While the SG50 celebrations seem to be taking over the nation (and its corporations), the Crystal Jade Group joins in the frenzy in an elegant move of localized and aesthetically pleasing dim sum.

SG50 Xiao Long Baos

Even though xiao long bao isn’t strictly a part of our local portfolio, the Crystal Jade Group injects a burst of the Singaporean through their Chilli Crab and Hainanese Chicken Rice Xiao Long Baos ($7.80 for 4 pieces, 2 of each flavour). These little dumplings taste as close as they can get to their namesakes, which means you can expect generous fillings of minced chicken and shredded spicy crab, plus broth that might actually satiate your craving for the real thing. Available at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao and Crystal Jade Jiang Nan from now till 30 September 2015.

New on the Dim Sum Menu

We all know that golden pillows come in many forms, but the Deep Fried Hokkaido Milk Custard ($8 for 5 pieces, above) and Fried Chilli Crab Meat Bun ($5.50 for 3 pieces, below) rank top in my list. The former contains smooth milk custard that that is interestingly viscous, complemented by its exterior of hot, crisp batter made with several different types of flour.

The Chilli Crab Meat Bun needs little to no introduction, and is as good as it sounds – fried mantou with a neat chilli crab filling that will leave no mess on the hands. Other new items include the Steamed Siew Mai with Caviar ($9.50 for 3 pieces) and Steamed Siew Mai with Quail Egg ($5.50 for 3 pieces). The Fried Chilli Crab Meat Bun is available at Crystal Jade Palace Restaurant, Crystal Jade Golden Palace, and Crystal Jade Dining IN from 1 August – 30 September 2015 while the rest are available from now till 30 September 2015.

Hey Good-Looking

Another thing to look out is the new range of cute and quirky dim sum items that are almost a shame to eat. The Chirpy Chick Pastry ($5.50 for 3 pieces) and Full Bloom Lotus Paste and Yam Pastry ($5.50 for 3 pieces) are sweet and fun thrills. However, the lotus paste for the chirpy chicks is harder than usual and may come across as a little too sweet for some. Conversely, the Full Bloom Lotus was definitely more nuanced with its smooth, pliable paste of lotus and yam with pine nuts and a flaky outer layer.

crystal jade golden egg yolk custard goldfish

The last item that scores on the novelty factor is the Goldfish Crystal Dumpling ($5.50 for 3 pieces). These fishes contain a salted egg yolk custard filling that is more paste-like than molten, but we enjoyed the grainy texture of it. Available at Crystal Jade Palace Restaurant, Crystal Jade Golden Palace and Crystal Jade Dining IN from 1 August to 30 September 2015. See also: Popular Chinese food in Singapore Best dishes from Crystal Jade Singapore

Written by Mandy How