Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, Takashimaya

You know this review is gonna be good when I waited 30mins for a seat and am still willing to blog about it. What I hate though, was that the lady at the door said that since there were only two of us, we only had to wait for 10min. Why couldn't she just say 30min? or at least 20min? I hate it when they try to keep you there that way. But that aside, it was a good thing the food made up for it, because we were almost dying of hunger.

Since the branch was called La Mian Xiao Long Bao, it really prevented us from trying anything else except for their la mian and xiao long bao. I have tried xiao long baos from diff parts of the world, and in singapore. Not enough to conclude, but up to date, Crystal Jade does serve one of the better ones ard. if you wanna try Ding Tai Fung's xiao long bao, pls go to taiwan. the singapore branches spoil the name. back to crystal jade, the xiaolongbao (4 pcs $3.60) is lined on cabbage leaves and placed in the typical dim sum 'long'. I'm sure everyone knows how to eat xiaolongbao the traditional way: bite the top skin off, drink the soupy gravy, dip the rest in vinegar and eat it. Pure ecstacy. My only gripe is that there was not enough soup in each bao, so you dont really get enough satisfaction from drinking the soup.

I ordered the most basic ramen - handmade noodles in spring onion oil ($5) - because I was very attracted to something else on the menu: beef brisket and dumplings in chilli oil ($7.80). So we decided to order that to share, and i can have some beef and dumpling with my mian. The noodles came quickly, before the beef, but i decided to go ahead and try it first. Definitely good enough on its own. The oil is fragrant, and the long shallots accompanied the noodles well. The handmade noodles were up to standard too - the taste of flour did not overpower like other handmade noodles. The beef brisket that arrived was oh-so-good. The tenderness of the meat allowed for easy enjoyment of the dish. The dumplings tasted like firmer versions of the xiaolongbao, but it was definitely a treat served with chilli oil since 2 xiaolongbaos each were not enough to satisfy. They tasted really good with vinegar (although I think I just like vinegar) too. I drizzled some chilli oil onto my noodles and the zest of the spice just brought the taste up another level.

daniel had the pork and shredded cabbage noodles ($7.90, if I'm not wrong). the special thing about this dish is that they use udon-like handmade thick noodles and they slow boil the entire bowl with the gravy, noodles and ingredients. although it took a longer time for the noodles to be served, it really was worth the wait. The soup/gravy was bursting with flavor, the noodles were soft yet chewy, and the soft shredded cabbage and pork provided a very homey feeling - almost like comfort food. the gravy was cleared to the very last drop, yet it was not too salty. very professionally done.

thumbs up to crystal jade for a great meal! my only regret is that i did not notice the desserts on the menu, or else i'd definitely order some. some side snacks look really appetising too. Ah, looks like another trip is on the brew...

P.S.: Crystal Jade should really start a website, considering that they are so huge and have so many outlets. Unless they do have one, just that I can't find it...

1) Xiao Long Bao
2) La Mian with spring onion oil

3) Beef Brisket and dumplings in chilli oil

4) Pork and shredded cabbage noodles

5) Pork and shredded cabbage noodles 2