While I had passed by Crystal Jade Palace numerous times since my uni days, I had never got around to try the food there since I do not fancy queuing (so I doubt that I will visit Tim Ho Wan anytime soon due to the horrendous queue). It was by pure coincidence that we went there near closing time that we could get a table without queuing.
Frankly speaking, if a restaurant implements queuing system instead reservation one, it is highly unlikely that the ambience and service are top notch, so I was not expecting too much. The place is quite okay, not overly crowded like that Lei Garden at 313 though not spacious either. The crystal lights above provide some nice touches though everything else looked dated and old fashioned. Service is surprisingly decent, no hiccups, just that it is not cream of the crop.
As for food, the dishes are way better than the ones at other branches to the point that I was taken aback at the vast differences in standard. The dim sum items are very flavourful and effective in whetting one's appetite. Thumbs up for the Xiao long bao, fried dumplings, century egg porridge and osmamthus jelly. The main shortfall is the lack of interesting, unique dim sum items.
Definitely do not mind going back for some old school dim sum as long as I do not have to queue.
My Thoughts: Not Bad
Nearest car park: Ngee Ann City's car park
Nearest MRT: Orchard
#04-19 Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road
Singapore
Contact No: 6735 2388
