Photograph courtesy of Paradise Dynasty
In this corner, ladies and gentlemen, Din Tai Fung, undisputed xiao long bao champion of the world, representing Taiwan. And in the opposing corner, Singapore rising star Paradise Dynasty goes toe-to-toe with the legendary dumpling destination—almost literally, since the xiao long bao rivals now bookend South Coast Plaza, separated by a two-minute walk.
That’s how Americans might perceive the situation. But that’s not the viewpoint of Paradise Dynasty founder-owner Eldwin Chua, who just launched his 45th location and his first outside of Asia.
“I have a lot of respect for Din Tai Fung,” Chua says. “Din Tai Fung is like the king of soup dumplings. It is the pioneer, the restaurant that has brought dumplings to international recognition. It is not on purpose that we are near Din Tai Fung. I would be overshadowed by the king, right?