Crystal Jade Restaurant @ Gardens, Mid Valley

I suppose the greatest of all hype about blogging is recognition. Whether it is from advertisers, newspapers and parties alike.

To receive an email from a PR agency inviting me for a food tasting session, and i thought oh well, not the first.

Well that was what i thought, when i realised it was far grander and formal then i imagined. With a table almost exclusively for photo-taking, media kits presented and words from the special assistant to the Managing Director of Crystal Jade Concept Holdings, wah this must be the biggest surprise i ever gotten from blogging.

Seated in the private dining room, fit for 20 kings and queens

To then proceed with the tasting menu, i was speechless.

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Roasted Peking Duck (whole duck - RM 68++, half duck - RM35++)
I mean if a local Malaysian tells you where is the best duck is, the truth is they have never been exposed to the real stuff. I think this is where Stella agrees, the method of cooking maybe immaculate but without the juicy fat duck (the ones you oogle at in Bayswater or Beijing), it can never be presented in its true form.


So i agree, eventhough when presented in it naked glory, when wrapped in the pan cake (with a little bit too little sauce), i didnt manage to bite into crispy skin and juicy meat but a pale comparison unfortunately.


To avoid any further disappointment, we were then presented with a bowl of Braised Shark's Fin with Crab meat (RM 55++). As much as i sympathise to those who don't eat fins for the love of sharks and to prevent animal cruelty, i also believe that these animals should not die in vain, thus i happily dug in.

The soup base was full of flavour and an eye opener statement was that vinegar shall only be put into sharkfin soup, if it is crudely put; crap. If your first sip and what you tasted is levels of flavour, let nature take its course and don't disturb it.


The Pan-Fried Fillet on Bread Toast, is simply put, battered fish with a thin slice of yam at the bottom. Although my preference for steam fish still stays strong and valid, i dont mind the fried things once in a while.

Next up was another strong flavoured dish.


The "Fa Kao" braised with sea cucumber (RM 55++). The hours of braising resulted in the two pieces of underwater supplements to absorb the strong flavours of possibly "sheung tong, abalone and oyster sauce". Consumed using knife and fork, i was scooping the sauce up with the fork and how i wished at that moment, some rice would come in handy to soak up the richness of the sauce.


The fried mixed grain rice with assorted grain in hot stone (RM20++), spelled H-E-A-L-T-H-Y with an exclamation mark. An excellent alternative to eating white rice as there give a higher nutritional value to the simple carbs we are used to.


To finish the course off, we had a case of fusion dessert. Herbal jelly with sago & pamelo with mango purree to sweeten it up, to appeal to the more younger crowd.

Address and contact details:

Third Floor, Gardens, The Mid Valley City

Tel: 03-22833129
Fax: 03-22848129
Biz Hours: Monday to Sunday - 11am - 3pm, 5.30pm -10.30pm
Available for HK style dim sum too!
Verdict: Judging from my previous experience here and together with all the exquisite items we tasted (price aside, as it is RATHER steep, but comparative since it is in a shopping centre and it is non-halal), they deserve 4 stars out of 5 stars. Definitely worth coming back again, whether it is dim sum or dinner.