Crystal Jade Kitchen - Of Succulent Prawns & Fragrant Osmanthus

Junction 8, Bishan
Singapore
July 2012
 
Sometimes, Merlion Wayfarer would visit a Chinese eatery in her adventures. Today was one such day. Merlion Wayfarer was at Bishan to buy her Saltimblanco tickets and decided to drop by Crystal Jade.
 
This outlet, like many of their mass market "Kitchen" ones, was serving the dinner buffet. Not feeling ravenous, Merlion Wayfarer decided to opt for the more digestible ala carte option.
   
The post on Hungry Go Where by Crystal Jade's management:

"The perfect place to enjoy your favourite Cantonese-style Noodles, Dim Sum, Congee, BBQ delights and Cantonese specialties set in a friendly environment. Ideal for casual dining with excellent cuisine and service second to none."
(Source:  Hungry Go Where)
  
Crystal Jade has always been known for their Hong Kong style Cantonese cuisine, that was why Merlion Wayfarer was amused to find this in their menu:
  
A crash course in local vegetables - their names and how they look like...
 
Merlion Wayfarer ordered the Shrimp Dumpling Noodles Soup (水饺面汤) - which Crystal Jade serves the way it is served in Hong Kong.
  
As usual the noodles didn't live up to the dumplings -
being a bit harder in texture compared to the meat-based soup and thick generous dumplings...

The succulent whole prawn compacted inside each "shrimp" dumpling -
Don't play-play, it's not hay bee (虾米) hor...
After enjoying the main course, Merlion Wayfarer decided to order her dessert.

Osmanthus jelly (桂花糕) - Delicate jelly cubes chilled with fragrant osmanthus flowers and wolfberries.
Although they looked like some herbal concoction, the taste is delicate and mildly fragrant...
  
A close-up of the jelly. See how it reflected the light?
It was more agar agar than jelly, and it was kinda addictive to keep slurping the cubes...
  

Looking at the diners still stuffing themselves with the buffet food and the "mass-produced" desserts, Merlion Wayfarer left the restaurant beholding the sweet aftertaste of the osmanthus in her palate. Hiak hiak hiak!
  


The full album is available at:
Merlion Wayfarer's Picasa (Food - Cantonese)