Have you decided where to bring your family for a Lunar New Year feast? We are always spoilt for choice when it comes to Chinese dining. The Crystal Jade group of restaurants is always on our list given their diverse range of fine dining and casual dining options, that caters to diners with different budgets. 

It was two years ago since we had our LNY dinner at Crystal Jade, while their Hearty Five Treasures Yu Sheng left a good memory, it would be interesting to discover the new items they offer this year with dine-in set menus available between 25 January to 22 February 2016.

Prosperity Yusheng with Abalone & Pomegranate | S$138++ (Large) | S$88++ (Small)

Available at Crystal Jade Fine Dining Restaurants for takeaway and dine-in

What is so special about this year's Crystal Jade yu sheng is the sour plum and pomegranate dressing with Mexican abalone and pomegranate seeds which symbolise red rubies and crowning glory. The tantalising sweet and sour dressing was certainly the highlight as it whets one's appetite prior to the main courses to follow.  

Verdict: 7.5/10

There's another affordable option - Reunion Baby Abalone Yu Sheng S$66.80++ for large, S$40.80++ for small, available at Crystal Jade Jiangnan, La Mian Xiao Long Bao and Crystal Jade Kitchen for takeaway and dine-in.

Chilled Asparagus | S$20++

Available at Crystal Jade Fine Dining Restaurants, Crystal Jade Palace Restaurant (Ngee Ann City), Crystal Jade Gold Palace (Paragon), Crystal Jade Dining IN (Vivocity) and Crystal Jade Prestige (MBFC ,opening in Jan 2016)

A straightforward dish to cleanse your palate, beautifully presented like a prosperity plant. Dip the sweet and crunchy asparagus into a homemade sauce which contains truffle and peanut. Simple yet delicious!

Verdict: 7.5/10

Luxurious Abalone Treasure Pot | $318++ for 6 pax | S$498++ for 10 pax

Available at Crystal Jade Fine Dining Restaurants for takeaway and dine-in

Having Treasure Pot/Pencai during LNY is a must for Hong Kongers, while it might not appeal to everyone given the luxurious spread, I personally enjoyed it greatly. This pot is made of 15 premium ingredients including eight-head abalones, sea cucumber, dried oysters, scallops, smoked pig trotters, fish maw, chicken feet and many more braised in a viscous sauce. 

Verdict: 8.0/10

Thai-style Pork Knuckle | S$28++

Available at Crystal Jade Kitchen

The gigantic pork knuckle has caught our attention as we enjoyed the succulent flesh and crispy skin pairing with the sweet and spicy mango sauce. Almost like the German's pork knuckle, it has indeed added a bit of vibrant colours to this new year!

Verdict: 8.0/10

Sautéed Scallop & Coral Mussel with XO Sauce | S$28++

Available at Crystal Jade Kitchen

Steamed Herbal Xiao Long Bao | S$6 for 4 pcs

From Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao

This xiao long bao was specially created to celebrate this festival, with dong guai/female ginseng/当归 wrapped within and topped with a goji berry. The taste is just like the Chinese saying, 先苦後甜, no sweet without sweat, the bitter dong guai soup comes first and ends with a sweet note from goji, every bite is blessed with a good health in the monkey year!

Verdict: 8.0/10

Perfect dessert to indulge in during CNY, the golden glutinous rice ball is encased with sweet red bean paste, signifying a prosperous year to come!

Double-boiled Water Chestnut with Egg White

It's always not easy to craft a Chinese dessert I reckon. Sounds like a healthy one which holds a crunchy texture, but in terms of flavour, it was a tad dull for my liking.

Verdict: 6.5/10

Do take note that there's a on going promotion for takeaway items from 29 Jan to 22 Feb 2016. 8% discount fro DBS/POSB, Standard Chartered cardholders or Jadeite members; and 12% discount for Jadeite members with DBS/POSB and Standard Chartered cards. From now, customers can place orders for their sweet treats and savoury festive dishes through the festive hotline at 6512 0833 or at all Crystal Jade restaurants and bakery outlets.