menu gives its guests a glimpse of China's rich cuisine and a taste of its various flavors. From the sweet and salty flavors of the South and mala-filled spices of the North, Paradise Dynasty offers it all. And perfectly too!

Now Open: The Empress Dining Palace

I used to dislike Chinese food. I had no appreciation for it till I was in middle school. But it turned out that it wasn't the cuisine that I did not like, I was just eating at the wrong places. And when I got to have a taste of the real deal, a space in my heart (and tummy) opened up for this cuisine with rich history. Now hooked with dumplings, bird's nest soup and so much more, I was excited to visit The Empress Dining Palace.

Hello, The Empress Dining Palace. 

First Bite: Shi Lin

I'm a big fan of Xiao Long Bao. I simply cannot resist these adorable steamed soup dumplings especially when doused with black vinegar. And though Paradise Dynasty and Lugang stole my heart and a part (or whole compartment) of my tummy, I'm always open to trying other places offering my favorite. This time around, I visited Shi Lin. 

Hello, Shi Lin. 

I love how R lets me choose where to eat (except on Mondays when it should be Fish & Co.) for dinner. I'd always pick either our favorite joints or a place I've never been to. Since I've never tried Shi Lin's xiao long bao, I suggested that we have dinner there one night. 

Restaurant Love: Lugang Cafe

Lugang has been one of my favorite restaurants in Manila. It fired up my love for xiao long bao made me head over heels crazy with other dishes it has perfected. And when R's parents invited us to join them for dinner at Lugang, we couldn't say no.

Hello, Lugang.

You know that a restaurant is doing remarkably well when it is at an inconvenient location yet packed on a weekday night. Dining at Lugang O'Square branch without reservation is near impossible with its many loyal patrons.

First Bite: Bai Nian Tang Bao

Xiao Long Bao is one of the most popular Chinese dishes in the world. Though it gained popularity in Manila just a few years back, it is undeniable that this dish is here to stay with more and more restaurants offering this delicate soup dumpling. But it turned out that most of the xiao long bao we see in Manila are not exactly the ones you'd get in China as these are based on Taiwanese recipes. And one new restaurant claims to be the first in Manila to offer authentic Chinese xiao long bao.

Hello, Bai Nian Tang Bao.

I had a hard time finding this restaurant as one address directs me to the 38th corner 9th while another says it should be 36th. Technically, both are correct and incorrect. Bai Nian Tang Bao is located along the strip of restaurants behind Denny's so it doesn't really have a street name of its own and it is in between 36th and 38th.

Restaurant Love: Paradise Dynasty is now in Podium!

I have been a big fan of Paradise Dynasty ever since they opened in S'Maison. However, the distance has been an issue for me and it was like having a long distance relationship with the xiao long bao that stole my heart from another restaurant known for it. But love moves mountains and Paradise Dynasty finally opened a new branch closer to home. 

Hello, Paradise Dynasty.

Celebrating Year of the Dog with Crystal Jade

With the Chinese New Year just around the corner, many restaurants are busy working on their special menu to celebrate the Year of the Dog. One of the restaurants that has been a destination of choice of the Filipino-Chinese community is Crystal Jade. And it sure has a festive and delectable menu fit to welcome 2018!

Hello, Crystal Jade.

It would be hard to miss this Chinese restaurant along Bonifacio High Street. With its prime location along 7th Avenue, one could easily spot Crystal Jade.

Taiwan in Ortigas: Fat Fook Manila

I love how my favorite restaurants are opening branches closer to home. One of my favorites to date is Fat Fook, a Taiwanese restaurant in SM North Edsa. And after more than a year, it finally opened its second branch in Robinsons Galleria. 

Hello, Fat Fook. 

Located at the newly renovated wing of Robinsons Galleria, Fat Fook retained its glass facade and quirky ceramic plates accents. 

Gavel & Block Brings Food and Art in one Scrumptious Weekend

I love going to museums and being immersed in historical artifacts and beautiful art pieces. But my crazy food blogging schedule always get in the way. But an event this coming Friday gives me no excuse to skip art appreciation day. 

First Bite: Fat Fook

I've always been so curious about Fat Fook ever since I saw several posts of its famous chicken chops online. It made me wonder if it would be a lot better than the other brands that claim to offer the number 1 Taiwanese chicken chops. However, its location wasn't exactly a "couple of blocks away" from where I live so it took me several months before I got to visit it. And I finally did last December when I was out panicking on what gifts to buy. 

Love at First Bite: Paradise Dynasty

S Maison is such a nice place to visit as a it is slowly turning into a space bustling with new restaurants and franchises. It is the first choice of restaurants such as Chibo Okonomiyaki, Uma Uma! and Locavore’s newest baby Carnivale. I’d frequent this place if only it is near me but the hellish traffic makes it a long distance relationship. But thanks to some work related tasks, I ended up in this posh mall once again for lunch. And that was when I spotted a new restaurant on its soft opening. Those two words always work like magic and soon, I was right in front of the restaurant staring at its lighted menu. 

Hello, Paradise Dynasty! 

I was sold the moment I saw this restaurant’s Specialty Dynasty Xiao Long Bao (PHP388) and asked the friendly hostess if there were any tables available as the place was still packed at 2 p.m.. Luckily, there were a few tables left and I was quickly ushered inside.

I was greeted by yellow lights and wooden interiors and wall decors that look like lanterns or vases. There is also a stone wall with dragon carving on it.

I wanted to get the basket of colorful xiao long bao (which Paradise Dynasty claims to have natural pigments extracted from plants) but was worried that the Szechuan Xiao Long Bao (PHP230, 6 pcs. | PHP380, 10 pcs.) or the red one might be a bit too hot for me. In the end, I went with the safer option and got Signature Original Xiao Long Bao (PHP188, 6 pcs. | PHP 298, 10 pcs.). I also ordered Lotus Paste Bun with Salted Egg Yolk (PHP138, 3 pcs.) because of the words “salted egg yolk”.

While waiting, I had a sip of Paradise Dynasty’s house tea and it was… yes, free. And it was pretty good too! It had a nice rich taste without being bitter. 

First Bite: Din Tai Fung Manila

Din Tai Fung is probably one of the most talked about restaurants last year. Its huge "opening soon" banner has captured the attention of foodies and every one was on the look out on social media for the official opening day announcement of the well-loved Taiwan-based restaurant. It finally did last month with free Xiao Long Bao for the first 100 guests. I would normally visit on its first week (or even attempt to be one of the first 100 for free food) but since traffic was not very pleasant and knowing that this restaurant will have a blockbuster line, I decided to wait till I do visit SM Megamall. And thanks to the super delayed Christmas lunch with college friends, I braved the crazy Saturday traffic and giddily hopped towards Din Tai Fung. 

Hello, Din Tai Fung!

K was the early bird in our group and managed to get a number for us. However, for us to be seated, everyone from the group has to be there. Since some of us were late, we had to wait a bit longer for us to get a table (because our number was long been called). On a positive note, we could already place our order while still in line. At least that cuts down our wait for food. We ordered Din Tai Fung House Special (PHP155), Pork Xiao Long Bao (PHP315, 10 pcs; PHP160, 5 pcs), Vegetarian Mushroom Wonton Noodle Soup (PHP265), Sweet and Sour Pork (PHP245), Salted Egg Yolk Prawns (PHP375) and Shrimp Fried Rice (PHP210). 

When we were finally complete, we waited for a couple of minutes before we were assisted to our table. I think it wasn't that bad. (Then again, it was already 3 PM when we visited and the place was still packed. So just imagine how busy the place is during lunch.)

The Din Tai Fung House Special was served right away and it looks appetizing. I loved the slight tart of the dish making it very refreshing and a great appetizer. I also love the delightful seaweed texture and beansprout crunch.

The server also tried to upsell by offering the Stewed Spongy Gluten (PHP235) which we said yes to as we were really hungry. 

First Bite: Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung. Those three syllables are music to foodies’ ears and eyes when they found out that this famous chain is finally opening its doors in Manila, thanks to Moment Group of Restaurants. I couldn’t really join or understand the hype as I have never been to one but I was told that it was very similar to Tim Ho Wan which I was not really crazy about. But then I had the opportunity to try this well-loved Chinese restaurant when I visited Hong Kong a few weeks back.

Hello, Din Tai Fung.

We visited the Din Tai Fung Miramar Mall branch since it was the one nearest our hotel. And it sure was a good call as when we arrived, there was no line at all. The mall, which was renovated in 2008, was pretty empty except for this restaurant with a massive floor area.

The first thing I noticed was that there’s a time limit for dining. I forgot to take note though up to how long we could stay. But the French way of dining is definitely out.

We settled with the following dishes: Steamed Pork Dumplings/Xiao Long Bao (HK$58), Braised Beef Noodle Soup (HK$82) and Steamed Taro Paste Dumplings (HK$43) for dessert.

While waiting, we enjoyed our warm house tea (which apparently not the house tea we are used to as we had to pay HK$9 per person for this and water is more expensive).

First served was our xiao long bao which were pretty good. It was juicy and flavorful and dipping it in the black vinegar sauce made it even more delectable. It was also served piping hot so we had to wait a bit to let it cool. However, Lugang Café’s xiao long bao wasn’t far from Din Tai Fung’s. I could settle for Lugang anytime.

The braised beef noodle soup was something else though. It was probably one of the best noodle soups I’ve tasted. The noodles were cooked just right, not too hard nor too soft and the broth had this lovely sweet yet salty flavor. It wasn’t oily too. And the braised beef… it was so soft and flavorful too. (Waaah!  I am drooling now.)

Lugang Café's Feast All You Can

For some reason, “eat-all-you-can” lures me like a bug to light. It never fails to make me drool like some hungry toddler. I went crazy when I saw the ad for Lugang’s feast-all-you-can as I failed to try it last year with my former colleagues due to conflict of schedules.

My food loving friends and I agreed to meet at Lugang Café around 7 p.m. at the SM Megamall branch and that the first person to arrive reserve a table for us. A was the early bird that day and she made sure that I remember it for weeks with her nonstop messages and calls. (I still love you though.)

I arrived soon after and I was surprised that there were only very few people. I guess Monday's not really a popular day to feast. 

L arrived a few minutes later and we decided to order our first plates.

I also ordered Blended Mango and Sago with Coconut Milk as my beverage (and dessert in one).

Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao is of course one of our first orders followed by… well, a lot more.

Presenting... our feast.

Vietnam Egg Rolls (It was served warm and crunchy and it sure made our grumpy tummies happy.)

Steamed Vegetarian Dumplings with Truffle Oil (I find this one to be too oily and had the umay factor. One or two of this is enough for me.)

Xiao Long Bao Heaven: Lugang Café

When eating out, Chinese restaurants are hardly top of mind for me as I prefer Japanese food. (Go blame my anime addiction turned I-want-to-be-Japanese-but-it’s-impossible-so-I’ll-just-eat-everything-Japanese nature.) This is the reason why for the longest time, I have never tried Lugang Café. It’s not Japanese. *turns away* But F has been raving about Lugang Café’s coffee and was very nice of him not to tempt me during Lent season as I sacrificed coffee for 40 (long) days. Come end of Lent, we finally went to Lugang to try that F-recommended coffee.

Hello, Lugang Café!

It wasn’t exactly my first time here as I visited the same branch with my friend A. But I just had a drink then as I was too full to eat anything else. This time though was different as I came from work and famished.

F was already inside when I came in and I let him order for me as I have no idea which ones are good. He ordered the following: Steamed Xiao Long Bao (PHP248), Taiwanese Steamed Minced Pork (PHP220), Stir-fried Beef Noodles with Taiwanese Barbecue Sauce (PHP280), Aweto Flower, Mushroom and Jelly Fish (PHP290) and a pot of Arabian Coffee (PHP240).

In less than 15 minutes, our xiao long bao was served. It was served hot and I found out from F how to eat it the right way. [Dip it in the sauce, place it on the spoon, and then nibble a bit of the dumpling and sip the juice then eat the whole thing.]

The warm xiao long bao sure hit the grumpy spot. It made my tummy happy. The pork was rich in flavor and I just love that it was really juicy.

The Taiwanese Steamed Minced Pork was rather soupy but it was yummy too. The bits of pork were slightly sweet and salty at the same time. It somehow reminded me of pork adobo but minced and saucy.

The stir-fried noodles on the other hand somehow reminded me of Thuk Thai’s noodles. The sweet barbecue sauce made it hard for me not to have a forkful after another. The tender beef bits added texture to the dish making this a winner plate.

The Aweto flower dish was rather interesting. F asked if I was grossed out by it but I actually found it yummy. He mentioned that the taste of this dish is something that requires getting used to. That statement made me wonder though if I just gulped down the whole thing before I could taste it or simply because I love food.  Anyway, the dish was slightly tangy and the texture was quite unique. It had some rough parts and it was rather gummy as well. Overall though, it was a great dish.