Peter M.
Yelp
Paradise Dynasty, is the Singapore challenge, to the Taiwanese Din Tai Fung. The latter has already established a strong footprint in the United States. Both their businesses center around dumplings, with additional offerings. So let's talk about Paradise Dynasty. They started out in Orange County and recently moved into Los Angeles. Let me say thank you, we have been waiting for you. I saw this outpost at Changi Airport, when I was in Singapore on a layover, but did not have time to visit. This LA outpost debut is located at Rick Caruso's stunning mall complex, the Americana at Glendale. The dining space is expansive. The service is extremely friendly. (I think they know what the competition is). The signature dish at Paradise, is the 8 International Flavored Xiao Long Bao. They claim it to be the world's first. It is a must get. Superb.l
What is attractive in this soup dumpling presentation is, that they all have different colors and they all have distinct flavors. Magnetic optics. You are supplied with a small cheat sheet to tell you what is in each of the dumplings, the flavor to expect and which order to eat them. This part of marketing, is brilliant. And yes, each and every dumpling, was dynamite. But they don't instruct you how to eat a soup dumpling. Punch the whole, suck up the soup, etc. Also, on the table there are two small stainless steel pour containers. What is inside? There's no labeling. I had to ask. ...one is vinegar, one was soy sauce. So what else do you order when you are here? The menu is extensive, numerous choices, so hard to decide. All look so good. Have to come back, it is already in the works.
After much debate, I went for their green beans with pork, wishing subconsciously to compare, the green beans that one gets at Din Tai Fung. I have to say this one was a notch better. Maybe because it had the pork, and its unique flavor. Also ordered steam rice ($3 extra charge) with this item. The beans was a superb dish. I could not stop eating and actually finished it. Service by Marcus, was high class. So will Paradise be able to compete with their competitor? Everyone is asking that question. At the onset, it seems like it will be a hard mountain to climb. But I would not doubt the Singaporeans. Let the games begin.