I make no secret of my fondness with the food from Crystal Jade chain of restaurants. From their Hong Kong styled dim sum, to fine dining, and the Korean styled restaurant reviewed here.
Celebratigf its 10th year, the Korean restaurant has moved to a new location at Basement 2 of Ngee Ann City. I went for a tasting of the main dishes, many thanks to Crystal Jade's Samantha for hosting and JJ for invitation.
As a starter, 6 different types of Korean appetizers...but here are my favourites: the Stewed Top Grade Beef Ribs
This is my absolute favourite amongst the dishes tasted that afternoon. The beef is Australian prime beef ribs are tenderly braised for several hours with rock sugar, pepper, sesame, red dates, ginger, garlic, apples, pears, carrots and radish. With the slow simmering, the meat is cooked over the low heat and is very tender, while full of flavour. Absolutely delicious. The radish has also absorbed the beef flavours very well and is very tasty.
Of course, the namesake Korean Ginseng chicken
An absolute favourite in Korea, especially during the summer months, this dish is known for its ability to provide stamina and strength to endure the long, hot months. A fresh young chicken is stuffed with glutinous rice, red dates and ginko nuts, and simmered in ginseng water and Korean ginseng. The pot is sealed and steamed for 1.5 hours before combined with a rich chicken stock and boiled slowly for a further 3 hours.
The taste is marvellous. The meat and rice is aromatic, and the chicken is very tender, while still retaining the flavour. The ginseng root itself was a bit bitter but on the palate gives way to a light sweetness characteristic of ginseng. Very nice.
We also the BBQ.
Shown above, my favourite which is marinated beef short ribs. Marinated over 3 hours in a secret recipe, then broilled over a gas fire for a short while. Very tender, and flavourful. I preferred the stewed short ribs, but this is quite good too.
And a beautiful dessert to end the meal
Known as "baesuk" in Korea as a remedy for colds and coughs, the Crystal Jade version is made the traditional Chinese way with whole snow pears double boiled with chuan bei, dried longans and rock sugar. The chuan bei is a traditional Chinese medicine to treat dry coughs. In the cold version we were served, it was a fitting end to a beautiful meal, refreshing and nourishing.
Excellent meals to be had. The braised beef ribs will keep me coming back for more...eaten with just a bowl of steamed rice...magnificent. Highly recommended.
Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng Chicken and BBQ Restaurant
67333229
Mon - Fri: 11:00 - 15:00
Mon - Fri: 17:30 - 23:00
Sat, Sun & PH: 11:00 - 23:00
