Crystal Jade started out as a single outlet in the former Cairnhill Hotel in Singapore 20 years ago and today, they are an award-winning restaurant with more than 100 outlets spread over 18 cities, in nine countries.
I’ve always loved the way the restaurant looks – all traditional Chinese jazzed up with just a tiny hint of contemporary flair. And last night, I had the opportunity to dine in Crystal Jade at The Gardens Mall for the first time.
The first thing that was served to me was the “Marinated Duck Tongue” (RM9.80). I’m not exactly the most adventurous person when it comes to food so that was a bit of an eye-opener for a starter dish. I liked it. It was marinated right through and surprisingly chewy, with the texture of abalone.
What followed suit was the “Chilled Sliced Bitter gourd with Plum Sauce” (RM10). A lot of people are generally turned off by the bitterness of this vegetable but I’ve always been a fan of bitter gourd. It’s a simple yet healthy appetizer with a hint of plum sauce! I reckon it would make a pretty good snack if not an entrée to a meal.
Then, I was served the “Double-boiled Sea Whelk & Chicken with Star fruit & Pomelo” (RM28). I’ve never tried or even heard of sea whelk! This is what it looks like in its original form.
Uhm. Waiter? There are stars in my soup.
Absolutely delicious and nourishing! The star fruit and pomelo added natural sweetness to the soup and dare I say, it was double-boiled to perfection. This bowl of perfect comfort food needs to be ordered a day in advance usually – I was lucky!
I admit – the only reason why I refuse to eat prawns is not because of any specific allergies but because it’s always a mess and hard work to peel the shell away and get my hands dirty. Last night, I gave the “Braised Prawn with Superior Sauce in Casserole” (RM46) an exception. The chili sauce that it was braised in gave the dish an extra kick.
The next thing on the menu was the “Deep-fried Spare Rib with Champagne” (RM28). I’ve always told people, “The day you see me eat pork would be a good day to buy lottery”. I have the same sentiment for when I wear jeans. But this deep-fried dish was doused with champagne sauce which made all the difference.
Dinner ended on a light note with “Fried Rice with Assorted Grain in Hot Stone Pot” (RM20). It’s served like the Korean “Bibimpap” but healthier! The dish contains round grain rice, azuki beans, wheat, soybean, and corn. Super low in fat and diet-friendly.
Truth be told, I was blown away by not only its beautiful traditional Chinese interior but also the various types of authentic, traditional Chinese dishes that they have on their menu. I would’ve liked to try more dishes but my stomach doesn’t have that kind of capacity.
Maybe next time!
Crystal Jade Restaurant is located at:
Lot T-210, 3rd Floor,
The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City,
Lingkaran Syed Putra,
59200 Kuala Lumpur.
For more information visit their website.
