Showing posts with label Rice Roll. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rice Roll. Show all posts

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Legendary Hong Kong @ Tampines Mall - A Taste of Hong Kong Dim Sum, Roast Meats and Cart Noodles

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Legendary Hong Kong first opened its doors at Jurong Point in 2014, bringing authentic Hong Kong cuisine to Singapore. Since then, the brand has expanded its presence locally, with its largest outlet opening at Tampines Mall in July 2025. I dropped by for a weekday lunch to check out its extensive menu, which spans traditional dim sum, Hong Kong-style roast meats, wok-fried noodles and nostalgic street food. With a menu offering a wide variety of familiar Cantonese favourites, there is something for everyone, whether you are looking for a dim sum feast, a quick noodle meal or a hearty plate of roasted meats.

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Thick Rice Roll with Deep Fried Shrimp Rolls 4.5/5

The Thick Rice Roll with Deep-Fried Shrimp Rolls ($11.90) was one of my favourites of the meal. A more indulgent take on the traditional zhaliang, which typically wraps steamed rice rolls around crispy fried dough sticks, this version uses deep-fried shrimp rolls for extra flavour and texture. The silky, smooth rice noodle sheets were soft and delicate, wrapping around the golden, crispy shrimp rolls within. Each bite delivered a satisfying contrast between the tender, slippery rice rolls and the crunchy exterior of the fried rolls, with juicy prawns adding a natural sweetness and a firm bite. A drizzle of savoury Cantonese soy sauce brought everything together, seasoning the rice rolls without overwhelming the delicate seafood flavours. This well-executed dim sum dish stood out for its contrasting textures and generous prawn filling.

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Snowy BBQ Bun 4/5

The Snowy BBQ Pork Bun ($9.90) offered a sweeter alternative to the classic steamed char siew bao. Instead of the usual fluffy white bun, this baked version came topped with a crumbly, sugary crust that added a delightful buttery sweetness. Beneath the lightly crisp exterior, the bun was soft and airy, providing a pleasant contrast to the sweet topping. The filling consisted of diced Cantonese barbecued pork tossed in a thick, savoury-sweet sauce. The caramelised flavours of the char siew complemented the crust's sweetness, creating a moreish combination reminiscent of Hong Kong-style baked barbecue pork buns. Those who enjoy a balance of sweet and savoury flavours will likely appreciate this variation.

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Siew Mai 4/5

A dim sum staple, the Siew Mai at Legendary Hong Kong was a satisfying rendition of the classic steamed pork dumpling. While many dim sum restaurants serve three pieces per basket, the portion here comes with four, making it a little more generous for sharing. Each dumpling was packed with a substantial filling encased in a thin yellow wonton wrapper. The texture was firm and bouncy, with the minced meat holding together nicely without becoming mushy or excessively fatty. Every bite offered a savoury meatiness that made it an easy addition to a dim sum spread. Simple and familiar, it was a dependable rendition of a Cantonese favourite.

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Har Gow 4/5

Another essential dim sum order, the Har Gow arrived with neatly pleated, almost translucent skins. Thin enough to reveal the pinkish prawns within, the wrappers were also sufficiently elastic to hold their shape when lifted from the bamboo steamer. The highlight was the prawn filling, with a firm, springy bite and natural sweetness. The prawns remained juicy, with their seafood flavours nicely contained within the delicate dumpling skin. The balance between the tender wrapper and the snappy shrimp filling made this a well-executed classic. For lovers of traditional Cantonese dim sum, the har gow is a worthy addition to the table.

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Pan Fried Carrot Cake 3.8/5

The Pan-Fried Carrot Cake offered a pleasing contrast between its lightly crisp exterior and soft, tender centre. The radish cake was steamed, then sliced and pan-fried, giving the surface a golden crust while keeping the inside moist and almost silky. Studded with bits of Chinese preserved sausage and dried shrimp, the carrot cake had a savoury depth that complemented the radish's natural sweetness. The preserved sausage added richness, while the dried shrimp contributed a pleasant umami note. It was reasonably well executed, with a nice balance of textures and flavours, though it wasn't quite as memorable as some of the other dim sum dishes we tried.

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HK Cart Noodles 3/5

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Curry Fish Ball, Squid 3.5/5

For something more substantial, the HK Cart Noodles bring a nostalgic Hong Kong street-food concept to Tampines Mall. Inspired by the humble cart noodles traditionally sold by street vendors, the dish lets diners customise their bowls with a selection of noodles, ingredients, and toppings. With more than 20 toppings available, there is plenty of room to mix and match according to personal preference. We picked a selection that included pork ribs, radish, chicken feet, curry fish balls and curry squid.

The curry fish balls were enjoyable, while the curry squid offered a different texture and a savoury, curry-infused flavour. The variety of toppings makes the concept appealing, especially for diners who enjoy building their own bowls. However, the overall experience was less memorable compared with the other dishes we sampled.

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Original HK Fried Noodles 3.8/5

The Original HK Fried Noodles delivered a satisfying combination of texture and wok-fried flavours. The thin Cantonese egg noodles had a slightly firm, springy bite, holding up well during stir-frying without turning soft and soggy. The noodles carried a savoury seasoning with subtle 'wok hei', adding depth to the dish. The lightly toasted notes also gave the noodles a pleasant aroma, while the seasoning coated the strands evenly without making them overly heavy. It was a straightforward noodle dish that would work well as a shared plate alongside the dim sum and roast meats.

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Golden Crispy Prawn 4.5/5

The Golden Crispy Prawn was another highlight, particularly for its satisfying crunch. The prawns were coated in a light batter and deep-fried until golden brown, creating a crisp exterior that didn't feel excessively greasy. Beneath the crunchy coating, the prawns remained succulent and springy, with a natural sweetness that came through with every bite. The contrast between the crisp batter and juicy seafood made this a moreish dish that was easy to enjoy on its own. If you enjoy prawns prepared with a generous crunch, this is one dish worth ordering. 

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Four Treasure Platter 4/5

No Hong Kong-style meal would be complete without a selection of roasted meats. We had the Four Treasure Platter, which brought together Roasted Duck, Soy Chicken, BBQ Pork (Char Siew) and Crispy Pork Belly (Sio Bak) on one plate. Of the four varieties, the roasted duck and crispy pork belly stood out. The roasted duck had glossy skin and a layer of rendered fat beneath, while the meat stayed succulent and flavourful, with aromatic seasoning permeating the flesh. It offered the rich, savoury character expected of Cantonese roast duck. The crispy pork belly was equally satisfying, with a crackling skin that shattered with each bite. Beneath the crisp layer were alternating layers of fat and meat, providing a rich, savoury mouthfeel. The contrast between the crunchy skin and tender pork made it particularly enjoyable. The char siew and soy chicken rounded out the platter, offering familiar sweet-savoury and gently seasoned flavours. 

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Legendary Hong Kong at Tampines Mall offers a wide-ranging menu that brings together many familiar flavours of Hong Kong dining, from traditional dim sum and baked barbecue pork buns to cart noodles, wok-fried noodles, and Cantonese roast meats. With its extensive menu and spacious outlet, Legendary Hong Kong is a convenient option for a casual meal with family or friends in the east. Whether you stop by for dim sum over lunch or put together a larger spread of noodles and roast meats, there is plenty to explore on the menu.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Legendary Hong Kong
Tampines Mall
4 Tampines Central 5
B1-11
Singapore 529510
Tel: +65 86901448
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Nearest MRT: Tampines (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 830am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT Station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tampines MRT Station. Take Exit D. Walk straight to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]


Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Pho Vietz @ Bugis Junction - Brings Authentic Flavours of South Vietnam’s Street Food to Singapore

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Pho Vietz, the well-established Vietnamese cuisine restaurant group with outlets across the United States, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, has officially opened its first flagship outlet in Singapore. Founded by Chef Kenny Ton Ngoc Hiep, Pho Vietz is dedicated to showcasing the authentic flavours of South Vietnam — a culinary philosophy he has upheld for over two decades. The Singapore flagship reflects this commitment, offering a comprehensive menu that spans street food favourites to comforting noodle and rice dishes.

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Vietnamese Spring Roll 4/5

We began our meal with some light bites, starting with the Vietnamese Spring Roll ($6.80). This deep-fried version is filled with well-seasoned minced meat, wrapped in a thin, crispy skin, and fried to a beautiful golden brown. Simple yet satisfying, it makes for a good starter to whet the appetite.

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Steamed Flat Rice Roll with Minced Pork 4.2/5

The Steamed Flat Rice Roll with Minced Pork ($8.80) is a must-order. Each rice roll skin is freshly made upon order, resulting in a silky-soft texture. Inside, the filling of minced meat, glass noodles, black fungus, and prawns is flavourful and well-balanced, making this dish both comforting and delicious.

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Vietnamese Prawn Salad 4.2/5

The Vietnamese Prawn Salad ($10.80) is refreshing and appetising, featuring a pleasant balance of tangy and sweet flavours that instantly lifts the palate. Served with crispy crackers, which can be broken and used as a vessel for the salad, it adds both textural contrast and fun to the dining experience.

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Famous Vietnamese Baguette 4.2/5

Pho Vietz’s Singapore flagship features a dedicated Banh Mi station, and the Famous Vietnamese Baguette ($11.80) highlights the best of Vietnamese sandwich-making. The light, crusty baguette is generously filled with steamed ham, fried ham, gammon ham, and pork ear. Each bite delivers a delightful interplay of flavours and textures, making it a very satisfying option.

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4 Beef Combo Noodle Soup 4.2/5

No Vietnamese meal is complete without pho. We opted for the 4 Beef Combo Noodle Soup ($17.80), which features a naturally sweet, beefy broth simmered for 8 hours with beef bones, marrow, and thigh bones. The bowl is generously topped with premium sliced beef, beef shank, beef ribeye, and handmade beef balls. This is a well-executed and comforting bowl of pho that hits all the right notes.

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Pho Vietz Dried Beef Noodle 4.2/5

For something different, the Pho Vietz Dried Beef Noodle ($17.80) offers a dry-style alternative. Diners can choose between Ho Fun or egg noodles, tossed in a savoury, addictive sauce that reminds me of Indomie Goreng. Accompanied by a separate bowl of soup with premium sliced beef, beef shank, beef ribeye, and handmade beef balls, this unique offering is not commonly found in other Vietnamese restaurants.

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Hue Style Spicy Pork Rib Noodle Soup 4.2/5

A signature favourite at Pho Vietz outlets internationally, the Huế-style spicy noodle soup features an intensely aromatic broth simmered with beef and pork bones, lemongrass, and fermented shrimp paste, finished with a fiery homemade chilli oil. The Hue Style Spicy Pork Rib Noodle Soup ($14.80) comes with thick, round rice vermicelli and two massive, fork-tender pork ribs. The broth delivers a distinctive balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavours that fans of bold tastes will appreciate.

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Grilled Marinated Pork Belly Rice 4/5

For those who prefer rice over noodles, the Grilled Marinated Pork Belly Rice ($14.80) is a solid choice. The dish features tender, flavourful pork belly served with a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and crackers. A sweet and tangy Vietnamese dipping sauce is provided, which can be poured over the rice to add another layer of flavour.

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Overall, Pho Vietz delivers an authentic and satisfying taste of South Vietnam, with well-executed dishes that reflect the group’s strong culinary heritage. Whether you are craving pho, banh mi, or classic Vietnamese rice dishes, this new flagship outlet is a worthy addition to Singapore’s Vietnamese dining scene.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pho Vietz
Bugis Junction
B1-08
200 Victoria Street
Singapore 188021
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 930pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Richman Dim Sum @ Ubi - New Creative Dim Sum Spread in Ubi Coffeeshop by Ex-hotel Chef

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A new addition to the dim sum scene, Richman Dim Sum in Ubi is helmed by a seasoned trio - Chef Foo Wah Keng, who has 30 years of hotel and restaurant experience, dim sum expert Chef Kok Let Chin, and Keith Kang, known for Yang Ming Seafood.

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Together, they offer a wide variety of Nanyang-style handcrafted dim sum priced from $2.90. The extensive menu features both classic and inventive dishes, including a variety of roasts and desserts.

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Charcoal Char Siew Baos 3.8/5

The Charcoal Char Siew Baos ($5.80) were pillowy soft with a charcoal black hue. However, the filling leaned a little too sweet for us.

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Mentaiko Shrimp Dumplings 3.5/5

The Mentaiko Shrimp Dumplings ($6.80) was promising, with thin and soft wrappers and a well-seasoned filling. Unfortunately, we found the portion a little too small, and our basket of dumplings was not sealed properly.

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Crispy Popiah Rice Rolls 3.8/5

Part of the "Four Treasures" featuring four selected dishes of the chefs' signatures, the Crispy Popiah Rice Rolls ($6.80) offered a textural contrast between the silky cheong fun and crispy filling. It's served with a savoury sauce, but I'd recommend enjoying them quickly upon serving before the sauce is soaked up too much and becomes salty.

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Baked Roasted Duck Bun 3.8/5

Another from the Four Treasures, the Baked Roasted Duck Bun ($6.90) featured a crisp, golden top and sweet-savoury filling - though the duck itself wasn't very distinguishable in taste.

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Cantonese Dried Vegetables & Salted Pork Porridge 3.5/5

The third item from the quartet is the Cantonese Dried Vegetables & Salted Pork Porridge ($3.80). Although it was comforting and smooth, we preferred a bit more seasoning.

We didn't manage to try the last of the Four Treasures, which is the Coconut & Salted Egg Layer Cake ($5.80), but you can keep an eye out for it in the dessert section.

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Beetroot & Rice Crisps Rice Rolls 4.2/5

We were served the Beetroot & Rice Crisps Rice Rolls ($7.80) next, which is my favourite of the meal. These featured a vibrant pink beetroot skin encasing a crispy filling of prawn and minced pork, served over a savoury sauce. Similar to the Crispy Popiah Rice Rolls, the skin was chewy and soft.

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Fresh Shrimp Crispy Beancurd Rolls 4.2/5

The Fresh Shrimp Crispy Beancurd Rolls ($4.80) were another highlight for us. They were crispy, well-seasoned, and packed with a flavourful filling. Richman's fried offerings stood out to us overall.

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Crispy Mushroom Snails 3.5/5

The adorable Crispy Mushroom Snails ($5.80) was a surprising one as it differed from the rest with its Western flavour profile. The creamy mushroom and bacon filling is wrapped in a sweet mochi-like exterior. We found them a little too oily though, and they are best eaten hot upon serving for its intended texture.

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Brown Sugar Caramel “Ma Lai” Cake 3.8/5

We concluded with the fluffy Brown Sugar Caramel "Ma Lai" Cake ($4.80), which rounded off the meal on a sweet note.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Richman Dim Sum
Excalibur Centre
#01-05
71 Ubi Crescent
Singapore 408571
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Nearest MRT: Ubi (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 4pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Ubi MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to traffic juncton of Ubi Ave 2 and Ubi Road 3. Cross the road and walk down Ubi Road 3. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Friday, November 8, 2024

Crystal Jade Group of Fine-dining Restaurants Unveils an Enticing Array of New Dishes

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Crystal Jade Group has introduced refreshed menus across its fine dining restaurants — Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace, and Crystal Jade Pavilion — offering a modern take on heritage Chinese cuisine. These new dishes creatively blend classic flavours with refined techniques, resulting in a memorable dining experience for both traditional and modern palates.

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Crystal Jade Palace - Palace Signature Starters Platter 4/5

We began our meal with the Palace Signature Starters Platter ($38.80) from Crystal Jade Palace. This vibrant quartet of appetizers includes Crispy Sakura Shrimp Cracker, Crab Meat & Avocado Salsa Tartlet, ‘Bi Feng Tang’ Whitebait with chili and garlic, and Chilled Jellyfish & Fresh Lily Bulb in a wasabi-aged vinegar. Each bite was thoughtfully crafted, with flavours that balanced savoury, spicy, and refreshing notes, making for a delightful start to the meal.

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Crystal Jade Palace - Crispy Chicken 4.8/5

Another standout from Crystal Jade Palace was the Crispy Chicken with Homemade Ginger Scallion & Chilli Lime Sauce ($42 for half, $80 for whole). The chicken features a beautifully crisp “glass skin” that crackles with every bite, while the meat remains juicy and tender. Paired with the ginger scallion and chilli lime sauces, the flavours are lifted, adding a tangy and spicy kick to this Cantonese classic — a true crowd-pleaser.

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Crystal Jade Pavilion - Double-boiled Coconut Water Chicken Soup 5/5

The Double-boiled Fish Maw with Coconut Water, Baby Cabbage & Bamboo Pith in Chicken Soup ($72) from Crystal Jade Pavilion was a heartwarming highlight. Made with fresh coconut water, chicken, baby cabbage, bamboo pith, and fish maw, this soup carries a subtle sweetness and a light, refreshing taste. The pure flavours of coconut water create a comforting, healthful dish that resonates with traditional Chinese soup-making techniques.

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Crystal Jade Pavilion - Stir-Fried Fresh Crab Meat in Lettuce Cup 4.5/5

A nostalgic and heritage-inspired dish, the Stir-fried Fresh Crab Meat with Chinese Olive Seed, Egg & Conpoy in Lettuce Cup ($58.80 for six pieces) is a unique offering from Crystal Jade Pavilion. The eggs and crab meat are meticulously scrambled over medium heat until they resemble the small buds of yellow osmanthus flowers., and serves in a crisp lettuce cup. This thoughtful presentation enhances the refreshing, crunchy texture and highlights the delicately seasoned crab.

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Crystal Jade Golden Palace - Sauteed Tiger Prawn with Morel Mushroom 4.2/5

From Crystal Jade Golden Palace, the Sautéed Tiger Prawn with Morel Mushroom ($42) is a standout. The earthy, nutty notes of morel mushrooms are the perfect pairing for the succulent tiger prawns, resulting in a beautifully balanced dish. The freshness of the prawns and the umami depth of the morels showcase the chef’s expertise in ingredient pairing and technique.

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Crystal Jade Golden Palace - Teochew Seafood Crispy Noodle 4.2/5

We also sampled the Teochew Seafood Crispy Noodle served with Black Vinegar & Sugar ($38), a traditional Teochew specialty from Crystal Jade Golden Palace. The noodles are deep-fried, poached in a flavourful broth, then pan-fried to achieve a crispy golden exterior. The dish is served with black vinegar and sugar on the side, providing an intriguing balance of acidity and sweetness. The black vinegar, in particular, enhances the dish, making it a must-try for noodle lovers.

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Crystal Jade Golden Palace - Shunde Style Chen's Village Flat Rice Roll 4.8/5

A taste of Foshan, Guangzhou, comes to Crystal Jade Golden Palace with the Shunde Style Chen’s Village Flat Rice Roll with Minced Pork & Sole Fish topped with Crispy Pork Lardon ($28). The thin, silky rice rolls are steamed and imbued with a smoky “wok hei” aroma. Topped with minced pork, spring onions, and crispy pork lardons, this dish is a satisfying blend of textures and flavours, showcasing the culinary heritage of Shunde cuisine.

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Crystal Jade Pavilion - Sugarcane Jelly with Peach Sorbet 4.8/5

To finish, we enjoyed the Sugarcane Jelly with Peach Sorbet ($9.80 per pax) from Crystal Jade Pavilion. The sugarcane jelly, mildly sweet and refreshing, pairs beautifully with the fruity, tart notes of the peach sorbet. This light dessert provides a perfect palate cleanser, bringing the meal to a refreshing close.

Crystal Jade’s refreshed menus across its fine dining establishments skillfully balance tradition with modern flair. Each restaurant brings its own personality and unique interpretation of heritage Chinese cuisine, creating an experience that is both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you're a fan of classic Chinese flavours or looking for something with a contemporary twist, these new dishes at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace, and Crystal Jade Pavilion offer something to delight every palate.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


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Crystal Jade Palace
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
#04-19
Singapore 238872

Crystal Jade Golden Palace
The Paragon
290 Orchard Road
#05-22
Singapore 238859

Crystal Jade Pavilion
VivoCity
1 Harbourfront Walk
#01-112
Singapore 098585