Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ Restaurant @ Takashimaya Shopping Centre

Crystal Jade is a household name in Singapore but little did I know that the group actually runs a Korean cuisine restaurant established since 2004. Celebrating its 10 years anniversary, Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ restaurant has relocated from the 4th floor of Takashimaya Shopping Centre to its new prime location next to the atrium area at the basement with a larger seating capacity and expanded line up of authentic home styled Korean food.

Banchan 4/5

One of the  reasons why patrons enjoy Korean cuisine is the various complimentary banchan or side dishes that are served before the mains. Do note that the side dishes at Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ is chargeable. The set of 6 different Banchan ($10) are changed daily, others are available separately at $4 per servicing. Although chargeable, they are refillable.

Authentic Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup 4.2/5

The Authentic Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup ($28) has been one of the signature dishes for the past 10 years. This is a summer dish whereby the Koreans believe that ginseng can help to cool one from the summer's heat, detox and rejuvenate the body. Using whole chicken, four years old ginseng root, glutinous rice, red dates and gingko nuts, the chicken soup is slow cooked for hours to fully extract the goodness and flavours of the ingredients. The portion served is good for 2-4 pax. I felt that the soup is well balanced without the ginseng taste overpowering it.

Stewed Top Grade Beef Short Rib 4.8/5

The other popular dish at the restaurant is the Stewed Top Grade Beef Short Rib ($29). This is a special dish that will only be served during celebratory and significant occasions. Using prime Australian beef ribs, the dish is braised for several hours in a accompaniment of rock sugar, pepper, sesame, red dates, ginger, garlic, apples, pears, carrots and radish developing a very delish flavour. This is extremely delicious and it is a must try here.

Korean Imperial Hotpot with Assorted Vegetable 4/5

New in the menu is the Korean Imperial Hotpot with Assorted Vegetable ($39). The hotpot which is good to serve up to 4 pax comes with a choice of chicken, beef or pork. Accompanying the flavourful soup stock is a generous servicing of ingredients such as sweet corn, carrots, cucumbers, black fungus, silken tofu, golden enoki mushrooms and straws mushrooms. This is definitely a luxurious and healthy hotpot for sharing.

Korean Handmade Noodles  4.5/5

If you prefer noodles over rices, you can order these Korean Handmade Noodles ($3 per servicing) to enjoy together with the hotpot. Made using eggs and high grade Korean flour, the noodles were very springy. Even being soaked in the hotpot for a while, it still retained a delectable bite in texture.

Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ restaurant offers 12 types of marinated meat dishes and two combination sets for its barbeque. A worthy note is the special grilling stations with vacuum capability on the side of the grills, sucking the fumes away. I would say this is the few rare occasions where I can step out a barbeque restaurant without any of the smoky smell on my clothes.

Marinated Beef Short Rib 4.5/5

Pork Collar 4.2/5

Ox Tongue 3.8/5

For the barbeque, I tried the Marinated Beef Short Ribs ($28 per servicing), Ox Tongue ($25 per servicing) and Pork Collar ($22 per servicing). The marinated beef short ribs is my favourite among the three which is marinated similarity as the stewed top grade beef short rib which is extremely flavourful. The ox tongue although juicy and succulent can be a bit gamy for some. The pork collar on the other has a very nice tender bite after it has been grilled.

Double Boiled Snow Pear 4.5/5

The Double Boiled Snow Pear ($5) available in either hot or cold is the perfect dessert particularly after the barbeque or a spicy meal. Doubled boiled with Chuan Bei or fritillaria extracts, dried longans and rock sugar, this soothing yet refreshing dessert helps to cook off the heat as well as cleanse the palate from all the greasiness. This dessert is also known for its remedy for colds and coughs.

I was told by my friend that the food at Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ is really good before my visit. After trying it I have to agreed with her. While the food and quality is good, I could not get over the fact that the restaurant is charging for banchan and soup refill. I understand the restaurant is running a business but as a consumers I would compare it with other Korean restaurants. Moreover it kind of taken away the basic enjoyment of Korean cuisine.


Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ Restaurant
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
#B2-36A
Singapore
Tel: +65 67333229
Website: http://www.crystaljade.com/
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit D. Cut through Wisma Atria. Take the pathway between Wisma Atria and Takashimaya. Walk to Takashimaya. Proceed to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Bornga @ Vivocity

Following the successful opening of its first outlet at Star Vista, Bornga opens its second outlet at Vivocity in May 2013. To commemorate the new out at Vivocity, Bornga has also launched a bigger menu with new dishes that is available at both outlets. Compared to the first outlet, it has more indoor seating with a section having a nice scenic view of Sentosa.

At Bornga if you order any of the Korean BBQ meat, the service staff will barbecue the meat for you. You can also request to do it on our own too.

Mansinjang Samgyupsal 4.2/5

The Mansinjang Samgyupsal ($24 / 200g) is one of the new item on the menu. The tenderized pork belly is likely seasoned with parsley flakes, salt and pepper before serving and this allows one to enjoy the original flavours of the lovely pork.

Yangnyum Dwaeji Galbi 4.2/5

The other new item on the menu is the Yangnyum Dwaeji Galbi ($33 / 250g). The porb rib is marinated in a special house sauce. The meat was very juicy and tender. It was so tender that we even thought we were having beef instead of pork.

Woosamgyup 4.2/5

A must try at Bornga is the Woosamgyup ($28 / 220g). This is Chef Paik's patented recipe of thinly sliced US beef short plate seasoned in Bornga's secret marinade just before serving. The beautifully marbled beef was tender and succulent. The unique marinade enchanced the taste from the traditional korean barbecue.

Dwaeji Gohchujang Barbeque 4.2/5

For those that wants to avoid the hassle of barbecuing the meat, try the Dwaeji Gohchujang Barbeque ($36). The spicy pork slices are grilled and stir fried with spring onions, served on a hot plate.

Bornga Bulgogi 4.5/5

Bornga Bulgogi 4.5/5

For a change from the usual hot plate, Bornga Bulgogi ($45) comes in a sumptuous bubbling beef hotpot which resembles the Thai Mookata. Underneath the pile of fresh vegetables is the delectable beef fillet that has been marinated with Bornga's special sauce.

Sundubu Jjigae 4/5

The Sundubu Jjigae ($18) is a spicy assorted seafood soup with tofu and egg. It is a hearty and comforting soup packed with ingredients. I will be contented to settle a meal just having the soup with a bowl of rice.

Yukgaejang 4/5

Another hearty and comforting soup on the menu is the Yukgaejang ($20). It is a spicy beef soup with shredded beef, scallions, bean sprouts and glass noodles. Compared to Sundubu Jjigae, the beef soup has a more complex and robust flavour.

Bornga continues to impress me with their food quality and standard. I am also delighted that they have introduced more pork items on their menu. It remains an ideal place for family and friend gathering.


Bornga
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Avenue
#02-123/124
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 63768268
Website: www.bornga.kr
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opeining Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 2. Journey time about 5 minutes.

Ito Kacho @ Mandarin Gallery

It seems like many Japanese restaurants have been venturing overseas opening new outlets in Singapore. A new Japanese Yakiniku (barbeque) restaurant chain, Ito Kacho has chosen Mandarin Gallery in Singapore for it's first ever outlet outside Japan. Ito Kacho is established in 2009 by Sumikin Bussan (a large Japanese corporation) strived to provide top grade barbequed beef at affordable cost.

Jakasei Potato Salad 3.8/5

While waiting for the rest of the group to arrive, we started with some small bites to fill our hungry stomach. The Jakasei Potato Salad ($11.80) was presented like a volcano with the bacon resembling lava flowing out of the erupted potato salad mountain. The potato salad itself is already quite nice with a smooth creamy texture with occasional discovery of bite size eggs, carrots and onions. I thought the bacon was a bit redundant except for decorative purpose and it was not crisp.

Salmon and Cream Cheese Namaharumaki 3.8/5

I have to admit I took a second look when the Salmon and Cream Cheese Namaharumaki ($10.80) was served. For a moment I thought I have stepped into a Vietnamese restaurant. I didn't know rice paper is used in Japanese cuisine too. The light and refreshing namaharumaki sure whetted up the appetite for more delicious food to come.

Ito Kacho Salad 3.8/5

The Ito Kacho Salad ($8.90) was a refreshing salad consisted of lettuce, onion red and yellow pepper, cherry tomato and fried onion. The healthy greens were brought together nicely by the goma sauce making it a very enjoyable dish.

Kimchi Moriawase 3.5/5

Namuru Moriawase 3.5/5

The next 2 dishes got me a bit confused. First I thought I was in a Korean barbeque restaurant. Second I thought the Kimchi Moriawase ($9.90) and Namuru Moriawase ($8.90) was complimentary just like what we will get in a Korean restaurant. The Kimchi Moriawase is a platter of assorted kimchi consisting of cucumber, chinese cabbage and white radish kimchi. The Namuru Moriawase is another platter of vegetables making up of lightly seasoned white radish, bean sprout, cinnamon fern and spinach. The cinnamon fern was the favourite among the diners.

Dashimaki Tamago 4/5

For a different, the Dashimaki Tamago ($6.80) at Ito Kacho was not as sweet compared to other Japan restaurant. I actually prefer the version served at Ito Kacho because it has a more natural flavour and texture to it.

Wagyu Tongue 4/5

If you are adventurous, you can try the Wagyu Tongue (80gram for $29, 120gram for $39). Unfortunately all the diners in the group were game to it so I didn't get to have more. Lightly seasoned with just pepper and salt, the wagyu tongue needs only 30 seconds on the grill to be cooked. The wagyu tongue actually taste quite nice with its nice marbling. The texture was rather bouncy quite similar to the scallop.

Premium Wagyu Beef 4.5/5

The star at Ito Kacho has to be their premium wagyu beef. We tried the following Wagyu cuts, Toku-Jo-Bara (Premium Short Rib), Tomo-Bara (Karubi Plate), Sasami (Flank Steak) and Kainomi (Flap Meat). Ito Kacho imports these beautiful marbled meat solely from Kyushu. It is also one of the first Yakiniku restaurants in Japan to use chilled meat instead of frozen meat to retain the marbling and giving it a better overall consistency.

Wagyu Toku-Jo-Bara (80g for $50, 120g for $69)
Wagyu Tomo-Bara (80g for $36, 120g for $49)
Wagyu Sasami (80g for $50, 120g for $69)
Wagyu Kainomi (80g for $22, 120g for $29)

US Beef 4/5

Available on the menu, there are US beef too. The cuts on the menu are Jo-Karubi (Short Rib), Nami-Karubi (Chuck Rib) and Rosu (Chuck Tail Flap). After trying the premium wagyu beef, it was quite obvious the flavour of the US beef is subpar to the wagyu beef.

Jo-Karubi (80g for $22, 120g for $29)
Nami-Karubi (80g for $19, 120g for $24)
Rosu (80g for $19, 120g for $24)

Kurobuta 4/5

If you don't take beef, you can try their Kurobuta Karubi (Pork Belly), Kurobuta P-toro or Tsubo-Zuke-Kurobuta on the menu.

Kurobuta Karubi (80g for $14, 120g for $19)
Kurobuta P-toro (80g for $14, 120g for $19)
Tsubo-Zuke-Jurobuta (180g for $19)

Pork Collar 4.5/5

My favourite among the pork is the Tsubo-Zuke-Kurobuta (pork collar) that comes in a jar. The chef told us that the pork collar was marinated overnight everyday, no wonder it was so flavourful.

Accordingly to the restaurant, the convection system is built into the barbeque pit sucking out any air that rises above the cooking food, ensuring patron does not leave smelling of smoke and barbeque after their meal.

Oo-Ebi Yaki 4.2/5

Ika Yaki 3/5 and Hotate-Yaki 3/5

Moving on to the seafood, we have the Oo-Ebi Yaki ($24), Ika Yaki ($10.80) and Hotate Yaki ($19.8). For the Oo-Ebi Yaki which is Giant Tiger Prawns for grill, these prawns were huge and fresh. The squids and Hokkaido scallops were cooked in aluminum tray over the grill together with some marinade. The squid and scallops were fresh but I thought the seasoning was on the mild side, I was expecting something stronger for the palate.

King Crab Yaki 4.2/5

The King Crab Yaki ($38) was huge and meaty. The meat itself was already so beautiful that we ate it cold without grilling.

King Crab Tempura 4/5

Can't get enough of king crab? For those that like fried stuff, you can tried the King Crab Tempura ($26). Lightly battered and deep fried, its another way of enjoying this lovely seafood.

Spider Roll 4/5

I was wondering what is a Spider Roll ($13.80) when Melissa ordered it. It was actually Soft Shell Crab Sushi Roll. The term spider probably came from the legs of the soft shell crab sticking out from the roll.

Ishiyaki Sundubu Chige 4/5

If you are not into Yakiniku, Ito Kacho also offers a slate of other tradition Korean dishes on the menu. The Ishiyaki Sundubu Chige ($15) for 2 pax comes with a choice of either beef or clam soup base. In the piping hot spicy soup served in sizzling stone bowl, one can find tofu, clams, and mushrooms in it. It was a comforting and hearty soup just nice for the cold weather.

Ishiyaki Bibimbap 4/5

The Ishiyaki Bibimbap ($15) can serve 2 pax too. Not too sure what the sauce is made of but it beautifully brought the dish together. Love the crispy burnt bits of the rice  at the bottom of the sizzling hot stone bowl, giving the dish an extra texture enjoyment.

To be frank I am confused by the food served at Ito Kacho. Besides the meats and seafood for grill, the menu includes Korean dishes. So is this a Japanese or Korean restaurant? For some, this may be great as one can have choices. Nevertheless, Ito Kacho does offer top grade meats for the barbeque at a reasonable rate. This is definitely a place to consider if one is craving for barbeque.


Ito Kacho
Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road
#04-08/09
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 68360111
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itokacho.yakiniku
Website: http://itokacho.com/
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line), Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 2pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sat: 11am - 11pm
Sun: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes.

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit C to Orchard Road. Head east or turn right onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard to Mandarin Gallery. Journey time about 10 minutes.

Soup Broth Asia @ Raffles City Shopping Centre

Opened on 24 August 2010 at Raffles City Shopping Centre's newly revamped basement level, Soup Broth Asia is the latest contemporary Asian soup concept by The Soup Spoon, a leading soup chain in Singapore since 2002. After almost 2 and a half years dishing out an exciting variety of homemade Asian soups, Soup Broth Asia launches its new and improved food and beverage menu on 21 January 2013.

Osmanthus Flower Tea 4.2/5 and Brewed Pink Barley 3.5/5

In the new beverage menu, Soup Broth Asia introduces 3 specialty drinks. They are Osmanthus Flower Tea with Goji Berries ($4.50), Brewed Pink Barley with Lychee Jelly ($3.80) and Red Date Longan Tea with Grass Jelly ($3.80). My favourite was the Osmanthus Flower Tea with Goji Berries. It was a very refreshing drink.

Kimchi Beef Hotpot 4.2/5

For the new menu, Soup Broth Asia created a series of 3 hotpot dishes inspired by unique and distinctive Asian flavours. The Kimchi Beef Hotpot ($16.80) comes with succulent beef slices and Korean rice cakes simmered in a flavourful and lightly spiced kimchi stew. For the price, I find the hotpot value for money with kimchi, beef slices, tofu and Korean rice cakes. I only wish that the stew can be more spicy.

Sumo Nabe Hotpot 3/5

For the health conscious, the Sumo Nabe Hotpot ($15.80) is low in calorie and nutritious with addition of soy milk to the broth. Served with chicken, cabbage, tofu, lotus root and carrots this is a popular dish eaten by Japanese sumo wrestlers as part of their daily diets. For me, the taste is a bit acquire. Either you like it or not. The size of the chicken pieces can also be improved.

Three Cup Chicken Hotpot 3.8/5

The Three Cup Chicken Hotpot ($13.80) is a classic Asian dish simmer in a thick and rich homemade three-cup sauce (sesame oil, rice wine and soy sauce) with basil and dried chilli.

Paper Wrapped Herbal Chicken 4.5/5

The Paper Wrapped Herbal Chicken ($16.80) is my favourite among all the new dishes. The chicken is slow cooked and infused in a nourishing herbal concoction of dang gui, dang shen, red daes and goji berries. The chicken was moist and tender. The herbal taste was just nice not overpowering. In face there was a nice herbal sweetness to it.

Hainanese Fish Maw Soup 4/5

Available on the new menu is 10 different hearty Asian inspired soups. The crowd pleaser, Hainanese Fish Maw Soup ($9.40) is the family recipe of SouperChef Anna. The flavourful gourmet stock comes with a tasty melange of fish, carrots, shitake mushrooms, leeks and fish maw.

Szechuan Style French Beans 4/5

To round up the meal, you can also order some sides to go along. The Szechuan Style French Beans ($6.90) was cooked to an enjoyable crunchy texture.

Braised Tofu in Sambal Chilli Sauce 4/5

The Braised Tofu in Sambal Chilli Sauce ($7.50) was beautifully paired with the sambal chilli sauce. The tofu was also smooth and silky.

Cheng Tng 3.8/5

The new menu's dessert section may not be extensive but it completes the meal on a sweet note. The Cheng Tng ($3.80) was light, refreshing and sweet.

Mango Sago 3.5/5

The Mango Sago ($3.80) was bursting with the fruity mango flavour. Unfortunately the sago was not chewy, in fact it was frozen.

Soup Broth Asia new revamped menu offers customers more choices with new selections to indulge the unique and distinctive Asian flavours. Besides the menu, the dining concept at Soup Broth Asia has also changed. Previously you ordered and paid at the counter before finding a seat. Now you find a table, decided your meal, tick on the ordering sheet and pay at the counter. Your food will be served to you when it is ready.


Soup Broth Asia
Raffles City Shopping Centre
252 North Bridge Road
#B1-62
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 63386909
Website: http://www.soupbrothasia.com/
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW Line, NS Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Take escalator beside Starbucks to the basement. Walked to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.

2) Alight at Esplanade. Take Exit G. Follow the underground walkway to Raffles City Shopping Centre basement. Journey time about 8 minutes.