The Crystal Jade brand is renowned being one of the leading Singapore-based restaurant groups to preserve the rich traditions of Chinese cuisine.

As far as comfort food is concerned, one of our all-time favourite places to dine at is Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao. We grew up enjoying their classic and contemporary interpretations of the much-loved xiao long bao and la mian which finds its roots from the Jiangnan region in China!

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao has officially opened its latest outlet at Basement 2 of Ngee Ann City which was previously occupied by Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng Chicken and BBQ. Paying homage to its opening on 01 Dec 2017, the restaurant will be bringing back their limited-edition local-inspired Hainanese Chicken Rice Xiao Long Bao.

From now until 31 Jan 2018, spend a minimum of S$45 on a la carte food items to enjoy a basket of 4 pcs Hainanese Chicken Rice Xiao Long Bao for just S$1. This promotion is limited to 1 redemption per table per bill.

The popular casual all-day dining restaurant specialises in Northern Chinese specialties such as a wide array of delectable la mian and xiao long bao options, as well as traditional meat and seafood specialities from around the Jiangnan region.

The restaurant exudes a charming, rustic ambience with a distinctly bold and modern twist, unlike your typical Chinese restaurant.

CRYSTAL JADE LA MIAN XIAO LONG BAO’S SIGNATURE APPETISERS

We started with the Deep-fried White Bait In Wuxi Style (S$8.30) and Chilled Poached Chicken In Szechuan Style (S$10.30).

Crispy, sticky and dangerously appetising, the deep-fried whitebait is definitely something we could order several times in one sitting. Its tangy-sweet vinegary glaze coupled with a delightful crunch makes it so much harder to resist.

If you prefer something with bold flavours, the Chilled Poached Chicken In Szechuan Style—a classic dish in Southwestern China—is what you must order. The tender chicken is drenched with Szechuan Style ‘mala’ flavour with a hint of vinegar; spicy to say the least.

STEAMED ASSORTED XIAO LONG BAO WITH LOCAL TWISTS

These days, it is hardly surprising to see Chinese restaurants offering xiao long bao in assorted colours and flavours and Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao is no exception to the trend.

The Steamed Assorted Flavours Xiao Long Bao (S$9.30) promises a variety of savoury local flavours: salted egg yolk, chilli crab, mushroom and original.

Needless to say, the savoury Chilli Crab and Salted Egg Yolk Xiao Long Bao are the crowd favourites. On the other hand, the Mushroom Xiao Long Bao is unjustifiably underrated. Do not be deceived by its dull colour for this dumpling is packed with an aromatic earthy broth filled with mushroom bits and juicy meat.

HAINANESE CHICKEN XIAO LONG BAO

Presenting a unique xiao long bao inspired by one of Singapore’s most well-loved hawker dishes, Crystal Jade’s Hainanese Chicken Rice Xiao Long Bao (S$6.80 for 4 pieces) is a tantalising nugget of Moorish delight. Paired with fragrant ginger paste, this inventive rendition is a comforting parcel that unveils tender minced chicken thigh in a flavourful yet delicate stock.

SAVOURY LA MIAN OPTIONS

Nobody leaves Crystal Jade without a bowl of la mian and we highly recommend the La Mian With Scallion Oil (S$8.30). The key ingredients for this dish are as straightforward as its name; handmade noodles and scallion oil.

Tender, hand-pulled noodles are generously coated with a fragrant scallion oil that adds a certain savoury element to the dish. It is topped with strips of fried scallions for some extra umami and texture.

For something a little more hearty and substantial, consider the Szechuan Dan Dan La Mian (S$10.80)—essentially Peanut Sauce with Chilli Oil—which consists of the same tender noodles but in a viscous peanut sauce. Contrary to its bright red hue, it really wasn’t as fiery as we thought.

STELLAR SIDE DISHES

One of the best side dishes to get is the Sautéed Egg White with Conpoy & Fish Meat (S$15.80). Egg whites are beautifully cooked with a mixture of conpoy and fish which resulted in a fragrant mix of flavour and textural bliss.

The egg white cuts through the sharp flavours of everything else and the dash of vinegar makes it even more appetizing. As simple as it may look, this was another unforgettable item from the menu.

One of the more underrated items that deserve a mention is the Poached Sliced Fish in Szechuan Spicy Soup (S$22.80). As daunting as this massive cauldron of robust red, seemingly fiery soup may be, it was actually pretty mild.

Expect chunks of tender poached sliced fish, crunchy xiao bai cai and thick glass noodles in a fiery, tongue-tingling mala broth.

If you would much rather opt for a milder, less heavily flavoured side dish, the Sautéed Rice Flour Cake in Shanghai Style (S$14.80) is a great choice. The chewy rice flour cake was an interesting change of pace compared to the other softer and saucier dishes and we were mighty impressed by how much ‘wok hei’ this simple dish had.

Having eaten a whole range of savoury and spicy dishes, it is probably a good idea to balance it out with something sweet. The Coconut Cake (S$5.30) is a rather new item on the menu and this dessert is a pudding-kueh hybrid. It was dense like a pudding yet moist like a kueh; and all in all, it was brimming with intense coconut fragrance and flavour.

With such an elaborate line-up of dishes to look forward to at the spanking new Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao at Ngee Ann City, you must be aching to pay a visit. Be sure to not miss out on their S$1 Hainanese Chicken Rice Xiao Long Bao promotion that you can enjoy as long as you fulfill a minimum spend of S$45 on à la carte food items (terms and conditions apply). This promotion is valid from now until 31 Jan 2018.

Terms and Conditions:

• Valid with min. spend of S$45 on a la carte food items.
• Valid until 31 Jan 2018, Monday to Fridays, excluding eve and day of public holiday.
• Limited to 1 redemption per table per bill, no splitting of bills allowed.
• Valid for dine-in and whilst stocks last.
• Not valid with other promotion, discount, voucher or loyalty programmes unless otherwise stated.

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Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road, #B2-36A,
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
Singapore 238873
Tel: +65 6733 3229
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

This post was brought to you by Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao.