In conjunction with the upcoming Mother's and Father's Day, Crystal Jade Group's portfolio of fine and casual-dining restaurants has launched several limited-time promotions – ranging from High-Tea sets and special set menus alongside seasonal a la carte dishes. The promotions are available from now till 30 June 2023.
Cucumber & Assorted Mushroom Dumpling 4.5/5, Steamed Squid with Water Chestnut Dumpling 4.5/5, Deep-fried Beancurd Roll with Pork Floss & Seaweed 2.5/5
Available at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Pavilion for the first time, these three fine-dining establishments offer specially-curated High Tea sets, over two weekends each, in May and June, in the late afternoon from 3pm – 445pm. A peek into the Crystal Jade Pavilion Sea High-Tea set, we tried the Cucumber & Assorted Mushroom Dumpling served together with two seasonal dim sum items from Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen - Steamed Squid with Water Chestnut Dumpling ($7.80/3 pieces) and Deep-fried Beancurd Roll with Pork Floss & Seaweed ($7.80/3 pieces). I enjoyed both the dumplings. They were exquisite, with thin skin and fillings that were on point with flavours and texture. However, the deep-fried beancurd roll was a tad greasy for me.
Chilled Boneless Kampung Chicken 4/5
Crystal Jade Palace presents two very tantalising dishes. The first to be served was Chilled Boneless Kampung Chicken with Scallion & Sand Ginger ($36 for half, $70 for whole). The chicken was deliciously succulent and tender, marinated in a mixture of chopped spring onions and sand ginger that lent incredible fragrance, flavour and freshness.
Stewed Chinese Yam Vermicelli with Sesame Chicken & Shredded Ginger 4/5
The 2nd dish was a nourishing and warming Stewed Chinese Yam Vermicelli with Sesame Chicken & Shredded Ginger ($32 for regular (3-4 persons)). The sesame flavour was more of an undertone, making the broth much lighter than expected and delightfully comforting. The Chinese yam vermicelli is specially brought in to create this dish. Its texture is a cross between rice vermicelli and glass noodles.
Steamed Whole Deboned Fish wrapped in Crystal Jelly 5/5
From Crystal Jade Golden Palace, I was awed by this high-skilled dish - Steamed Whole Deboned Fish wrapped in Crystal Jelly in Teochew Style (Seasonal price). The live fish is first filleted, then wrapped with shiitake mushroom, red chilli, preserved vegetables, Chinese celery and shredded ginger in a delicate mung bean sheet, and steamed in a light stock flavoured with preserved vegetables and enlivened with fresh tomatoes.
Hakka Grandma's Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetable 3.5/5
In contrast with the above, Hakka Grandma's Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetable ($28/4 pieces) is a very homely dish that entices with thick cuts of pork belly doused in a dark, rich sauce with Preserved Vegetables. The preserved vegetables were surprisingly quite balanced in flavour, and it would have been a perfect combination if the pork belly had been more tender.
Deep-fried Assorted Mushroom & Lotus Roots 3/5
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao & Jiang Nan presents Deep-fried Assorted Mushroom & Lotus Roots in Chef's Special Spicy Cumin Powder ($16.80). Using mushrooms and crunchy lotus roots instead of meat gives a different form of enjoyment. However, I would prefer the mushrooms to be less thinly sliced so each fried piece has a 'meatier' bite.
Superior Bird's Nest with Taro Paste in Deep-fried Sesame Ball 3/5
Crystal Jade Palace High Tea set, Crystal Jade Golden Palace High Tea set & Crystal Jade Pavilion High Tea set are priced at $68++ per person (minimum 2 persons to dine). Each delectable high tea set includes two appetisers, four dim sum, a soup, a main, two desserts, and free flow of Chinese tea and coffee. You can also opt to top up $58 for a bottle of Prosecco Cecilia Beretta NV (750ml).
Mango Passionfruit Sorbet with Bird's Nest 3.5/5
An extensive selection of set menus is available at Crystal Jade Palace, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Pavilion. Each menu comprises off-the-menu creations, from $488 for 6 persons to $1,688 for 10 persons.
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.
