Crystal Jade Okinawa Fare Promotion Available Until 5 May 2024, Showcasing the Bountiful Produces From Okinawa

Recently returning from a trip to Okinawa, I found myself at Crystal Jade to explore their latest promotion, Flavours of Okinawa. This promotion, running until May 5th, 2024, celebrates the vibrant flavours and fresh produce of Okinawa, often referred to as the Hawaii of Japan.

Some of the ingredients from Okinawa that Crystal Jade will be using and incorporating into the dish are Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed, Sea Grape, Bittergourd and Brown Sugar.

Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed:
One of the stars of the promotion, Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed, takes centre stage in several dishes. Renowned for its briny flavour and delicate texture, this seaweed adds a distinct umami richness.

Sea Grape:
Another Okinawan gem is the Sea Grape. Rarely seen outside of Okinawa, this unique seaweed variety offers a burst of freshness and a delightful crunch, elevating dishes with its unique texture and flavour profile.

Bittergourd:
Bittergourd is a beloved ingredient in Okinawan cuisine. It is used in various dishes. Known for its creamy texture and mild flavour, bittergourd adds depth and richness to soups, stir-fries, and other delights.

Brown Sugar:
No exploration of Okinawan cuisine would be complete without the use of Brown Sugar, a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes. Adding a subtle sweetness and depth of flavour, Okinawan brown sugar lends a unique character to both savoury and sweet creations.

Chilled Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed 4/5

We began our dinner with the refreshing Chilled Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed ($22.80), a delightful dish paired with wasabi-aged vinaigrette, fresh lily bulb, and cherry tomato. Available at all Crystal Jade fine dining outlets, it sets the tone for the evening ahead.

Okinawa Sea Grapes 3.8/5

A rare find in Singapore, the Okinawa Sea Grapes ($19.80) showcased the uniqueness of Okinawan produce. Served on a bed of ice and paired with fragrant, spicy soy sauce, it offered a crunchy texture and a burst of flavour.

Crisp-fried Shredded Taro with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed 3.5/5

Next, we indulged in the Crisp-fried Shredded Taro with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed ($19.80 for 4pc), a harmonious blend of fragrant taro and briny seaweed, providing a multi-textural experience.

Crispy Okinawa Bittergourd & Shimeiji Mushroom with Salted Egg 3/5

While flavourful, the Crispy Okinawa Buttergourd & Shimeiji Mushroom with Salted Egg ($12.80) at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen left me wishing for a more distinct salted egg flavour. Nevertheless, the addition of rice puff added an enjoyable crunch to the dish.

Pan-fried Prawn & Chives with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed Pancake 3.5/5

Reminiscent of okonomiyaki, the Pan-fried Prawn & Chives with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed Pancake ($13.80) at Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen was a delightful treat. Topped with prawns, chives, and seaweed, it offered a crisp and flavorful experience.

Spicy Szechuan Chicken with Okinawa Bittergourd 4/5

The Spicy Szechuan Chicken with Okinawa Bittergourd ($22.80) at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao stood out as a bold and flavourful dish. The fragrant spicy sauce perfectly complemented the tender chicken and bittergourd.

Stewed Noodle with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed & Prawn 3/5

Ending our savoury journey, the Stewed Noodle with Okinawa Mozuku Seaweed & Prawn ($15.80) provided a comforting experience. While the noodles were soft and silky, the flavour was subdued, probably to allow the seaweed to shine.

Acerola Cherry Mochi 3.5/5

We savoured the Acerola Cherry Mochi ($9.80 for 4pc) and Mini Chocolate Tart with Okinawa Brown Sugar ($8.80 for 4pc) for dessert. Both offered a sweet ending to our meal, with the latter standing out for its elevated aroma and indulgent sweetness from the brown sugar.

Mini Chocolate Tart with Okinawa Brown Sugar 4/5

Crystal Jade's Flavours of Okinawa promotion is a delightful exploration of Okinawan cuisine, showcasing the freshness and diversity of the region's produce. Available until May 5th, 2024, across various Crystal Jade outlets, it offers a tantalising glimpse into the tropical flavours of Okinawa.

Note: This is an invited tasting.

Sum's Kitchen & Hong Kong Roasted Meat (香港深記飯店) @ Sembawang Road - A Well Kept Food Haven in the North

Venturing into the northern part of Singapore is a rare occurrence for me, typically reserved for exceptional food finds. This time, accompanied by my fellow food enthusiasts, we made our way to Sembawang to explore the wonders of Cantonese cuisine - Sum's Kitchen & Hong Kong Roasted Meat (香港深記飯店). A gem hidden from the limelight, my friend, a regular patron, half-jokingly urged us to keep this place a secret to preserve its charm.

Soup of the Day

Commencing our meal with the Soup of the Day ($8/$12/$16), a robust concoction featuring duck, lotus root, corn, and carrots. Its warmth and heartiness set a comforting tone for lunch.

Roasted Duck $54 Whole Duck

The pièce de résistance, Sum's Kitchen's Hong Kong Style Roasted Duck ($54 Whole Duck), demands a pre-order at least a day in advance, a testament to its popularity. The duck, masterfully roasted, boasted a delightful crispness on the skin, revealing succulent meat within.

Sweet and Sour Pork 

The Sweet and Sour Pork ($12/$18/$24) showcased a harmonious balance of sweetness, the meat skillfully coated in a light, flavourful batter. The dish refrained from an excess of flour, ensuring each bite was a perfect blend of textures.

Deep Fried Squid with Salt & Pepper $14/$21/$28

Next up, the Deep Fried Squid with Salt & Pepper ($14/$21/$28). Expertly cooked to a satisfying bounce, the plump squid was encased in a thin, crispy batter. The sprinkling of salt and pepper added an addictive quality to this dish.

Fried Kailan with Mei Cai $10/$15/$20

An intriguing surprise was the Fried Kailan with Mei Cai ($10/$15/$20), a unique combination that elevated the crunchy greens, introducing an extra layer of texture and flavour to the dish.

Black Bean Paste with Bittergourd

Another revelation was the Black Bean Paste with Bittergourd ($10/$15/$20). This unexpected pairing worked wonders, infusing the dish with an additional depth of flavour.

Steamed Minced Meat with Salted Fish 3.8/5

Concluding our feast was the Steamed Minced Meat with Salted Fish ($12/$18/$24), a savory dish paired well with a bowl of rice. While the meat was moist, I found it slightly fatty for my taste, desiring a meatier texture.

Sum's Kitchen proved to be a haven of Cantonese delights, with each dish showcasing the chef's expertise and penchant for inventive combinations. No wonder the locals wish to keep this food haven under wraps.


Sum's Kitchen & Hong Kong Roasted Meat
(香港深記飯店)
3 Jalan Legundi
Singapore 759266
Tel: +65 6757 2118
Nearest MRT: Sembawang (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun: 12pm - 230pm, 5pm - 930pm
(Closed on Wed)

Direction:
1) Alight at Sembawang MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Sembawang MRT station (Stop ID 58009). Take bus 167. Alight 4 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Sembawang MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Sembawang MRT station (Stop ID58211). Take bus number 859. Alight 3 stops later. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Eat 3 Bowls Station (呷三碗車站) @ Pasir Panjang - Homecoming With Its 2nd Outlet In The West

I visited Eat 3 Bowls Station (呷三碗車站) when it first started as a hawker stall at Seah Im Food Centre back in 2017. However, the hawker stall is no longer around as the young hawkers have opened a dine-in restaurant at Crawford Lane. Sometime early this year, it opened its 2nd dine-in outlet at Pasir Panjang, nearer my home.

Braised Pork Rice 4.5/5

A must-have is the Braised Pork Rice ($5). I enjoyed their version of braised pork with a mix of fatty and lean cuts. What makes it even more delectable is the soft and pearly rice underneath, absorbing the delicious braising sauce.

Chicken Rice 4.2/5

The Chicken Rice ($5) may look plain, but the shredded chicken is well flavoured. The caramelised shallots lent a lovely fragrance to the tender chicken. Though the rice used is not those flavoured Hainanese chicken rice, the plain, soft and pearly rice complements the shredded chicken excellently.

Bittergourd Pork Rib Soup 4.2/5

I remembered having the Bittergourd Pork Rib Soup ($5.50) when I visited their hawker stall. Back then, it was so bad that I give it a score of one out of five. This time, it is much flavourful and refreshing. It has redeemed itself.

Braised Chinese Cabbage 4.2/5

I also remembered having the Braised Chinese Cabbage ($5.20) back then. It is stewed to a delightful softness. Compare to the previous version I had, this version is richer in taste with the pungent aroma of dried shrimp.

Oyster and Intestine Mee Sua 4.5/5

Another signature at Eat 3 Bowls Station is the Oyster and Intestine Mee Sua ($7.20). It is probably the most authentic Taiwan rendition I have eaten so far. It uses red mee sua, plump oyster and bouncy pig intestines for the bowl of slurping goodness. The addition of garlic and vinegar completed the full appreciation of the mee sua.

Though Eat 3 Bowls has an East outlet, I haven't visited it as it is pretty far from my home. I am glad it has returned to the area where it first started, nearer to my home. Now I can easily satisfy my craving for Taiwanese cuisine.


Eat 3 Bowls Station (呷三碗車站)
103 Pasir Panjang Road
Singapore 118531
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Nearest MRT: Pasir Panjang (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 11am - 8pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Pasir Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Pasir Panjang Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]