Paradise Dynasty 樂天皇朝
I saw some colorful Xiao Long Bao 小籠包 while looking for a place to eat in Grand Plaza, and decided to check it out.
2/ Specialty Dynasty Xiao Long Bao (8 flavors) 特色皇朝小籠包 (八色)
Xiaolongbao refers to a type of small Chinese steamed bun traditionally prepared in a xiaolong, a small bamboo steaming basket. Xiaolongbao are often referred to as a kind of "dumpling", but are distinct from Chinese jiaozi or wonton. 1
- 招牌原味 Signature Original
- 芝士 Cheese
- 蟹粉 Crab Roe
- 蒜香 Garlic
- 川味 Szechaun
- 韓式泡菜 Korean Kimchi
- 鵝肝 Foie Gras
- 黑松露 Black Truffle
The signature original is definitely the best.
3/ Vinegar 醋 is the only condiment I need for Xiao Long Bao.
4/ But some people also prefer hot sauce and pepper.
5/ 聞香蔥油餅 Scallion Pastry
6/ 聞香蔥油餅 Scallion Pastry - Inside view
Unusual item. Tasty. This pastry seems to be a modern interpretation of the traditional dish — Scallion pancakes 蔥油餅.
7/ 蘿蔔絲酥餅 Radish Pastry
Shredded daikon radish is thinly sliced and wrapped in pastry. Aka Turnip Puff Pastry, Radish Puff.
8/ 香煎豆沙鍋餅 Pan-fried Pancake with Red Bean Paste
Shanghainese dessert. One of my favorite desserts in Chinese cuisine. Often, I would intentionally dine in Shanghainese restaurants just so I know that I could order this dish.
Verdict
Recommended. I like the original signature Xiaolongbao the best. The black truffle one is interesting — though if you’re a truffle lover then it’s not really that exceptional. I’m mostly glad that it’s not bad truffle… The rest are interesting but not exceptional.
Will revisit — good enough to take a friend for a casual lunch. Not for special occasion. I’d give the signature original Xiaolongbao half a star. The rest of the food is good — but again, not exceptional. I mean they’re pretty good — good enough for a revisit. To me, any place that’s worth revisiting is generally good for me.
With so many amazing food options in Hong Kong, I rarely go to a restaurant twice unless the food is good.
Time Out
Since publishing this post, I have found out that Time Out wrote an article about the Best Xiao Long Bao in Hong Kong and Paradise Dynasty is listed as one of the places. I have had 3 out of the 8 restaurants listed, and here’s how I think about them.
- Crystal Jade - ✅ - Crystal Jade is very good but also depends on at the location. The one at the Airport and Causeway Bay is good. The one near me in Ma On Shan is sometimes good (varies).
- Din Tai Fung - ✅ - Din Tai Fung is best in at the main store in Taipei. The ones in HK depend on which chef is working / which store.
- Liu Yuan Pavilion - ⚪️
- Man Mo Dim Sum - ⚪️
- Paradise Dynasty - ✅ - Reviewed above. Generally good enough. But if they want to make me go there for special occasions, then I’d say that they need to up their game in the non-Xiaolongbao dishes also.
- Shanghai Lane - ⚪️
- Xia Fei Soceity - ⚪️
- Ye Shanghai - ⚪️
Information
樂天皇朝
Paradise Dynasty
Shop 203 and 205
2/F, Grand Plaza
625 and 639, Nathan Road
MongKok, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Exit E1, Mongkok MTR Station
Exit B, MongKok East MTR Station
Tel: +852 2177 3456
Photography
Canon EOS R8
Canon RF 24-105 f/4L IS USM
Date: 2024-03-16
Series: Chinese Food Culture
Creative Commons Attribution (CCBY)
Copyright 2024 See-ming Lee / SML Photography / SML Universe Limited
seeminglee.com
Paradise Dynasty 樂天皇朝 / 2024-03-18 / SML