Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao Opens in Manila! :)

I was actually hesitant when I got invited by Krissy to an event for a new Chinese restaurant in Virra Mall Green Hills that entails food/restaurant review. Being a vegetarian, it was already hard to explain to people why I don't eat meat or even seafoods because it makes me look maarte; so why even attend a Media Lunch where I am not sure what's going to be served! =D 

I went for it anyway, and learned that Crystal Jade is a must-visit fine dining restaurant in Singapore, especially for its Xiao Long Bao (Steamed Soupy Pork Dumpling). I actually read comments online how they're happy that they don't have to go to SG anymore just to eat this tasty specialty! Maybe it's apt to say that Crystal Jade is for the foodies as Forever 21's opening here in Manila is for the fashionistas!  Here are the dishes they served to us during my most probably longest meal ever! :)

Xiao Long Bao (Steamed Soupy Pork Dumpling)

They described it as parang siomai but with tasty hot broth inside. Sounds yummy!

Pork Dumpling with Hot Chilli Sauce

Second dish still not for the vegetarians, but they said it tastes like the first batch minus the soup.

Steamed Vegetable Bun and Radish Pastry

Yey! Finally, something for me! :)) Served in a nice plate, I enjoyed both pastries with generous fillings!

Cold Cucumber with Minced Garlic in Sesame Oil

Another dish for me: good as appetizer or even as sahog with the other viands.

Cold Slice Pork Roll with Cucumber and Garlic

Crispy Eel Wuxi Style

We were given a list of the menu, and I was actually waiting on how this one will look like. Haha!

Spicy and Sour Soup in Sichuan Style

Sauteed Chicken with Cashew Nuts in Spicy Sauce
Roll the whole thing with the thin lumpia wrapper. I got to taste it's yummy sauce by eating the cashew nuts. =)

Sauteed String Bean and Minced Pork with Olive
Mich said this is her favorite. I think it'll make a good ulam.

Noodles with Dried Shrimp & Peanut in Spicy Sauce
I really love spicy noodles. I have to say this is my favorite. :))

Fried Rice with Diced Chinese Sausage, Shrimp, and Egg in Yang Zhou Style
I'll always be a kanin-person. :)

Deep-fried Souffle Ball with Red bean Paste
Yummy fluffy sweet dessert.

Mango Pudding
Light gelatin with mangoes.

I remembered something said by one of the hosts for the event: That Crystal Jade is the McDo in fine dining. By this, they mean that the taste and texture and maybe even the serving size of their dishes are consistent. Other than the sumptuous menu, which I've proven is also vegetarian-friendly! :)), I commend the nice ambiance of the place--along with the accommodating servers. 

Ending this entry with more photos!! =))

A live-demo on how they make their fresh ramen noodles!

Twirled...And after several repeats...

NOODLES! :D

Krissy and her chopsticks story! ;))

Crystal Jade's fine Chefs

The place..well, a part of it. :))

Mich checking out the menu for future references. hehe!

With Krissy and her friend Ed, who invited us in this launch.

Outside the resto with Krissy. :))

Visit Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao for a whole new dining experience.

Ground Floor, Virra Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center.

Business Hours: 11 am - 10pm

Type of Cuisine: "Wide selections of Shanghai specialties, Dim Sum and Lanzhou hand-made noodles at its finest"