Crystal Jade Palace at the Grand InterContinental Hotel in Samseong-dong (quite a long name ^_^) is the Korean outpost of a restaurant chain that’s well known in Singapore, Hong Kong and elsewhere. As you’d expect from a hotel restaurant, the atmosphere and service are superb, yet the food is surprisingly cheap. If you order sensibly, even with the 10% tax plus 10% service charge you can get away with around 30,000-40,000 won per person. On top of that, the lunch set menus only seem to carry the 10%. Add wine and order some of the pricier dishes generously and the budget climbs to around 70,000-80,000 won, but even at that price it isn’t expensive considering the service. It’s a great concept that works for all kinds of occasions, and since they seem to be opening more branches lately I’d been wanting to try it. This time my wish finally came true.
Small starters
I messed up my camera settings by mistake, so these were shot on a point-and-shoot instead of the DSLR. I feel a bit sorry for the food.
Spicy stir-fried eggplant
Solid, no complaints.
Peking duck
The best Peking duck I’ve had so far. I liked the filling. But as I always feel whenever I eat Peking duck, the portion is way too small. I wonder if there’s any way to eat it to your heart’s content.
Pork dish
Things were so hectic that I can’t quite remember the names of the dishes..
Chicken dish
Can’t really remember the name of this one either..
Stir-fried duck with bean sprouts
Not just the taste, the portion is decent too.
If I go again, I’d like to go with a different crowd. This get-together was fun too, but at a restaurant of this level I’d like to take my time and enjoy the flawless service over a more leisurely meal.