Crystal Jade @ V-Mall

We decided to try out the much talked-about new restaurant in Greenhills Shopping Center -- Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao in V-Mall (formerly known as Virra Mall for us who used to frequent the place back in the 80's). I'm not really sure if Crystal Jade is originally from Hong Kong or from Singapore. But in any case, it has a long list of awards and recognition listed on its wall from both Hong Kong and Singapore food authorities. As the name implies, the house specialties are La Mian (hand-pulled noodles) and Xiao Long Bao (those small dimsum meat dumplings).

Judging by the long line queueing outside, either its really that good or everyone is just as curious as us to find out if its worth all the fuss. We got there at around 12 noon (today is Sunday). Our queue number is 21 for the 5-seater table (they maintain different queues for different party size). This was obviously going to be a long wait so I sat at the monoblock chairs they prepared outside while Cols and the kids went shopping around V-Mall first.

After almost exactly one hour, it was finally our turn. Of course, we ordered the house specialties, and also their fried rice, sweet and sour chicken, and beef with mushroom. The verdict -- mmm... ok, the xiao long bao were pretty good. With other regular dimsum place, xiao long bao tastes more like siomai. Here, when you bite into them, the juice just bursts out with flavor. Caitlin also seemed to enjoy her la main noodles. But for the rest (the chicken, beef and yang chao fried rice), I would say they were nothing special.

I think the place is worth trying if you like dimsum. The big question is -- is it worth a one hour wait? Caitlin would probably be just as happy at Luk Yuen when it comes to noodles. :P