Crystal Jade Steamboat Restaurant @ Zhongshan Mall (Balestier)

With the opening of Hai Di Lao Hotpot and Cuisine Master Hotpot, Crystal Jade has jump on the bandwagon and introduces an all day casual steamboat concept in Balestier at Zhongshan Mall. Crystal Jade Steamboat Restaurant not only features steamboat with quality ingredients, it also offers a selection of new Teochew and Cantonese specialties as well as the well loved dim sum and roasts.

The Superior Broth which is the base for the 7 types of soup offered at Crystal Jade Steamboat Restaurant is made from whole chicken, lean pork and pork bones simmered for more than 12 hours resulting in a hearty and flavourful broth. I tried both the Pork Bone Soup and Tom Yam Soup. One sip and I could tell these soups were simmered for hours with the freshest ingredients. I noted an unique soup base on the menu that I have not tried before, Preserved Egg with Beancurd & Parsley Soup. I am very keen to come back and try this.

Assorted Meat 4/5

Crystal Jade Steamboat Restaurant also offers 9 Steamboat Sets that are good for two persons priced between $28.80 and $38.80. I tried the Assorted Meat Steamboat ($32.80) which comes with a selection of chicken, beef, lamb and Kurobuta pork. It is a delightful set for the carnivores with fresh quality meat.

Assorted Handmade Balls 4.2/5

Not to be missed is the Handmade balls. They are the Handmade Meat Ball ($6.90/portion), Handmade Prawn Ball ($6.90/portion), Handmade Fishball in Teochew Style ($6.90/portion), Handmade Squid Ball in Teochew Style ($6.90/portion). These bouncy balls are a flavourful addition to the steamboat enjoyment.

Among the four different handmade balls, the handmade meat ball was my favourite. It is painstakingly chopped by hand into a fine paste and molded into a ball shape. Water chestnut bits were also added to enhance the sweetness of the meat and giving it an extra crunch. I can really taste and appreciate the hard work behind it.

Handmade Deep Fried Bean Curd Skin Roll 4.8/5

A must try and must have for any steamboat lover at Crystal Jade Steamboat Restaurant is the Handmade Deep Fried Bean Curd Skin Roll ($5.90/portion). During the frying process, the specially imported bean curd skins are delicately rolled in the hot oil into a delicious crispy golden sticks. One can enjoy the roll by itself in its crispy form or cook it in the soup base to soak up the lovely flavours.

Assorted Vegetable 4/5

For a good balance diet of course we should not missed out the greens which comes together with the set. You can also order more from the ala carte menu.

Grilled Sea Bass with Preserved Vegetables 3.8/5

Crystal Jade Steamboat Restaurant is not just only about steamboat. The restaurant has also created a few new specialties. One of them is the Grilled Sea Bass with Preserved Vegetables ($32.80). Instead of steamed fish the version here is grilled. Individual they were beautiful but internally I was crying out for the salted vegetable broth to be paired with a duck instead.

Sauteed Chicken with Dried Chilli & Onion 4/5

Another new creation on the menu is the Sauteed Chicken with Dried Chilli & Onion ($18.80/half chicken, $32.80/whole chicken). I can smell the lovely aroma when the dish was served. While the chicken was tender and moist, it was also very intense with the "Ma La" aftertaste that will send your taste buds numb. The beauty of this dish is you can add some superior broth and turn it into a spicy steamboat pot.

Salted Pork's Bone & Dried Vegetable Porridge 3/5

Lightly salted and smooth, the comforting and traditional Salted Pork's Bone & Dried Vegetable Porridge ($9.80 small serving) is perfect for the cold weather or supper.

It is great to see that Crystal Jade introducing its first full day steamboat dining concept. The new restaurant also serves delectable Teochew and Cantonese specialties as well as dim sum for supper besides steamboat. Another exciting news is that Crystal Jade Steamboat Restaurant is opened until 2am in the morning!


Crystal Jade Steamboat Restaurant
Zhongshan Mall
20 Ah Hood Road
#01-18
Singapore 329984
Tel: +65 63390283
Website: http://www.crystaljade.com/
Nearest MRT: Novena (NS Line), Toa Payoh (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 2am

Direction
1) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the shuttle bus service pick up point at Velocity @ Novena Square. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Novena MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Irrawaddy Road. Walk towards Ren Ci Community Hospital direction along Irrawaddy Road. Turn onto Shan Road and walk to the end. At the end of the Shan Road, cross Balestier Road to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Toa Payoh bus interchange (Stop ID 52009). Take bus number 139 04 145. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

4) Alight at Toa Payoh MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to bus stop at Toa Payoh MRT station along Toa Payoh Lorong 2 (Stop ID 52189). Take bus 56, 105 or 153. Alight 1 stop later. Cross the canal. Cut through the cluster of HDB flats and carpark towards block 103 onto Ah Hood Road. Continue on Ah Hood Road to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Smiths Authentic British Fish & Chips @ Tanjong Katong

Established in 2010, Smiths Authentic British Fish and Chips has been around for the past 4 years serving up traditional British favourite of moist white fish in crisp golden batter with fluffy fries. I am not foreign to Tanjong Katong Road and I know how competitive the area can be. I have seen many restaurants opened and gone but Smiths Authentic British Fish and Chips stood tall winning the palates of many with their authentic and traditional British fish and chips all these years.

Fish and Chips 3.5/5

At Smiths, they don't just serve you fish and chips. Patron actually has a choice of 4 different types of white fish in Cod, Paliace, Haddock and Halibut. Deep fried to golden brown with their special batter recipe, their fish and chips is served wrapped in a wax paper. To be safe, I recommend going for the Cod Standard and Chips ($18 for 180-200g fillet) which is the more popular choice among the 4 types of fishes. To be frank, I am not a big fan of fish and chips and my attention was drawn to the sauces and side dishes. Actually the fish is not marinated so itself was bland. You need to splash some of the vinegar and salt available at table to enhance the flavour and made it more palatable.

Pickled Onion, Pickled Egg, Pickled Gherkin 4.2/5

I learnt a lesson from the owner that British has fish and chips with Pickled Eggs ($2), Pickled Onions ($2) and Pickled Gherkins ($2). I have never been to London and how glad I am that I can tried these traditional pickled ingredients in Singapore. Fish and chips is not boring after all.

Mushy Peas, Baked Beans Gravy, Curry Sauce

The extensive menu at Smiths also offer British favourite such as Mushy Peas ($4) and Baked Beans ($4). To go with the fries, Gravy ($4) and Curry Sauce ($4) were available on the menu for some dipping enojoyment.

Salmon Fish Cakes 2.5/5

We all know that salmon is a delicate fish which can be easily overcooked. I think by deep frying the Salmon Fish Cakes ($7.50 for 2pc) spoilt the beautiful fish. I have to say I am not impressed at all.

Beef and Guinness Pie 4/5

A must try at Smiths is the Beef and Guinness Pie ($8.50/pc). Baked to a nice flaky pastry and gorgeous beef filling simmered with Guinness will send you on a high but not drunk.

Battered Pineapple Rings 3/5

Quite surprisingly, Smiths actually has dessert on their menu. The Battered Pineapple Rings ($3.50 for 4pc) gave a sweet ending change after all the fried stuff. I am not too sure but the pineapple tasted as it was from the can fried in a light batter. It was nice but nothing much to shout about.

Battered MARS Bar 3/5

My first encounter of deep fried MARS bar ($6) was at The Ascot. The version at Smiths was sweet, sticky and a crispy batter to balance the sweetness as well as giving it a crunch.

At Smiths British Fish & Chips, my recommendation is not to be overwhelmed by all the fried stuff. Go for the sides or pickled ingredients to add some colours and varieties to your meal. Washed it down with a selection of quality British craft beers and wines. Bottoms up!


Smiths Authentic British Fish & Chips
230 Tanjong Katong Road
Singapore 259708
Tel: +65 63459855
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmithsFishandChips
Nearest MRT: Dakota (CC Line), Paya Lebar (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 11pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Dakota MRT station. Walk to bus stop at Blk 99 Old Airport Road (Stop ID 81181). Take bus no. 10, 31 and 32. Alight 2 stops later. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Walk to bus stop along Paya Lebar Road (Stop ID 81111). Take bus no. 43, 76 and 135. Alight 4 stops later. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]