Crystal Jade is a household name in Singapore but little did I know that the group actually runs a Korean cuisine restaurant established since 2004. Celebrating its 10 years anniversary,
Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ restaurant has relocated from the 4th floor of
Takashimaya Shopping Centre to its new prime location next to the atrium area at the basement with a larger seating capacity and expanded line up of authentic home styled Korean food.
Banchan 4/5
One of the reasons why patrons enjoy Korean cuisine is the various complimentary banchan or side dishes that are served before the mains. Do note that the side dishes at Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ is chargeable. The set of
6 different Banchan ($10) are changed daily, others are available separately at $4 per servicing. Although chargeable, they are refillable.
Authentic Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup 4.2/5
The
Authentic Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup ($28) has been one of the signature dishes for the past 10 years. This is a summer dish whereby the Koreans believe that ginseng can help to cool one from the summer's heat, detox and rejuvenate the body. Using whole chicken, four years old ginseng root, glutinous rice, red dates and gingko nuts, the chicken soup is slow cooked for hours to fully extract the goodness and flavours of the ingredients. The portion served is good for 2-4 pax. I felt that the soup is well balanced without the ginseng taste overpowering it.
Stewed Top Grade Beef Short Rib 4.8/5
The other popular dish at the restaurant is the
Stewed Top Grade Beef Short Rib ($29). This is a special dish that will only be served during celebratory and significant occasions. Using prime Australian beef ribs, the dish is braised for several hours in a accompaniment of rock sugar, pepper, sesame, red dates, ginger, garlic, apples, pears, carrots and radish developing a very delish flavour. This is extremely delicious and it is a must try here.
Korean Imperial Hotpot with Assorted Vegetable 4/5
New in the menu is the
Korean Imperial Hotpot with Assorted Vegetable ($39). The hotpot which is good to serve up to 4 pax comes with a choice of chicken, beef or pork. Accompanying the flavourful soup stock is a generous servicing of ingredients such as sweet corn, carrots, cucumbers, black fungus, silken tofu, golden enoki mushrooms and straws mushrooms. This is definitely a luxurious and healthy hotpot for sharing.
Korean Handmade Noodles 4.5/5
If you prefer noodles over rices, you can order these
Korean Handmade Noodles ($3 per servicing) to enjoy together with the hotpot. Made using eggs and high grade Korean flour, the noodles were very springy. Even being soaked in the hotpot for a while, it still retained a delectable bite in texture.
Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ restaurant offers 12 types of marinated meat dishes and two combination sets for its barbeque. A worthy note is the special grilling stations with vacuum capability on the side of the grills, sucking the fumes away. I would say this is the few rare occasions where I can step out a barbeque restaurant without any of the smoky smell on my clothes.
Marinated Beef Short Rib 4.5/5
Pork Collar 4.2/5
Ox Tongue 3.8/5
For the barbeque, I tried the
Marinated Beef Short Ribs ($28 per servicing),
Ox Tongue ($25 per servicing) and
Pork Collar ($22 per servicing). The marinated beef short ribs is my favourite among the three which is marinated similarity as the s
tewed top grade beef short rib which is extremely flavourful. The ox tongue although juicy and succulent can be a bit gamy for some. The pork collar on the other has a very nice tender bite after it has been grilled.
Double Boiled Snow Pear 4.5/5
The
Double Boiled Snow Pear ($5) available in either hot or cold is the perfect dessert particularly after the barbeque or a spicy meal. Doubled boiled with Chuan Bei or fritillaria extracts, dried longans and rock sugar, this soothing yet refreshing dessert helps to cook off the heat as well as cleanse the palate from all the greasiness. This dessert is also known for its remedy for colds and coughs.
I was told by my friend that the food at Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ is really good before my visit. After trying it I have to agreed with her. While the food and quality is good, I could not get over the fact that the restaurant is charging for banchan and soup refill. I understand the restaurant is running a business but as a consumers I would compare it with other Korean restaurants. Moreover it kind of taken away the basic enjoyment of Korean cuisine.
Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ Restaurant
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
#B2-36A
Singapore
Tel: +65 67333229
Website:
http://www.crystaljade.com/
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit D. Cut through Wisma Atria. Take the pathway between Wisma Atria and Takashimaya. Walk to Takashimaya. Proceed to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes.
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