Legendary 8-Flavor "Rainbow" Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings by Paradise Dynasty (Specialty Dynasty Xiǎolóngbāo 小籠包)

Legendary 8-Flavor "Rainbow" Xiaolongbao 

by Paradise Dynasty, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

When I first moved to Bangkok over a decade ago, one of my favorite restaurants when I wanted to treat myself was Paradise Dynasty, a Singaporean chain known for their legendary colorful xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings, each offering a different flavor experience. I was very sad when the branch in Bangkok closed, so imagine my delight when, on a recent trip to Cambodia, I found a branch in Phnom Penh.

Paradise Dynasty takes what was once a humble Shanghainese comfort food and transforms it into a tasting menu of Chinese culinary tradition. The famous 8-flavor xiaolongbao set features a rainbow of soup dumplings which guide your palate through increasingly bold flavors meant to evoke the dynasties and diverse regions of China.

Specialty Dynasty xiǎolóngbāo set of 8 flavorful soup dumplings 

To eat xiaolongbao properly, gently lift the dumpling from the steamer using chopsticks, holding it by the top to avoid tearing the delicate skin. Place it onto your spoon carefully bite a small hole or poke it with your chopstick to release the broth. Sip the broth from the spoon, then dip the dumpling in black vinegar with ginger for extra flavor before eating the rest in one or two bites. This way, you can savor and enjoy the full experience of the soup, the filling, and the dumpling.

8 flavors xiaolongbao course with tasting notes by Paradise Dynasty

Every basket of xiaolongbao is accompanied by a card describing the precise order in which the restaurant recommends you eat the dumplings. It starts with the original soup dumpling, and the flavors build in boldness, culminating with the strongest tastes at the end.

• Original (white) - Start with the classic xiaolongbao, a delicate dumpling filled with rich pork broth. It's a warm, umami, and comforting dumpling, and a tribute to the Shanghai classic.
• Foie Gras (brown) - The second bite is a decadent French-Chinese fusion. The foie gras adds a smooth and buttery richness that melts into the broth.
• Black Truffle (black) - This dumpling is earthy and aromatic. It's a strong burst of flavor, and the first one of the set that really hints at how bold and unique the upcoming dumplings are going to be.
• Cheese (yellow) - This creamy and savory dumpling is a surprising Western twist that somehow works. It's rich and cheesy and may be my favorite of the bunch.
• Crab Roe (orange) - Briny and oceanic, this dumpling evokes coastal provinces like Zhejiang or Fujian, combining the sweetness of crab with the richness of roe.
• Garlic (grey) - This dumpling is pungent, but not overpoweringly so. It is sharp and assertive and a nod to the rustic, garlic-forward dishes of northern China.
• Szechuan (red) - Spicy, tingly, with the iconic numbing sensation of the Sichuan peppercorn, this dumpling has a fiery kick.
• Kimchi (green) - A bold, tangy dumpling with the unmistakable punch of fermented chili and cabbage. This Korean-inspired twist adds a hit of spice and acidity that cuts through the richness for the grand finale.

Szechuan pepper xiaolongbao soup dumpling

As I finished the eighth dumpling, I was satisfyingly stuffed, but I was already feeling a little nostalgic for the beginning of the course. I've taken the 8-flavor dumpling journey a few times in my life, and I'm always glad to have done so. This might sound cheesy, but it really is a richly orchestrated edible tour across China, with each dumpling adding its own character to the rainbow of flavor.

Another favorite xiaolongbao restaurant: Din Tai Fung: Noodles, Soup Dumplings, Wontons, and Mango Pudding at a Michelin Award-Winning Taiwanese Restaurant

colorful and flavorful xiaolongbao soup dumplings set by Paradise Dynasty

Want to find more amazing food in Phnom Penh? Here's a guide to eating the best Cambodian dishes in the kingdom's capital: Phnom Penh Food Guide: What to eat in the vibrant capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia

Location

There are two branches of Paradise Dynasty in Phnom Penh. The one I ate at was at Noro Lane, a trendy community mall with several upscale restaurants. Noro Lane is located at 199 Preah Norodom Blvd, 4, Phnom Penh.