Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen @ Great World - Reopens With A New Look And Refreshed Menu

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen has finally reopened at Great World after undergoing an extensive renovation work. With the reopening, the concept under the Crystal Jade Group has also unveiled a new brand name and refreshed logo, together with a new fresh look and refreshed menu. The refreshed menu will be available from 30 March 2020 at the Great World outlet and progressively roll out at other Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen outlets across the island by mid-April.

Chilled Marinated Turnip with Plum 4.2/5

At first glance, the Chilled Marinated Turnip with Plum ($5.30) looks like watermelon, but they are actually turnip steeped overnight in a Roselle, sour plum and dried orange peel mixture. The result is refreshing, sweet and sour with a crunchy texture.

Deep-fried Marinated Egg Coated with Prawn Paste 4.2/5

Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen will be serving dim sum on their menu too. Chef Foo has introduced new moreish spin of the traditional dim sum. We managed to try a couple of them such as the Deep-fried Marinated Egg Coated with Prawn Paste ($5.80), Steamed Prawn Dumpling with Stem Chives ($6.30 for 3pcs) and Pan-fried Pumpkin and Yam Cake ($5.30 for 3pcs).

Steamed Prawn Dumpling with Stem Chives 4.2/5

Pan-fried Pumpkin and Yam Cake 4.2/5

I enjoyed all the three new dim sum creations. The deep-fried marinated egg coated with prawn paste is like an Asian style scotch egg which I thought is even better than it. I love green chives, and hence the steamed prawn dumpling with stem chives itself is already a winner for me. For a fragrant and textural enjoyment, the pan-fried pumpkin and yam cake will delight one with the alternating layers of yam strips and mashed pumpkin.

Pork Lardon Rice 4.5/5

Scallion Ginger Rice 4.5/5

Bored of just plain white rice? Now Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen offers two fragrant rice options on the menu. You can choose from either Pork Lardon Rice ($2.80 per pax) which comes with a savoury sauce and crispy lard bits or Scallion Ginger Rice ($2.80 per pax) crowned with aromatic fried chopped ginger and spring onion mixture. Both are really tasty and delicious. It has definitely elevated the appreciation of a plate of plain white rice.

Sauteed Chinese Spinach with Prawn Paste and Fish Roe 4/5

For diners looking for a complete meal, there are also new a la carte dishes from the new menu. The Sauteed Chinese Spinach with Prawn Paste and Fish Roe ($16.80) comes with popping surprises from the fish roes, giving the greens an element of fun and texture contrast. However, the prawn paste flavour was not distinctly, it may disappoint those looking forward to the strong prawny flavour.

Crispy-fried Homemade Organic Tofu with Preserved Vegetables and Prawn 4.5/5

A simple dish but elegantly presented is the Crispy-fried Homemade Organic Tofu with Preserved Vegetables and Prawn ($16.80). The soft and silky tofu is homemade using organic soy milk and eggs. It is then deep-fried and crowned with flavourful stir-fry prawns, chai poh and dried shrimp.

Two-Combination Roasted Meat Platter

We also had the Two-Combination Roasted Meat Platter ($22.80) which comprised of roasted duck and signature port belly (+$3). The roasted duck is fat and tender, with a delectable layer of crispy skin. Not to be missed is the signature pork belly that has a good ratio of lean meat and fat, with a delicate balance of sweetness and an exterior crispy char.

Poached 'Long Hu' Garoupa Fillet with 'Yunan' Ham in Thick Soup 4.5/5

Instead of double-boiled soup, let me introduce you to the Poached 'Long Hu' Garoupa Fillet 'Yunan' Ham in Thick Soup ($30.80) which is just as good. The 'Long Hu' garoupa fillet is poached in a silky and milky-white pork bone soup, fortified with Yunnan ham. One can also find other ingredients such as enoki mushrooms, black fungus, bamboo pith, ginger, garlic and wolfberries in the robust soup.

Abalone and Shredded Kampung Chicken with Conpoy Congee 4.2/5

Last but not least, we wrapped up our dinner with the Abalone and Shredded Kampung Chicken with Conpoy Congee ($28.80) served in claypot. The portion is good for 2 to 3 person. Flavourful, and velvety-smooth, this is both comforting and satisfying. No additional seasoning is needed.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen
Great World
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#03-127
Singapore 237994
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 10pm
Sun & PH: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

The Blue Ginger @ Great World City - Making Their Peranakan Food More Accessible To New And Younger Audience

With the revamped of Great World City, several new food establishments have opened at the shopping mall. One of these new restaurants is The Blue Ginger, an established Peranakan restaurant brands in Singapore with its flagship restaurant in Tanjong Pagar. This is only the brand's second outlet after being in the food scene for the past 25 years. The new restaurant strives to create a balance between contemporary and traditional, preserving the soul and heritage of Peranakan cuisine, while making their well-loved family recipes more accessible to a new and younger audience.

Kerabu Timun 4.2/5

Something new on the menu, at least for me is the Kerabu Timun ($8.50). I have not eaten this dish, whereby crunchy cucumber and chicken gizzards are tossed in a spicy dressing. I was told the chilli used is quite spicy, but I didn't feel it. This is probably balanced by the refreshing cucumber.

Kerabu Kacang Botol 4/5

Another refreshing starter is the Kerabu Kacang Botol ($11.50) in which crunch wing beans are tossed in a spicy, tangy dressing and topped with shallots and toasted grated coconut.

Beef Rendang 4.8/5

Not to be missed is their Beef Rendang ($20). The beef cubes which uses shin meat are cooked to fork-tender, infused with the aromatic and damn shiok rempah. You just have to enjoy this with a plate of steamed rice to savour the delicious gravy.

Ayam Panggang' Blue Ginger' 4/5

 Another delightful dish is the Ayam Panggang' Blue Ginger' ($16). The grilled boneless chicken thigh is cloaked in a rich sauce permeated with the nuances of lemongrass, galangal and coriander.

Terong Goreng Cili 4/5

The Terong Goreng Cili ($13) is cut into batonnets, deep-fried and crowned with fresh chilli paste. To balance the spiciness, sweet soya sauce is drizzled over it. I like that it still retains a soft interior, with contrasting crispiness on the exterior.

Pork Ribs Assam 4.2/5

Instead of the usual pork belly, Blue Ginger's rendition uses pork ribs instead. The Pork Ribs Assam ($16) is braised in a tamarind sauce with fall of the bone meat. The sweet and sour flavours are very appetising that will definitely whet up the appetite.

Sotong Keluak 4.8/5

The dish that got me all excited is the Sotong Keluak ($22). Unlike the usual sotong hitam that uses the squid's black ink sauce, Blue Ginger replaces it with buah keluak. The squid is stir-fried in the nutty black sauce further elevated by the addition of tamarind juice. Having tried buah keluak with chicken and pork ribs, I am surprised that sotong is my new favourite pairing. I hope more Peranakan restaurants will adopt this pairing in their menu.

Kerabu Laksa 3.8/5

Nonya Noodles 4/5

For diners looking for a quick meal, there are three one-dish meals to choose from. They are Kerabu Laksa, Nonya Noodles and Buah Keluak Fried Rice. All priced at $15 each. Probably new to a lot of people is the Nonya Noodles. It is not commonly served in restaurants as it is a treat customarily reserved for birthdays and special occasions. Quite similar to our local hokkien mee, the yellow noodles are cooked in a rich prawn and pork stock with bean sprouts, kang kong and garnished with omelette and cucumber julienne. What makes it different to the local hokkien mee is the addition of tau cheo (fermented soy bean paste) in the sauce which enhances the dish umami flavours.

Chendol or Durian Chendol 3.8/5

Not to forget to end your meal on a sweet note with a bowl of Chendol ($5). For durian lover, you may go for the Durian Chendol ($7). We thought the green rice flour jelly is a bit firm in texture as we prefer it to be softer. Hopefully, the restaurant will make that small adjustment.

Founded in 1995, The Blue Ginger is one of Singapore's oldest Peranakan restaurants, and one of the first to share the delights of Nonya cuisine outside the Peranakan home. It is great to see that they have opened a second restaurant after 25 years, making their delicious heritage food more accessible to the new and younger audience.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Blue Ginger
Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#01-106
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 62357042
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Ryan's Grocery and Ryan's Kitchen @ Great World City - Grocery And Restaurant Under One Roof

This January saw the opening of the flagship concept of Ryan's Grocery at the newly revamped Great World. Occupying a space of 4,000 square feet, this second outlet includes Ryan's Kitchen, its first cafe in Singapore. Perhaps better known among cooking enthusiasts who are well acquainted with its retail store at Binjai Park, Ryan's Kitchen now invites all to have a taste of its eco-friendly produce imported from trusted partners, along with its housemade nitrate-free hams and bacon, sausages and dry-aged meats. The menu also showcases the expanded variety of its retail store - organic, gluten-, preservative-, and allergen-free products from Australia, Singapore, Europe and the U.S.

All mains are served with thick fries from U.S. made with 100% potatoes, mesclun salad and choice of sauces including Jamworks Beetroot Relish, Jamworks Spanish Onion Jam, Artigiani del Tartufo Truffle Mustard and Artigiani del Tartufo Truffle Parmigiano Cream, all of which can also be purchased at the grocery. Butcher's Grill offers different cuts of beef and pork.

OP Rib 4.5/5

The highly acclaimed Five Founders Carbon Neutral Certified Beef (70 days grain-fed) OP Rib ($148 for 1Kg) is nothing short of spectacular. A feast for the eyes, the 1kg slab of bone-in ribeye was simply grilled to medium-rare, the recommended doneness for this cut. The accompanying beetroot relish and truffle mustard were both ideal counterpoints to the richness of the meat.

Pork Collar 4/5

Winner of Australia's Best Pork National Award 2018, Borrowdale Free Range Pork is prized for its clean flavours and texture. Similarly to that of beef, to allow one to appreciate the natural flavours of the meat, the Borrowdale Free Range Pork Collar ($28 for 250g) is grilled and finished with a touch of tantalizing sticky apple balsamic.

Aussie 'The Lot' Burger 4/5

The burgers here are made with 180g patties from the butchery counter. Aussie' The Lot' Burger ($28) hits all the right spots with its combination of flavours - juicy and flavourful patty paired with piquant beetroot relish, tangy cured beetroot, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon; enrich with contrasting sweet and creamy mayonnaise. Not to forget the joy of biting into the oozy egg yolk of the skillfully done sunny-side-up egg.

Mushroom Swiss Burger 3.8/5

For a slightly milder, comforting flavour, Mushroom Swiss Burger ($25) deeply satisfies with the mouth-filling combination of beef with warm, creamy mushroom ragout and milky swiss cheese.

The Australian grain-fed patty can be upgraded to Organic (+$3) or Waygu (+$5). For the buns, you can choose between Brioche and Ciabatta, or top up $3 for a gluten-free, Keto or Organic Bun. The keto bun we tried had a brown and nutty crust and was amazingly airy. Compared to a brioche which can be overly buttery at times, or a gluten-free bun that tends to be relatively greasier, based on my experience, this fluffy keto bun not only holds the ingredients better, it balances the richness of it all. As for the ciabatta, I find it a little stiff for burgers.

Assorted Housemade Sausages 3.5/5

You can even design your own meat platter with the Pick & Grill service from the Butchery, select your preferred cuts or housemade cured meats and sausages like Pork Cumberland Sausage ($2.80/ 100g) and Herb Garlic Beef ($2.80/100g), and they will be prepared at a nominal fee at the cafe.

Crispy Pork Belly Nuggets 3.8/5

Sides are also available, which are ideal for wine pairing. Such as the thinly sliced Crispy Pork Belly Nuggets ($12) with Jamworks' BBQ relish which is a must-try. They were crispy with a slightly chewy texture at the fats portion, and didn't leave much grease on my fingers!

You can also try Noosa's Whiting Fillet at Ryan's Kitchen, which is served as Breaded Wild Caught Whiting ($16), paired with a tangy tartar sauce. I find the crust slightly tough, which doesn't showcase the beauty of the fish.

Anything that you fancy after your meal, the ingredients are all available for purchase at Ryan's Grocery. Beyond that, there are also new and outlet-exclusive brands such as Carrara Beef, Woodward Lamb and Kilcoy Beef. You can also select your preferred cut and request to be aged at their facility with a nominal fee. The frozen foods and products section also offers a range of frozen meats and seafood from outlet-exclusive Noosa Seafood Market. Available both fresh and frozen, products include Australian-made fresh frozen burger buns, as well as freshly baked raisin toast, miso sourdough, and a variety of pastries and bagels. At the back of the store, you will find a cold room that is stock up with a wide range of fresh organic and seasonal vegetables from Australia, UK and other parts of the world, including my favourite brussels sprouts but on the stalk!

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.


Ryan's Grocery and Ryan's Kitchen
Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#B1-144/146
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 67673393 (Ryan's Grocery) / +65 67670118 (Ryan's Kitchen)
Ryan's Grocery Facebook
Ryan's Kitchen Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Ryan's Grocery
Daily: 9am - 9pm
Ryan's Kitchen
Mon-Fri: 9am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 8am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Elemen (元素) Classic @ Great World City - Celebration Of All The Brand's Most Beloved Dishes, As Well As New Creations

Elemen restaurants known for serving modern interpretations of meatless dishes, using natural and wholesome ingredients have opened a brand-new dining concept at Great World City, aptly named  Elemen Classic. Different from the other concepts, the menu curates all the popular and beloved dishes of Elemen, as well as newly created ones that are exclusively available at this outlet.

Classic Appetiser 3/5

Our dinner began with a trio of the Classic Appetiser ($4.80). I feel that it is like an amuse bouche that gives us a glimpse of the different cuisines on the menu. From Chinese cuisine, we have the konnyaku jelly, peach gum and goji berries marriage in sesame dressing. The Japanese cuisine is a simple crunchy Japanese cucumber with sweet plum sauce. Wrapping up the trio is the cherry tomato with sour plum sauce that demonstrates Western cuisine.

Truffle Breadsticks with Blueberry Yoghurt Sauce 4.2/5

The Truffle Breadsticks with Blueberry Yoghurt Sauce ($3.80) may look like an unassuming dish, but this is surprisingly one of our favourites. We even asked for second serving. The breadstick has a mochi-like texture made with truffle butter, complemented by the homemade yoghurt sauce with a sweet-sour tinge.

Double-boiled Cordyceps Flower with Peach Gum in Superior Soup 4.5/5

Nourishing and rich in collagen is the Double-boiled Cordyceps Flower with Peach Gum in Superior Soup ($10.80). It is double-boiled for a good 4 hours to extract the robust flavours from the cordyceps and pech gum.

Stir-fried Brown Rice with Preserved Bean Curd 3/5

For something for substantial, there is the Stir-fried Brown Rice with Preserved Bean Curd ($16.80). It features fluffy brown rice tossed with savoury fermented bean curd. Besides the fluffy rice, there are king oyster mushroom and edamame for the extra textural enjoyment.

Kale Tofu with Wild Rice 4/5

Another rice dish on the menu is the Kale Tofu with Wild Rice ($15.80). The wild rice has been soaked with miso sauce, cooked in bamboo stem for the additional aroma. This is accompanied by blocks of silky homemade tofu.

Laksa Fettuccine 3.5/5

For noodle items, there is the Laksa Fettucine topped with arugula and mushroom. It may look rather plain, but the laksa sauce is legit. It complemented the al dente fettuccine excellently. It is ok there is no tau pok, cockles, fish cake, and/or prawn.

Truffle Broth Ramen 4/5

An all-time favourite at Elemen is the Truffle Broth Ramen ($14.80). I am surprised that the restaurant manages to achieve the creamy consistency reminiscent of tonkotsu. It is done by boiling a medley of ingredients such as arrowroot, turnip, mountain yam, tangerine peel for 3 hours. It also comes with handmade dumplings filled with shiitake mushroom, tofu and chestnut.

If you find yourself spoilt of choice, you can go for the six-course ($28.80), or eight-course ($32.80) set menus.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Elemen Classic
Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#01-122
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 62356613
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Ho Fook Hei @ Great World City - Casual Dining Concept With Signature Specialty Rose Wine Soy Sauce Chicken

The folk behind the Joyden concepts group has opened a new casual dining restaurant at Great World City called Ho Fook Hei. The restaurant's name pronounced in Cantonese means prosperity and good fortune. Ho Fook Hei serves a medley of home-style Cantonese dishes and a unique rendition of soy sauce chicken.

Specialty Rose Wine Soy Sauce Chicken 4/5

The specialty here is their Rose Wine Soy Sauce Chicken ($19 Half / $35 Whole). The soy chicken comes with a distinct floral fragrance, and the meat is exceptionally tender with a beautiful caramel coat on the skin. This is all from the result of brining the chicken overnight and poaching it in a braising liquid concocted with home-aged soy sauce and a proprietary blend of Chinese herbs and spices. Top quality rose wine from Hong Kong is added to give it a beautiful floral scent. I really enjoyed the texture of the soy sauce chicken. Unfortunately, I am not a fan of rose wine. I am more than happy to order to just have it without the rose wine.

Honey-Glazed Black Barbeque Pork Belly 4.2/5

The fatty cut and the glossy dark coat of the Honey-Glazed Black Barbeque Pork Belly ($13) resembles the crystal char siew with its translucent meat. It is well executed with the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

Egg Noodles 3.8/5

I would recommend ordering a plate of the Hong Kong Style Egg Noodles ($3.80) to go with the rose wine soy sauce chicken and honey glazed barbeque pork belly. It is springy and comes with blanched greens. I find that it still has a hint of alkaline taste. I would suggest adding the homemade crunchy chilli sauce for a little more heat and crunch, as well as masking the alkaline taste if you don't like it.

Shrimp Dumpling Soup 4.2/5

Not to be missed is the Shrimp Dumpling Soup ($8.80) that is plump and packed with juicy minced pork, prawns, chives and crunchy black fungus.

Pork and Prawn Rolls 'Hae Zor' 4/5

The Pork and Prawn Rolls 'Hae Zor' ($7.80) is fried to golden brown and stuffed with delicious pork and prawn filling. The size is exactly quite huge than the norm, giving customers value for money.

Seabass Fillet Steamed with Signature Nonya Assam Sauce 4/5

If you like your steamed fish, the restaurant offers a selection of seabass, threadfin and cod on the menu with a choice of the housemade sauces (nonya assam sauce, old ginger sauce, teochew style and superior soy sauce).

Cod Fillet Steamed with Old Ginger Sauce 4/5

We have the Seabass Fillet Steamed with Signature Nonya Assam Sauce ($14.80) and Cod Fillet Steamed with Old Ginger Sauce ($24.80). The seabass with the nonya assam sauce comes with a sweet, spicy and tangy note which goes well with a plate of rice. As for the cod, the older ginger sauce gives it a familiar homely and comforting flavour with mild heat from the finely grated blend of ginger.

Red Grouper Fish Fillet Congee 3.5/5

For something light and comforting, there is the Red Grouper Fish Fillet Congee ($9.80). The congee is smooth and silky with thick slices of fresh red grouper, garnished with ginger, spring onions and coriander. If you have a heavy palate, you may find the congee a bit bland for your liking.

Warm Red Bean Soup with Aged Mandarin Peel and Lotus Seed 4.2/5

I would suggest wrapping up the dinner with a bowl of Warm Red Bean Soup with Aged Mandarin Peel and Lotus Seed ($4.50). The addition of the aged mandarin peel elevated the traditional dessert.

The new casual dining concept is perfect for a quick bite, as well as a family meal with a selection of noodle, congee, rice and a la carte dishes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ho Fook Hei
Great World City
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#01-141
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 62192262
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Great World (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 5pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Great World MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]