Marvellous choices for steamboat at Crystal Jade

Janette Tan | SoShiok.com | Thu Sep 23 2010

by Janette Tan

Singapore, September 23, 2010

With so many steamboat restaurants all over the island, what kept us coming back to the Crystal Jade outlet at Tampines Mall for their steamboat buffet?

At $18.80++, the ala-carte buffet includes free flow of drinks, 4 types of appetizers, 100gm of fresh prawns per person and a menu with a reasonable range of ingredients for the steamboat.
 
There are four types of soup, and diners are allowed to choose up to two different types.

While chicken soup is the norm for steamboat, we find their Vietnam-style “spicy-and-sour soup” rather unique. It is similar to the Thai tom yam soup but it tastes more sour than spicy.

For those who prefer a more traditional taste, their pork bone soup will not disappoint.
 
As for the steamboat items, several kind of meat slices are available, like pork, chicken, lamb, beef and pork offal.

You can savour various types of fresh and dried mushrooms, all kinds of seafood balls (fish, prawn and sotong), a few types of beancurds and a good range of greens, tomatoes, sweet corn, potatoes as well. 

Among all, their thinly-sliced marinated lamb and beef are impressively tender and tasty.

Although the prawns are limited to 100gm per patron, they are very fresh and fairly large in size. So, it is still worth your moolah.

Have I mentioned also that they have yam too? Being typical Teochews, me and my lunch partner absolutely love yam in our steamboat. Crytsal Jade's cooked yam slices are simply marvellous!
 
Another great aspect of our steamboat dining experience would be the sauce corner. Diners can create their own dip from a selection of oils, pastes and sauces. Some condiments available include chilli sauce, sesame oil, peanut sauce and chopped garlic.

The warm and enthusiastic service attitude of the staff also made me want more steamboat meals from Crystal Jade.

Our food was served promptly, and waitresses were quick to clear soiled plates away, refill drinks and broth from time to time.
 
Verdict

Crystal Jade steamboat is reasonably priced for a satisfying meal with great service.

A word of caution though - while steamboat is often perceived as a healthier choice of eating (since most of the food are being boiled to cook, right?), do note that these ingredients are often heavily seasoned.

Some of the seasonings are washed off and retained in the soup. Hence, the soup would usually ended up very ‘tasty’ so it is advisable to skip or at least not drinking too much of it.
 
On a side track, do note that the price and menu may vary from branch to branch.

For example, the Crystal Jade restaurant in IMM offers the buffet at $19.80++ per head with complimentary Peking Duck Skin, but they charge extra for prawns. 
 
Crystal Jade Tampines Mall
4 Tampines Central 5
#B1-11,
Tampines Mall 
Singapore 529510 
Tel: 6788 0633

See pictures of Crystal Jade steamboat

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