Din Tai Fung @ Junction 8, Singapore

Ranked as one of the world's 'Top Ten Best Restaurants' by The New York Times, Michelin-starred Din Tai Fung is the one place to head for authentic Taiwanese xiao long baos (steamed pork dumplings). Its roots dated back to Taiwan 40 years ago, when Bingyi Yang stopped selling oil and switched to making xiao long baos for a living. Businesses grew quickly with customers boasting about its exceptional quality and taste. Today, Din Tai Fung has became a widely acclaimed, international brand, offering customers distinctive culinary and service culture.

It was the 60th birthday of girlfriend's father and I thought, what's better than to celebrate over a table of signature dim-sum. As expected, getting a table on Friday evenings is pretty difficult and they do not bother with reservations under 8 persons. However, orders could be placed beforehand to minimise waiting, so food arrived even before we warmed our seats.

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao @ Holland Village, Singapore

I remembered the first time I had Xiao Long Bao, it was in this particular Crystal Jade restaurant and till today, the vivid memory of my awkward fumbling of these delicate art pieces still haunts me. Due to my virgin experience and ignorance, I didn't knew the existence of a small pouch of soup wrapped beneath the thin, delicate dumpling skin. At that time, I sucked at using chopsticks and the way I picked things up - it's to poke them. Things happened and my lovely Xiao Long Bao was ruined.

Recently, dear Peiyi and I had the chance to visit this famous Shanghai-nese restaurant during the weekdays. And oh my, customers were already queueing up, but again, lucky us for we were seated within 15 minutes. Those with bigger groups had to wait up to almost an hour (and again I stressed - it was a weekday!)

Xiao Long Bao (S$4.80 for 4) was glorious. The dumpling skin was just right and the broth complemented the juicy minced pork meat. Mother Kook called me stupid for not eating it with vinegar (which I don't, I detest the smell), but let me tell you that this beauties go well without vinegar and shredded ginger too. Just do not make the same mistake as me.

Pan Fried Pork Bun (S$4.00 for 3) does not lose out. Sink your teeth into these soft fragrant bun and savour the succulent fillings. I thought this yummy buns look like the classic Meat Pao, but just pan fried and upgraded like four levels up.

Ohh-la-la. 

Salted Nanjing Duck (S$8.50) was a tad hard for my liking. Nevertheless, these beautiful duck slices were luscious with a thin layer of fat. Just look at the soft pinkish-red meat! However, I always preferred eating duck drenched in Chinese braised sauce, so this does not appeal to me much.

Lastly, we had Crystal Jade speciality La Mian with Braised Beef (S$8.50). The beef was so tender and juicy, especially the tendons, which I totally love them. (while girlfriend finds them fross. Weird.) Their speciality noodles were definitely one of the best in Singapore, with the spot-on chewiness. But what I wanted to praise most is what holds this entire dish together - the broth. Thick brown soup made of long-simmered ingredients, it brings forth a subtle sweet and herbal  aroma that makes you want to devour this dish.

Besides ala-carte, Crystal Jade (Holland Village) also presents a South-Northern buffet experience which includes steamboat and a huge variety of appetizers, meat, drinks and dim-sum. The best part is that you get all the Xiao Long Bao you can eat!

A very useful tip - do your reservations! Walking in for the buffet guarantees near 0% you can get a table at dinner hours.

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao

Tel: 64630968

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri: 11:00 - 22:30
Sat - Sun: 10:30 - 22:30

241/241A Holland Avenue
Holland Village

Paradise Dynasty @ Ion Orchard, Singapore

Comfortably nestled in a corner of ION Orchard, Paradise Dynasty’s layout was chic – a fusion between a traditional Chinese theme and contemporary styles. Their outdoor seating area also gives those willing to brave the Singapore weather a pleasant view of orchard road.

During our meal there, I tried the Braised Pork La Mian in Signature Pork Bone Soup and it was delightable. The La Mian, vegetables, pork and other ingredients came in adequate proportions and the broth complemented the dish well. The pork, especially, was delectable and was a fine balance between fat and meat.

On the other hand, Thomas had the Sliced Pork La Mian while Douglas ordered the La Mian with Deep Fried Chicken Cutlet. The noodles we had were basically the same La Mian, made fresh on ordering, which were silky and finely cut.

Douglas’ chicken cutlet came on a separate plate which ensured that the crispy pieces were not soaked in the broth and did not lose its texture. The chicken, though a little oily for my taste, stood out because of its flavour. Though I’m not too sure what sauces or marinades they used, the flavour evoked a sort of home-cooked feeling which I rarely experienced at restaurants.

Last but not least, we also tried Paradise Dynasty’s famous “multi-coloured” Signature Dynasty Xiao Long Baos (S$13.80). Apparently, there was an order we were supposed to follow while eating the Xiao Long Baos but since it was our first time trying their signature dish, our inexperience caused us to overlook the order and our zeal in trying out the different coloured Baos resulted in us simply randomly eating those whose colours looked most appealing. Needless to say, the Xiao Long Baos’ special flavours were not apparent to our palates and resulted in a huge anti-climax. Hence, as a warning to future diners, please be reminded to follow the order.

 Great food with better company Jin Kiat (left) and Douglas

Ultimately, what makes Paradise Dynasty a recommendable place to eat is not just their sumptuous food, but also their prices. Located on the top floor of ION Orchard, one would easily mistake the prices in Paradise Dynasty to rival those of the other posh restaurants in its vicinity. However, our meal this time cost us no more than $20 each - a reasonable price for the quality of food and ambience provided. So if you are looking for good food at a more conservative price in Orchard, why not give Paradise Dynasty a try?

Paradise Dynasty

Tel: +65 6509 9118

Opening Hours
Mon - Fri: 11:00 - 22:00
Sat, Sun & PH: 10:00 - 22:00

#04-12

2 Orchard Turn

Ion Orchard

Written and edited by Jin Kiat
Photographs by Thomas Chan