#smaurapremier

[thehungrykat1]

Paradise Dynasty Still Offers the Best Flavored Xiao Long Bao in the City

It's been a while since my last visit to Paradise Dynasty and I had been thinking about their flavored Xiao Long Bao for quite some time now. There are many other restaurants around the city that offer these delectable soupy dumplings, but I have always kept coming back to the place that introduced me to the many different flavors and variants that these tasty XLBs can come in.

It was time for The Hungry Kat to rediscover the signature dishes and flavors of Paradise Dynasty Philippines. I have dined several times at their original branch in S Maison (Read: Legendary Xiao Long Bao at Paradise Dynasty) but this was my first time to visit their branch at SM Aura Premier which you can easily find on Level 2.

The SM Aura outlet comes with the same elegance and charm as their two other branches in Metro Manila. Paradise Dynasty is a popular international franchise which originated from Singapore and specializes in serving Xiao Long Bao and other delightful Shanghainese dishes.

Their pioneering branch in S Maison was where I first had a taste of their signature XLBs. Paradise Dynasty has been included once again on Tatler Dining Guide's list of Best Restaurants in 2024, an award they also received in 2022 and 2023.

Their Podium branch is the one I usually visit nowadays since this is closest to my residence. Paradise Dynasty is planning to open two more branches later this year including one at Greenbelt 5 so that should bring them closer to everyone.

I was really excited to be back at Paradise Dynasty. While the SM Aura branch may be a bit smaller than their first two branches, it does feel more homey and relaxing to dine in.

We ordered some of their Seasonal Fruit Shakes (P150) to begin our adventure. My husband had the Watermelon Shake while I had the Mango Shake. These are refreshing beverages to have during this hot summer season.

For our appetizers, we started with the Stewed Bamboo Shoots in Oyster Sauce (P238). This is the first time I have seen bamboo shoots prepared this way so it was quite an interesting dish. It's a healthy appetizer that should be featured more often.

Next up was the Sliced Beef and Tripe in Spicy Szechuan Sauce (P488). This one really comes with a spicy kick so my husband enjoyed having several bites of this fiery starter.

There are also several dim sum items on the menu like the Steamed Vegetable Bun (P150) which is another healthy way to explore Shanghainese cuisine.

The star of the show at Paradise Dynasty is always their Xiao Long Bao. Everyone who visits Paradise Dynasty has to order their Specialty Dynasty Xiao Long Bao (P488). This basket contains eight different flavors of Xiao Long Bao which are all color coded for easy reference. Paraside Dynasty is the first restaurant which offered this kind of colored Xiao Long Bao set and they will always be remembered for putting their legendary Xiao Long Bao on the global foodie map.

There's actually a recommended sequence of eating these flavored XLBs as shown on the paper that comes with it. Start with the Original (white) in the middle which is the traditional pork soup dumpling filled with chicken broth. Then go clockwise starting with the Korean Kimchi (green), Foie Gras (brown), Black Truffle (black), Cheese (yellow), Crab Roe (orange), Garlic (gray), and finally ending with the Szechuan (red).

Each Xiao Long Bao has its own unique flavor and taste which really separates this from other Chinese restaurants I have visited. The Xiao Long Bao dumplings are perfectly made, with thin but durable wrappers that do not easily break even with all the hot soup inside. So how do you usually eat XLBs? First, place a dumpling on your spoon. Next, take small bite out of the side of the dumpling and sip the hot broth. Lastly, dip the dumpling on the XLB sauce and finish the rest of the piece. The procedure is not really as strict as like how the Japanese eat their sushi, so you can eat it however you like.

Once you have your own favorite flavors, you can order each Xiao Long Bao basket with just one type of dumpling. The Original XLB (P230-6pcs / P360-10pcs) continues to be the most popular, but you can also go get the special flavors like the Szechuan XLB (P280-6pcs / P450-10pcs). My favorites are the Cheese, Foie Gras, and most especially the Black Truffle XLBs.

Paradise Dynasty offers several interesting noodles on the menu. One of them is the La Main with Pork Wanton in Hot Chili Vinaigrette (P300). This semi-dry noodle comes with spicy pork wonton dumplings that really go well with the noodles.

Now let's try some more of their hot dishes. The Stir Fried Shredded Pork in Black Bean Sauce (P588) is served with Chinese Crepes that can be used as wrappers.

Place the savory shredded pork inside the crepes, wrap or roll them into bite-sized portions then bite away. The salty and savory pork pairs well with Chinese crepes to help balance the flavors.

One of their fiery Szechuan specialties is the Poached Sliced Fish in Szechuan Chili Oil (P1288) which is really as hot as it looks. The fish slices are really so good to eat, although the soup base is really red and spicy. This bowl can be good for up to four adventurous persons so make sure you are up for it.

Another dish for those who like it hot is the Stir-fried Shrimps in Spicy Bean and Tomato Sauce (P588). The spiciness level of these shrimps is way up there and while I may not be that comfortable with very spicy dishes, my husband happily took care of finishing this item.

The Deep Fried Garlic Pork Ribs (P588) is a dish that everyone will enjoy. We paired these crispy pork ribs with their Shanghai Fried Rice which was also so good and fragrant.

One of my favorite hot dishes at Paradise Dynasty is the Stir-Fried Beef with Kai Lan (P588). These tender slices of beef are cooked in oyster sauce resulting in a rich and very flavorful dish that would also really go well with fried rice.

For our dessert, we enjoyed nibbling on the Charcoal Custard Lava Bun (P188). This Darth Vader-looking bun is quite heavenly with its gooey salted egg yolk custard that just oozes out when you bite it. The custard has just the right amount of flavor, not too rich or salty, so you can finish all three pieces in one sitting if you don’t want to share. I actually prefer having my custard bun as a dessert instead of an appetizer but you can do that as well.

We would like to thank Xchosa Deniega for hosting our small reunion at Paradise Dynasty in SM Aura Premier. It had been a while since we last met her so we were all happy sharing our recent travel adventures over a hearty and flavorful lunch. If you want to enjoy these yummy dishes, you can visit any of their three branches or order online via Grabfood, Foodpanda, Pickaroo and SM Online for delivery.

Paradise Dynasty Philippines

Level 2, SM Aura Premier, Taguig City

8478-3333

paradisedynasty.ph

www.facebook.com/paradisedynastyph

[takeoffphilippines]

SM Aura Premier Takes Visitors on a Golden Christmas Journey

SM Aura Premier invites all to spend Christmastime in resplendent shades of gold, an immersive tunnel display, and a light show overlooking the city of BGC.

As Christmas draws near, mallgoers will be welcomed by brightly lit archways, hundreds of golden Christmas baubles, crystal chandeliers, pearlescent orbs and curtains of light at the high-end mall’s façade and entryways. The grandest of them all is the yearly awaited Christmas tree centerpiece at SM Aura Premier’s Upper Ground Level Atrium. Measuring more than 30-feet high, the lavishly decorated tree is accompanied by equally larger-than-life embellished structures, broadway lights that spell out “Holidays at Aura,” two life-size giraffes, and sprawling swirls that enclose nearly a thousand gold and silver Christmas balls.

Santa Meet & Greet and A Chorale Performance

The Christmas tree centerpiece will play host to a Santa Meet & Greet and a chorale performance by the Everest Chorale, the children’s choir from Everest Academy who return to spread holiday cheer at SM Aura Premier on select days of December. Catch the Everest Singers on December 10 and 17 and Santa Claus on December 24 and 25.

The Golden Gateway by TECNO Mobile

Tucked behind the giant Christmas tree is a golden gemstone-shaped immersive experience. In partnership with global smartphone brand TECNO Mobile, technology and art meet to transport all who enter this enclosure into scenes of an opulent holiday palace and fantastical golden worlds. Simply present PHP 1,000 in single or collected receipts and enter a whole new world filled with glitz and glamour.

Nights of Dazzling Lights 

The theatrical room isn’t the only technological experience the mall has. Equally spectacular is a choreographed light and sound display at SM Aura Premier’s Skypark at Level 5. Visitors of the Skypark enter a space with tall tree-like sculptures made of strings of lights. As they go through a forest of lights, a jaw-dropping musical show will entrance and excite them. Visitors can stop and enjoy the choreographed audio and visual performance at 7pm on all Sunday nights of December, including December 25th itself.

Holiday features and activities aren’t the only offerings to bring marvelous cheer. There are Holiday pop-up markets, exciting giveaways and amazing deals and discounts from participating stores around the mall. This can even be enjoyed online through SM Supermalls’ new shopping app, SM Malls Online.

For more information on SM Aura Premier’s holiday offerings, visit @SMAuraPremier on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.

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[kirktonic]

Movie day Sunday! #thorloveandthunder #imax #smaura #smaurapremier (at SM Aura Premier) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf1GEUXPyPk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fromlefttowritecalligraphy]

Who else is excited for this weekend? I know I am! Hope to see you at @smaurapremier for @pagtitipon Pagtitipon 5: Kaligrapiya, Art Tambay, atbp! I'll be doing a 1-hour demo/class from 5pm-6pm for brush calligraphy, so if you are interested, please do drop by! I definitely recommend dropping by early so you can check out all the cool people, events and activities we have in store for you :D #brushcalligraphy #brushcalligraphy #fromlefttowritecalligraphy #calligraphy #calligraphyph #community #pagtitipon #pagtitiponPH #smaurapremier #artinaura #whyiwrite #rememberwhyyoustarted

[yashirokuru]

Ribbon Cutting and opening of the Synthesis Architectural Photography Exhibit of Marc Henrich Go. Present during the event are his Family, Mentors, SM Executives, Dr. Hayden Kho, Scarlet Snow Belo and Dra. Vicky Belo #ArtInAura #MarcGoExhibits #SMAuraPremier @smaurapremier @dochayden #HaydenKho @scarletsnowbelo #ScarletSnowBelo @victoria_belo #VickyBelo More #kwento at www.kwentonitoto.com #KwentoNiToto

[danabonnie5]

Me Rachel At The Christmas 🎄Tree At The Aura Premiere#christmaspasyal2018#christmasdecorations#smaurapremier (at SM Aura Premier) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrqxoYVn6Y_aB--S2TWiK03nGohcLeLqMY1aqk0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ov5jjmrzomr

[xelesteganda]

#CheeseRoll #Bibingkamada #SharpCheddarCheeseEnsaymada #PastMidnightSnackAttack #Delicious #FoodPorn #Yummie #Rapsa #Slimer #BusogLusog #KainLangNgKain #SMAuraPremier #BGC #TeleseryeEats #Halik #HOOQ #Thankful #Blessed #LifesSimplePleasures #FooOod #TheFoodBloggerMe (at X's Haven) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqt78NqFRiWv-zRN76b9YYaCGx9g0DnkFFazhU0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ul97pb56vw0c

[rnepevents]

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A post shared by Rita Neri Event Planners (@rnepevents)

Day 2 of Bridal Luxe... A few members of Uno Ritmo treated the attendees with some songs. The band is one of RNEP’s fav bands for weddings and events. #RNEPEvents #rnepyourgotoplanner #smaurapremier #SMBridalLuxe #unoritmoweddings @ritamneri @unoritmomusic https://www.instagram.com/p/BneCCGdgMiu/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=371wfbrfeb6i

[eddyonair]

The French Wings. SM Aura Premier, Taguig, Philippines. • • • • #blogcast #frenchwingz #smaura #smaurapremier #taguig (at SM Aura Premier)

[thehungrykat1]

Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe Opens New Branch at SM Aura Premier

One of my favorite hangout places in Tagaytay has just opened a new branch here in Metro Manila. Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe is a popular restaurant in Tagaytay and Baguio serving everything cacao and everything local. I usually go there for their very rich and luscious hot chocolate as well as for their chocolate-inspired meriendas and desserts. Now, I don’t have to troop all the way to Tagaytay to satisfy my chocolate cravings.

Tsokolateria opened its newest branch at the 5th Level Skypark of SM Aura Premier in Bonifacio Global City. This brings them much closer to their many hungry customers, especially as its owner Chef Happy Ongpauco-Tiu and new partner John Michael Hilton of Visum Ventures plans to expand the franchise to five new branches in Metro Manila this year.

Foodies and tourists have been trooping to Tsokolateria Tagaytay and Baguio for their creative take using local Tablea chocolate as inspiration for their exciting dishes. (Read: Chocolate Dreams Come Alive at Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe). The SM Aura branch now enables more Filipinos to experience these high quality local cacao and chocolate offerings in a more accessible location.

Aside from that, the new Tsokolateria branch also comes with a section for My Happy Home, Chef Happy’s retail store selling beautiful plates and home decors which I usually buy from at their San Juan outlet.

Chef Happy Ongpauco-Tiu is the brains behind Tsokolateria, part of the Happy Concept Group of establishments which include Pamana, I Love Backyard BBQ, LèChon, and more. Coming from the same family that brought us the well-loved Barrio Fiesta, Happy continues her family’s culinary tradition with her successful endeavors and interesting restaurant concepts.

Tsokolateria is best known for its native Tablea House Blend hot chocolate which is hand made the old fashioned way. These are served in a traditional batirol which is whisked to bring out the natural flavors of the tsokolate. The Tsokolate Ah (P280) is a sweet version of the native hot chocolate. I really like drinking hot chocolate and Tsokolateria always reminds me of the hot chocolate at the world-famous Angelina Paris. When I asked Chef Happy about this, she said that she actually loves that chocolate as well and patterned her version after it. No wonder they taste so similar!

Tsokolateria also offers the Tsokolate Eh (P280) which has a bittersweet flavor. I also like the Tsoko Mallows (P340) which is a yummy Tsokolate Ah topped with big and soft tsokolateria marshmallows that melt into the rich chocolate drink. The Tablea House Blends servings are good for two so these are really perfect for those here on a date, but you can also order a Solo serving if you wish.

One of my new discoveries and recommendations here is the Frozen Hot Tsoko (P340). This is a hot Tsokolate Ah poured in a cup with creamy vanilla ice cream then topped with cacao nibs.

The result is a rich, creamy, and overflowing cup of cold and hot chocolate at the same time. The playfulness of the contrasting temperatures and sweet flavors of the melted ice cream and hot chocolate is such a wonderful experience.

Tsokolateria also has some new cocktails on the menu for those who want something with a little more kick. Some of these are the Paradise Fizz (P400), Almond Joy (P400), and the Happy Spritzer (P400).

Now let’s try some of their soups and salads. The Wild Mushroom Soup (P285) comes with native assorted mushrooms, freash creams, and a pinch of bitter tsoko paste.

Almost all of the items here at Tsokolateria comes with chocolate syrup that you can add on your dish according to your liking. This is the first time I have encountered soup topped with chocolate syrup, but it actually works! The sweet chocolate adds to the earthy flavors of the mushroom soup, giving it a unique profile. This might be the best mushroom soup I have ever had, so I am definitely coming back for more.

Here are some of the appetizers you can order from the menu. The Sisig Croquetas (P450) with spicy cacao nibs are crunchy and savory bite-sized croquetas that comes with mayonnaise dip.

The Longganisa Fundido (P350) is a melted cheese dish with Baguio longganisang hubad, caramelized onions, cacao melba, local cheese and tsoko maple. The melted cheese combined with the savory longganisa is a delightful blend best eaten together with the toasted bread.

There’s also the Pugon Baked Brie (P399) which has baked Brie topped with guava jam and crispy adobo flakes. You can then add some cacao honey on top to make it even sweeter. This is quite an interesting combination that will fill your palate with flavors.

Tsokolateria also offers some Bruschetta Pandesal and if you can’t decide which ones to get, just order the Bruschetta Pandesal Platter (P699) which comes with Grilled Quesong Puti, Homemade Spicy Sardines, and Adobo Flakes.

Pasta lovers won’t feel left behind because the cafe also has pasta dishes infused with tsokolate flavors. The Spicy Tuyo Pasta (P450) is a delightful spaghetti plate prepared with garlic, olive oil, parmesan cheese, and tuyo flakes. Their pasta dishes are all served with bulalo soup and salad.

Another option is the Alimango and Aligue Pasta (P400) with its Aligue butter cacaoglio olio, fresh aligue, cacao nibs, and garlic bits. I really liked this flavorful seafood pasta.

One of the favorites that afternoon was the Smoked Black Pasta Palabok (P450) with its combination of crunchy calamares and crispy pork on top of black noodles doused with palabok sauce. Don’t worry about the noodles because it was specially made so that you won’t get black squid ink stuck on your teeth after eating.

Pizzas are also on the menu with their all-day Pizza Tarts. The Caprese Pizza (P490) comes topped with mozzarella, cheddar, quesong puti, basil, and cherry tomatoes. They also have Longganiza Pizza and Truffle Mushroom Pizza.

Tsokolateria also serves chocolate-inspired savory dishes if you want some heavier main courses. Their All Time Favorites include the Artisanal Longganisa (P420) with assorted longganisa sautéed in roasted garlic and combined with sauerkraut and cacao nibs. These all-day breakfast items come with scrambled egg, pinoy salsa, bulalo soup, and a cup of native black mountain rice.

But my favorite main course is obviously the Bacon Lechon Kawali (P395) with its tanglad-marinated bacon-cut crispy liempo cooked in peppercorns, bayleaf and cacao nibs. I can have this for brunch or dinner any day.

For desserts, Tsokolateria has several Churros Waffles to satisfy more of your sweet tooth. The Churros Waffle Original is a deep fried waffle that comes with butter, chocolate and maple syrup. You can add more toppings like strawberries or avocado for P80 each.

You can also try their Churros Waffle Fingers (P335) which has deep fried waffles dipped in cinnamon sugar and served with whipped cream, chocolate, and maple syrup.

We saved the best for last because the Tablea Champorado (P570) is probably the most popular Filipino chocolate dish that can be an appetizer, a breakfast item, a dessert, or even a main course all in one. Tsokolateria’s rich champorado is made the old fashioned way using mountain rice cooked in rich native tablea. This is served in a sizzling clay pot with bacon lechon and dried spada on the side. Just add milk to the hot champorado and you are good to go.

Congratulations Chef Happy Ongpauco-Tiu and Visum Ventures for the opening of Tsokolateria in SM Aura Premier. I’m sure this new partnership will be very successful as we can now enjoy Tsokolateria’s specialties at more convenient locations in Metro Manila. I’m already planning my return visit to Tsokolateria soon!

Tsokolateria Artisanal Cafe

Skypark, Level 5, SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

(0927) 323-6513

www.facebook.com/tsokolateria

www.happyconceptgroup.com

[cocoselbor]

🧜🏻‍♀️ #merrychristmas #smaurapremier #3daystochristmas (at SM Aura Premier)

[klingmaldita-blog]

🎄 #smaurapremier #christmastree #christmasiscoming #livelovelaugh #chill (at SM Aura Premier)

[itsmewilsonjay-blog]

Experience the Magical Giant Christmas Tree ala Jungle here @smaurapremier!!! At first glance, it reminds me of Jumanji! 😅😍🎄🎁 . #ChristmasTree #SMAuraPremier #Phonetography #MerryChristmas #ChristmasJungle #HolidaySeason #ChristmasisintheAir #ChristmasSeason #ChristmasDecor #ChristmasDecorations https://www.instagram.com/p/BqXbEkLHNgc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=143jjbupc2lal

[fromlefttowritecalligraphy]

They're too good! Had such a blast with these awesome people :D #fromlefttowritecalligraphy #calligraphy #calligraphyph #pagtitipon #pagtitiponPH #demo #smaurapremier #artinaura #workshop (at SM Aura Premier)

[sassyangelie]

The closest thing to Tokyo Disney Sea that I could have for now because i miss that wonderful place badly #christmasdecors #smaurapremier #mermaidatheart (at SM Aura Premier)

[kimwellito]

It's only half past the point of no return The tip of the iceberg, the sun before the burn . . . . . . #vscocamera #vscocamgram #vscocamph #vscocamphils #vscocamphl #vscofeature #vscofilter #vscofeed #vscofeedph #vscophile #vscophilippines #vscofyph #vscocommunity #ManilArt #manilart2017 #manilartfair2017 #smaurapremier (at SM Aura Premier)