Soaring Into a Prosperous Lunar New Year 2024 with Crystal Jade Group of Restaurants

As the vibrant Lunar New Year approaches, Crystal Jade Group, with its esteemed portfolio of 19 casual and fine dining outlets, stands ready to welcome the Year of the Dragon in grand style. Renowned for its culinary prowess, the group unveils an extraordinary line-up of dishes and set menus, promising a dining experience that is nothing short of exceptional.

Prosperity Yu Sheng with Boston Lobster Tail, Aburi Scallop & Fruit 4.8/5

Commencing the celebratory feast is the Prosperity Yu Sheng with Boston Lobster Tail, Aburi Scallop & Fruit ($138 small/ $208 large). This masterpiece is a symphony of flavours and textures, featuring fresh and dried fruits like juicy red dragon fruit, tangy green mango, sweet longan, pomelo sacs, dried apricot, and jackfruit. It creates a vivid and delectable medley with tomatoes, purple cabbage, cucumber, deep-fried yam strips, pickled onions, walnuts, and crunchy Hsin Chu bee hoon. Dressed with scallion oil and an Okinawa acerola juice-infused plum sauce, this yusheng is light, refreshing, and immensely appetising.

Available at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Pavilion for dine-in and takeaway

Double-boiled Kampong Chicken with Fish Maw, Sea Whelk & Maitake Mushroom Soup 4.2/5

The Double-boiled Kampong Chicken with Fish Maw, Sea Whelk & Maitake Mushroom ($42.80 per person) is a heartwarming start to the feast—a bowl of nourishing soup brimming with rich flavours and wholesome ingredients.

Available at Crystal Jade Pavilion

Pan-fried South Africa Abalone with Assorted Mushroom & Crispy Leek 4/5

A highlight is the inventive Pan-fried South African Abalone with Assorted Mushrooms and Crispy Leek ($48 per person). The abalone, first steamed and then pan-seared, retains its inherent sweetness. Fragrant deep-fried leeks and mushrooms in an abalone liver sauce enhance the dish, offering a delightful twist on this Chinese New Year delicacy.

Available at Crystal Jade Golden Palace

Pan-fried Dace Fish Paste with Black Moss in Shunde Style 3.5/5

Nostalgia takes centre stage with the Pan-fried Dace Fish Paste with Black Moss in Shunde Style ($39.80 for a whole). This old-school classic involves meticulous preparation—removing fish flesh, mixing it with various ingredients, stuffing it back into the fish, and deep-frying to a golden brown. While a bit bony, it evokes a sense of tradition.

Available at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen

Premium Loin Rib coated with Cointreau Orange Sauce 4.2/5

For a sumptuous treat, savour the Premium Loin Rib coated with Cointreau Orange Sauce ($42 regular). Fork-tender, tasty to the bone, and bathed in a luscious sauce intensified with orange-flavoured liqueur, this dish is a celebration of succulence.

Available at Crystal Jade Palace

Eight Treasure Vegetable wrapped in Beancurd Skin 4.8/5

A new festive takeaway highlight is the Eight Treasure Vegetable wrapped in Beancurd Skin ($29.80), a visually stunning centrepiece. This vegetarian delight features artfully arranged shiitake mushrooms, large dried scallops, lotus seeds, glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, and black moss, braised in a luscious sauce that ties the dish together beautifully.

Dry La Mian with Prawn, Celtuce & Lobster Oil 3.5/5

Delight in the Dry La Mian with Prawn, Celtuce & Lobster Oil ($15.80 for a regular portion). Al dente noodle strands, slicked with homemade lobster oil, are crowned with a delectable combo of prawns and spring onions.

Available at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao

Green Tea, Tangerine Peel & Red Bean Ruyi Roll, Lava Kumquat Taro Puree Doughnut

Round off the feast with two delightful desserts. The Green Tea, Tangerine Peel & Red Bean Ruyi Roll ($10.80 for four pieces) presents a soft and pleasantly chewy jade-green glutinous rice flour roll enveloping smooth red bean paste accented with tangerine peel. Additionally, the Lava Kumquat Taro Purée Doughnut ($12.80 for four pieces) offers light and fluffy deep-fried balls filled with taro puree, elevated with a touch of kumquat zest.

Available at Crystal Jade Palace (Ruiy Roll), Crystal Jade Golden Palace (Doughnut)

Well-regarded for its impeccable cuisine and service, Crystal Jade offers something for every reunion, whether for a large gathering or an intimate celebration. Group Executive Chef Martin Foo and his team of chefs have meticulously crafted an extensive variety of delicious and auspicious specialities, ensuring that the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration is off to a roaring start. Takeaway goodies can be pre-ordered online at estore.crystaljade.com and outlets from December 5, 2023, to February 25, 2024. Pick up your orders from select outlets between January 19 and February 25, 2024.

Note: This is an invited tasting.

WOKE Ramen @ Changi Airport Terminal 1 - Singapore's First Wok Hei Ramen

WOKE Ramen, located at Changi Airport Terminal 1 viewing mall central, is Singapore's first wok hei ramen. It is a cultural crossover between Japanese ramen broth and Chinese lamian noodles. The noodles are stir-fried in a seasoned wok that singes them for the smokey aroma (wok hei).

Seafood Mix Prawn Ramen 3.8/5

There are two broth bases - prawn and chicken for the enjoyment of the wok hei ramen. I had the Seafood Mix Prawn Ramen ($18.90), which comprises a treasure trove of prawn paste balls, tiger prawns and scallops served atop wok hei ramen, onsen egg, black fungus and spring onions in the savoury prawn broth. The prawn broth gets the tick for its umami seafood richness. The noodle's texture is on the soft side, which is not my preference. The prawn paste ball is the paste type, while I preferred the crunchy version. Overall, it is still a decent bowl of ramen.

Chicken Chashu Collagen Ramen 3.8/5

For a lighter option, go for the Chicken Chashu Collagen Ramen ($13.90). The flavourful and creamy broth allows a fuller appreciation of the wok hei ramen than the prawn broth. It is topped with grilled chicken chashu, onsen egg, black fungus and spring onions for a slurping bowl of goodness.

Onion Oil Ramen 3/5

Go for the Onion Oil Ramen ($8.90), a dry version tossed in aromatic onion oil and garnished simply with spring onions for the unadulterated appreciation of the noodle's wok hel smokiness.

Chicken Karaage 4/5

There is a number of sides to go along with the noodles, making it a complete meal. The Chicken Karaage ($4.50) was chunky and juicy with a delectable coat of crispiness and crunchiness.

Golden Beancurd Skin 3.8/5

The other sides I had were the Golden Beancurd Skin ($3.50) and WOKE Gyoza ($4.50). The golden beancurd is not only crispy on the exterior, but the meaty fish paste interior made me enjoy it more. A delightful choice is the gyoza deep-fried to crisp with juicy filling.

WOKE Gyoza 3.5/5

For an additional $5.50, you can complete your meal with a choice of side and drink.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


WOKE Ramen
Changi Airport Terminal 1
Viewing Mall Central
80 Airport Boulevard
#03-19
Singapore 819642
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Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1030am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to the skytrain platform. Take the skytrain to Terminal 1. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade CNY 2022 - Spring Into a Roaring Lunar New Year

Homegrown Chinese restaurant group Crystal Jade has put together a variety of set menus and new exquisite dishes for this Chinese New Year. It caters to all reunions - big and small, from convivial family gatherings to cosy intimate affairs.

Opulence 3-head Abalone Yusheng

The new Opulence 3-head Abalone Yusheng ($128/ $198) is a vibrant and healthy version this year. The colourful plate consists of coins of red dragonfruit, dried yuzu peel, Japanese pickled sweet ginger, homemade pickled cucumbers, deep-fried yam strips, chickpeas, carrot, white radish and green radish. Hsin Chu beehoon is added for crunch. It is further crowned with edible gold leaves, fresh flowers, lightly torched abalone slices from Australia, jellyfish and ikura, finally, tossed in uplifting roselle and yuzu-based dressing.

Double-boiled Kampong Chicken Soup

The Double-boiled Kampong Chicken Soup with American Sea Whelk and Tiger Palm Mushroom is nourishing and comforting. The team has specially brought in the tiger palm mushroom to usher in the year of the Tiger.

Pan-fried Sea Cucumber

The Pan-fried Sea Cucumber, a surf-and-turf option on the menu, is stuffed with Kurobuta Pork, Black Moss, Chinese Iron Yam and Scallion. I like the idea of the stuffing giving the firm and bouncy sea cucumber the additional textural dimension.

Steamed Chilean Cod Fish with Red and Green Chilli in Puning Sauce

One of my favourite dishes is the Steamed Chilean Cod Fish with Red and Green Chilli in Puning Sauce. The sauce is deliciously special, together with the pickled red and green chillis, complemented the buttery cod fish excellently.

Steamed Salted Chicken with Ginger and Scallion Sauce

Another beautiful dish is the Steamed Salted Chicken with Ginger and Scallion Sauce. Nothing fancy but simple cooking of using salt, ginger and scallion to bring out the flavour of the tender chicken.

Crisp-fried Brussel Sprouts accompanied with Fresh Silken Beancurd Skin

This year, Chef Martin has added new excitement for the vegetarians to celebrate CNY. Vegetarians can look forward to something different such as Crisp-fried Brussel Sprouts accompanied with Fresh Silken Beancurd Skin. It is a textural enjoyment of crispiness and silkiness, all in one.

Crispy Pandan Glutinous Rice Cake 'Nian Gao'

An interesting way of enjoying the Nian Gao is the Crispy Pandan Glutinous Rice Cake 'Nian Gao'. Infused with the aromatic pandan flavour, it is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Yuzu Mandarin Orange Jelly

A delightful dessert is the Yuzu Mandarin Orange Jelly studded with yuzu peel and mandarin orange segments for a light and fruity sweet finishing.

Deep-fried Pumpkin Ball with Lava Salted Egg Yolk

Served as a warm dessert, the Deep-fried Pumpkin Ball with Lava Salted Egg Yolk has a soft exterior, filled with oozing savoury-sweet lava salted egg yolk.

Chinese New Year dining at Crystal Jade restaurants will commence from 17 Jan 2022 (select outlets will be closed on 1 Feb 2022 – CNY Day 1) and set menus for up to five persons (same household) are available. Reservations can be made online via https://inline.app/booking/cj from 6 Dec 2021. In addition, Festive takeaway goodies can be pre-ordered online at estore.crystaljade.com and outlets from 6 Dec 2021 to 15 Feb 2022, and picked up from outlets island-wide from 10 Jan 2022.

Goodwood Park Hotel Christmas 2021

Goodwood Park Hotel has lined up a brand new repertoire of festive treats for this Christmas. The new 2021 Christmas collection includes both sweets and savouries, which are available for takeaway and delivery from 15 November to 26 December 2021 and festive dining specials from 1 December 2021 to 2 January 2022.

A combination of western tradition and Asian flavours, this year's Coffee Turkey with Flavoursome Fried Rice ($248 nett; serves 8 to 12 persons) will likely be the star of the festive table. The new Coffee Turkey is slowly braised for slightly more than an hour till tender with aromatics. The festive bird is then infused with a myriad of Chinese spices like star anise, cinnamon, black cardamom and licorice root and finished with a fragrant coffee glaze. Basted thrice with the savoury coffee glaze and roasted, the turkey has a glistening caramelised skin and tender meat. When I had it, it was almost like having a soy-braised chicken. Served with a side coffee sauce, such tender and flavourful meat is ideal. The accompanying fried rice comprises stir-fry of white jasmine rice, flower shiitake mushrooms, chopped string beans, and shredded dried scallops, dried shrimps and eggs.

Another interesting savoury item in this year's collection is the Turkey, Mushroom & Foie Gras Roulade with Roasted Potatoes, Broccolini & Mushroom Sauce ($268 nett, approx. 30 cm; serves 8 to 10 persons). The turkey breast is rolled with a button and Swiss brown mushrooms duxelles, minced turkey and seared foie gras. The roulade is slow-cooked for three hours, seasoned with thyme and garlic, then grilled. The turkey breast was delightfully tender, flavoured by lightly seasoned mushroom duxelles. The cubes of foie gras rolled inside the duxelles provided just the right amount of fats and buttery flavour to roulade. It is served with a savoury mushroom sauce on the side and complemented with roasted baby potatoes, broccolini, and sautéed onions.

For starters, you may opt for the Chilled Smoked Turkey Breast, Beancurd & Ikura with Mala Sauce ($98 nett; serves 4 to 6 persons). An Asian-influenced dish, smoked turkey breast slices are lined atop smooth, chilled silken beancurd before finishing with a piquant mala sauce.

Other fun bites include this Sichuan version of the dim sum favourite, 'Fu Pi Juan' (beancurd skin roll). The moreish Deep-Fried Turkey Roll in Mala Style features a toothsome filling of minced turkey breast, diced carrots, and turnips, as well as Sichuan peppercorn oil. Encased in beancurd skin and tied with strips of Chinese celery to resemble a Christmas cracker, the rolls are steamed then deep-fried to golden-brown.

Another item that spins a similar Asian twist is the Deep-fried 'Hong Zao' Turkey Breast Strips with Salt & Seaweed Sprinkle, Mango Mayonnaise and Wasabi Mayonnaise ($68 nett; serves 4 to 6 persons). Slices of succulent turkey breast are thoroughly marinated in 'Hong Zao' (red glutinous rice wine lees), yellow mustard powder, and black pepper powder. Each morsel is then coated with a mix of more glutinous red wine lees and flour before deep-frying to achieve a crisp exterior. It reminds me of prawn roll, but in a Christmas context.

For Sweets, the White Enchantment Log Cake impresses with two layers of pistachio sponge with pear mousse studded with pieces of poached pear that have been enveloped in a tangy yuzu cream set atop a sablé breton base. The pear mousse was delicious with the chunks of poached pear, and the citrus notes of the yuzu cream made the cake even more delectable.

Not often that you will get a festive cheesecake, and this Assorted Berries Baked Cheese Loaf ($98 nett for 1.3kg) is a great option. A buttery digestive biscuit crust encases a New York cream cheese adorned with dried blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. The Yuletide 'loaf' is topped with an abundance of assorted glazed fresh berries, sugar flowers and sprigs of thyme.

You can even create your own Afternoon Tea Set with the Christmas Carousel 2-Tier Set ($66 nett) and Christmas Tree 3-Tier Set ($88 nett). Specially curated by the culinary team behind L’Espresso’s popular English Afternoon Tea, the joyous tiered sets comprises an assortment of sweet and savoury treats.

The two-tiered Christmas Carousel set contains ten different petite snacks (five sweets and five savouries) such as Chocolate Pandan Tart, Raspberry Sablé Breton, Spicy Chipotle Turkey Croissant, and Garlic Cheese with Cranberries & Pistachio Tartlet.

The 3-tier set is more worthwhile, with three levels of 16 different treats (8 sweets and 8 savouries) including Paris-Brest, Coffee Caramel Tart, Green Tea Brownie, Lobster with Granny Smith Apple & Avocado Salad, Chicken with Cranberries & Pecan Nuts Croissant, and Turkey & Pumpkin Shepherd’s Pie.

Advance orders of five days are required. Guests may place their online orders at goodwoodparkfestive.oddle.me for delivery or self-collection. Alternatively, guests may visit The Deli ( 10am to 7 pm from 15 November to 26 December) or contact the Christmas Call Centre at (65) 6730 1867/68 from 10am to 6pm or email festive@goodwoodparkhotel.com to place their takeaway orders for self-collection only. Last pre-order date is 19 December 2021, 12pm .

Photos and words 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. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
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Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line, TE Line)

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 1. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade Palace @ Ngee Ann City - Unveils A Brand New Look And Menu

After undergoing a three month of renovation, Crystal Jade Group's flagship fine-dining restaurant, Crystal Jade Palace at Ngee Ann City has unveiled a brand new look and menu. The restaurant now boasts a sophisticated contemporary space that includes an intimate tea room, breezy communal dining hall, elegant courtyard, as well as chic private dining rooms.

Garden Salad with Crab Meat, Pomelo & Sakura Ebi 4.2/5

We kickstarted the dinner with the light and refreshing Garden Salad with Crab Meat, Pomelo and Sakura Ebi ($14.80). This dish used to be only served upon request has made permanently into the menu. It is an elevated rendition of the classic Thai-inspired appetiser that is a medley of fireworks, with the flavours coming together.

Deep-fried Chive Stem Pancake 3.5/5

At first sight, the Deep-fried Chive Stem Pancake ($14.80) looks like any ordinary Chinese style pancake. However, I find the ingredient used to put this together is interesting. The crispiness comes from the thin sheets of spring roll skin, while the filling is a tasty combination of sweet chives stem, minced prawns and bits of Chinese Lap Cheong.

Steamed XO Scallop Dumpling Wrapped in 'Marbled' Skin 3.5/5

Crystal Jade Palace also offers dim sum on their menu. We got to try the Steamed XO Scallop Dumpling Wrapped in 'Marbled' Skin ($8.80 for 3pc). This is a premium take from the usual with the used of the scallop. The parcel is filled with plump scallop and prawn, crowned by a robust homemade XO sauce. Steamed scallop can be quite tasteless; hence, the XO sauce played an important role in holding the whole parcel together.

Roasted Honey BBQ Iberico Pork 4.2/5

Personally not to be missed at Crystal Jade Palace is the Roasted Honey BBQ Iberico Pork ($30 regular portion) and the Roasted Irish Duck with Black Truffle ($26/$48/$95). Using the prime pork shoulder meat for the roasted honey BBQ pork, it is really tender and juicy with the right fat and lean ration which I enjoyed. The sauce is also just right, not overly sweet.

Roasted Irish Duck with Black Truffle 5/5

As for the Roasted Irish Duck, this is a winner for me. The Irish duck is already well known for its amazing texture. The addition of the black truffle is a match in heaven that lifted the flavour and whole appreciation of the beautiful poultry.

Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Peruvian Ginseng 4/5

Perfect after all the richness, is the nourishing Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Peruvian Ginseng ($26 per pax). This is my first time coming across Peruvian Ginseng or also known as Maca. It is actually a member of the radish family. It is also claimed that the root plant helps to boost energy, may improve libido and reduce the psychological symptoms of menopause.

Sauteed Beef Cubes with Shishito Peppers in Black Pepper Sauce 4.2/5

Filled with "Wok Hei" on top of the succulence is the Sauteed Beef Cubes with Shishito Peppers in Black Pepper Sauce ($36 for regular portion). The shishito peppers are actually not spicy, and it has a delightful crunchy texture. The black pepper sauce was not peppery, leaning towards the sweet side.

Braised Sea Cucumber with Grandma's Braised Pork Belly 4.5/5

A new favourite for me at Crystal Jade Palace is the Braised Sea Cucumber with Grandma's Braised Pork Belly ($36). It is a comforting pot of sea cucumber and fork-tender pork belly that has been slow braised with soy sauce, rock sugar and spices. That rustic home-style flavour is a home run for me.

Poached Seasonal Vegetable with Fresh Beancurd Skin and Gingko Nus in Superior Broth 4.2/5

A usual order at any Chinese restaurant for me is the poached vegetable with trio eggs. Thanks to the recommendation, I would order the Poached Seasonal Vegetable with Fresh Beancurd Skin and Gingko Nus in Superior Broth ($26) whenever I visit Crystal Jade in the future. It is a simple poached vegetable dish elevated by the flavourful and collagen-rich chicken stock, with fried ginko and garlic cloves. The bonus is the addition of the smooth sheets of fresh beancurd skin.

Fried Crispy Rice and Arzo Pasta with Prawn and Shrimp 4/5

A unique dish on the menu is the Fried Crispy Rice and Arzo Pasta with Prawn and Shrimp ($26). It looks like fried rice, but it is not. Chef Foo has substituted the rice grains with orzo pasta. The orzo pasta is skilfully tossed over high heat with prawns, char siew, red and green capsicums to get that al dente rice texture. Crispy sakura ebi and deep-fried rice grains are added for the textural contrast. It is undoubtedly a delicious dish to eat. However, it lacks the wok hei and egg fragrant, which I think the rice grains can absorb better than the orzo pasta.

Chendol with Coconut Ice Cream 3.5/5

Last but not least, we wrapped up the dinner with the Chendol with Coconut Ice Cream ($12.80) for dessert. Inside the coconut husk, there are coconut gelato, chendol, grass jelly cubes and feuilletine shards. I like the idea and presentation, but somehow I didn't feel satisfied, especially if I am looking forward to a bowl of chendol dessert. I couldn't really enjoy the different components in the husk together to associate it to the chendol dessert, as I ended up tackling the elements individually.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Palace
Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road
#04-19
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 67352388
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
Sat: 11am - 1030pm
Sun & PH: 10am - 1030pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit C or D. Walk to Ngee Ann City. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]