Paradise Dynasty @ Funan Mall - Singapore First Ever Alcohol Infused Xiao Long Bao For A Limited Period

Fans of Paradise Group dining concepts will be excited to know that it has launched limited-edition alcohol-infused Xiao Long Bao, at Paradise Dynasty, Funan Mall. The Singapore first-ever alcohol-infused xiao long bao will only be available from 10 December 2019 to 19 January 2020 together with 4 other exclusive dishes - Shanghai Sesame Char Siew Pastry, Pan-fried Chilli Crab Bun, Deep-fried Crispy Duck served with Lotus Bun and Dong Po Pork.

Tipsy Surprise Xiao Long Bao 4.5/5

I find the Tipsy Surprise Xiao Long Bao ($18.80) an ingenious creation by the culinary team. During the promotional period from 10 December 2019 to 19 January 2020, guest can enjoy a basket of the alcohol xiao long bao at only $2.80 with every order of the other exclusive dishes at the Funan outlet.

The filling of each parcel is treated with a different distilled spirit. The alcohol helps to bring out the flavours of the tender meat filling housed in the dumpling skin, The different colours have a different flavour profile. White for Beer, Yellow for Red Wine with Cheese, Green for Chinese Rice Wine, Red for Whiskey and Orange for Cognac. The bold creation is legit delicious with the distinct distilled spirit profile which will excite your taste buds.

Shanghai Sesame Char Siew Pastry 4.2/5

Another exclusive dishes at Funan Mall is the Shanghai Sesame Char Siew Pastry ($5.80/3pcs) comes with a sweet tender meat filling encased in a flaky shell with a beautiful coat of aroma from the white sesame. 

Pan-fried Chilli Crab Bun 3.8/5

Making another exclusive return for a limited time is the Pan-fried Chilli Crab Bun ($10.80/3pcs). It soft and fluffy bun comes with succulent crab meat inside while the bottom is pan-fried to a slight crisp. While I enjoyed the soft and fluffy dough, I find the sauce on the garlicky side, which is not my preferred interpretation of the chilli crab sauce.

Deep-fried Crispy Duck served with Lotus Bun 3.8/5

Similar to how we enjoy Peking Duck, the Deep-fried Crispy Duck served with Lotus Bun ($30/half) is best enjoyed by sandwiching a piece of the crispy duck in the soft lotus bun and paired with the sweet hoisin sauce, and cucumber and radish condiments.

Dong Po Pork 4/5

Another favourite item from exclusive dishes is the classic Dong Po Pork ($19.80). The braised pork belly glazed with dark soy sauce is slow-cooked to fork-tender. This hearty dish is best to go with a bowl of steamed white rice.

All these items are only exclusive at the Funan outlet fro a limited period from 10 December 2019 to 19 January 2010. Simply ordered one of the exclusive dishes Shanghai Sesame Char Siew Pastry, Pan-fried Chilli Crab Bun, Deep-fried Crispy Duck served with Lotus Bun or Dong Po Pork to enjoy a basket of the Tipsy Suprise Xiao Long Bao at only $2.80 during the promotional period.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Paradise Dynasty
Funan Mall
107 North Bridge Road
#B1-01
Singapore 179097
Tel: +65 68051642
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH; 1030am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left onto North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 mins. [Map]

The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Chinese New Year Offerings

For the upcoming Lunar New Year gatherings, usher in the Year of Rat with less traditional feasts, but nothing short of an abundant celebration. At The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore, depending on whether you are with families, friends or partners, choose from full course sets or ala carte items offered by 15 Stamford by Alvin Leong and all six outlets at Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski Hotel.

Yu Sheng 2.5/5

The 4-course/5-course Chinese Lunar Set Menu ($138/$158 per pax) by 15 Stamford by Alvin Leung start off with Pat Chun Vinegar Cured Fjord Trout “Yu Sheng” with Lime Salt, Honey Plum Dressing. The Salmon slices have been treated beforehand and can be rather salty, especially when there wasn't enough vegetable slaw to balance the preserved conditions. To keep it light and refreshing, be more careful when dressing your Yu Sheng with the plum sauce.

Australian Abalone Ceviche 3/5

This particular Chinese Lunar Set Menu takes on a contemporary twist to the traditional festive dishes, such as Australian Abalone Ceviche. For somebody who doesn't quite appreciate the usual braised Abalone, I find this take on the ingredient quite interesting, although the vinaigrette was a tad too acidic.

Eight Treasure Rice Pudding with Frozen Dried Longan Red Date 4/5

One other dish we tried on the menu is the dessert. While we craved for a soul-warming Hor Yip Fan (Lotus Leaf Wrapped Rice) in this chilly weather, in place we had a Lotus Leaf Wrapped Eight Treasure Rice Pudding, but for a sweet ending! Flambe with Lychee Wine, the sweet and warm sticky rice along with the Frozen Dried Longan Red Date will sum up your feast perfectly.

Thai Fish Maw Soup 4/5

From Chalerm Thai, its 6-course CNY Festive Special ($88 per pax) features a classic Thai Fish Maw Soup. The soup was quite well seasoned, and biting into the gelatinous fish maw does make one feel nourished.

Soy Sauce Glazed Pork Belly 4.5

When it comes to pork, you can be assured that Frieda will deliver. My favourite of the evening is probably this Soy Sauce Glazed Pork Belly ($26) by Frieda. The pork belly was well caramelised at all sides and edges, with the accompanying salty and savoury sliced waxed meat sausages lending an extra layer of flavours. It comes with rice, but as the glaze is so well balanced without any overdose of saltiness or flavours, I reckon beer or even wine will be a much better accompaniment to indulge in this dish.

Bak Kwa & Roasted Duck Pizza 2.5/5

La Scala Ristorante also has its own version of what makes an auspicious CNY dish - Bak Kwa & Roasted Duck Pizza ($28) with plum and BBQ sauces. Coming from La Scala Ristorante, this pizza was quite a letdown. The sauces overwhelmed all the ingredients, including the mozzarella cheese which some of us even missed it. Given the good pizza dough, the pizza could have been a lot more refine and enjoyable with a more thought-out combination and presentation of the toppings. Perhaps the roasted duck slices could have been more elegantly portioned on the pizza, with coin-shaped bakkwa, and definitely a lot fewer sauces.

Abalone Golden Beancurd with dried Oyster, Fatt Choy, Spinach 3.5/5

For corporate bookings, you will be hosted at The Atelier by the Capitol Kempinski Banquet, offering 4 types of set menus in both individual plating and family-style format. One of the dishes from the Family Style 6-course Chinese set ($1,088 for 10pax) is the Abalone Golden Beancurd with dried Oyster, Fatt Choy, Spinach in superior brown sauce. Each individual ingredient was quite well treated, and their respective flavour combines to form a very pleasing CNY dish.

Cheng Tng Panna Cotta 4/5

Mandarin Orange Ivory Chocolate Mousse 3/5

Menus include very delicious desserts such as Mandarin Orange Ivory Chocolate Mousse with Salted Peanut and the most beloved sweet of the evening, Cheng Tng Panna Cotta. This is like a new sensation after all the hype around chendol.

Written and photography by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
13 Stamford Road
Singapore 178906
Tel: +65 63688888
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line)