Eight cuisines, one kitchen: This Singapore restaurant just solved every Chinese food lover’s dilemma

Most Singaporeans are familiar with the bold and tongue-tingling flavours of Sichuan cuisine. Cantonese dim sum and Fujian-style soups and seafood, meanwhile, have long been part of our local cuisine, thanks to early settlers in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Yet these make up just half of what is commonly referred to as the ‘eight great cuisines of China’ – a reminder of how much more variety the country’s culinary landscape has to offer.

In recent years, Singaporeans’ interest in China’s other regional cuisines has quietly grown, with dedicated eateries introducing Shandong’s savoury notes; Jiangsu’s elegant, subtly sweet flavours; Zhejiang’s mellow and tender fare; and Anhui’s rustic specialities made with wild herbs and game.

The only catch is that each cuisine tends to sit in its own standalone outlet, making it difficult for diners to experience more than one in a single meal.

This is where Paradise Dynasty takes a different approach: Instead of specialising in one region, the home-grown restaurant draws inspiration from all eight, bringing them together under one roof, giving diners a chance to travel around China on a single menu.

A flavour journey across China

To achieve its new approach, Paradise Dynasty’s culinary team embarked on research trips across China, speaking with regional chefs and studying traditional cooking techniques before adapting them for a modern Singapore audience.

Says Paradise Group’s marcom director Lin Sifang: “With new food and beverage entrants originating from China, Paradise Dynasty seeks to strengthen our brand promise of offering flavours from northern and southern China, while maintaining our position as market leader in terms of incorporating innovation whilst upholding the authenticity of traditional cuisine.”

This mindset comes through in its revamped menu, which introduces a series of modern Chinese dishes that draw inspiration from different corners of China. Instead of simply recreating classic regional dishes, the culinary team has adapted them by integrating flavours or techniques from neighbouring regions.

A standout example is the Stir-fried Shredded Pork in Sweet Bean Sauce served with Chinese Crêpe. Traditionally regarded as a Shandong dish, Paradise Dynasty’s version is elevated with accompanying condiments.

Another signature item, the Braised Pork Belly in Shanghai Style, takes inspiration from Jiangnan home-style cooking, which blends influences from Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Hunan cuisines. Here, the pork belly is simmered for hours with soy sauce, ginger, sugar, Shaoxing wine and spices to achieve a sweet-savoury, melt-in-the-mouth texture.

The new menu also includes Poached Chicken in Shanghai Style, served chilled using boneless kampung chicken for a more tender, less oily bite. Another addition is the modern Avocado with Mashed Potato Salad, which combines Chinese elements such as smoked sausage with healthier ingredients like avocado.

To represent the full breadth of the eight great cuisines, the menu also features dishes from Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shandong. Highlights include the Braised Duck with Soy Sauce in Shanghai Style, made using young duck marinated with rice wine and aromatic vegetables and braised for 12 hours for maximum flavour; and the Steamed Chicken with Porcini Mushroom in Chinese Wine, prepared without water so that the broth is infused solely with the natural flavours of the wine and chicken.

More than offering a tasting experience, these dishes invite diners to explore the diversity of Chinese cuisine through one menu.

Whether you are a long-time fan of Chinese cuisine or simply curious about the flavours beyond the familiar Sichuan and Cantonese staples, Paradise Dynasty’s new menu offers the chance to experience eight distinct culinary traditions without ever leaving the table.

Visit the

Paradise Dynasty website

for more information.