Dim sum for lunch &

STRANGE COMBO

The pan-fried shrimp roll with banana and sesame ($5) is an example of how sometimes, innovation is not always necessary.

I like bananas and I like shrimp, but together, it was just too weird for me.

FYI

Crystal Jade Kitchen (Suntec Branch)

Suntec City #B1-112

Opens daily from 11am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm

Tel: 6884 5172

MEMORABLE DISH

This version of the dried hor fun with sliced beef ($4.80) is not the usual dry variety. It has quite a bit of sauce that it's almost a stew.

But I was so happy to taste the salty-sweet golden needle (dried daylily), which made this dish memorable, because that has been missing from so many dishes these days.

NOT TOO SWEET

The one item I will always order is the Malay cake, or steamed cake with brown sugar ($3.60).

I love how fluffy and pillowy the texture is. I also like how it is not too sweet. It has just enough sweetness to remind you of dessert.

GENEROUS PORTION

I was surprised by the size of the dried hor fun with pork rib and chicken feet ($5.80).

For the price, I had expected a conservative portion, but it turned out quite generous.

The noodles were suitably mushy and absorbed the flavour of the pork ribs.

While dim sum is not a new thing at Crystal Jade Kitchen, now you can have it all day at all 13 outlets.

Previously, it was only available for lunch, except at the Holland Village outlet.

There are also new items introduced to the menu. The classic items have remained and have retained the standards, and there were some hits and misses among the new items.

The prices are budget-friendly so you can forget about getting luxurious ingredients in your dim sum. But for what you pay, it's a good deal.

I went to the Suntec City branch twice to try the dim sum, once at the restaurant's invitation and once unannounced.

While I was there for food, I was more impressed by the service from the older serving staff.

These ladies are so motherly and comforting, I can imagine going there just to bask in their attention.

For a place that offers comfort food, this is the biggest asset yet. They are a prime example that there are just some jobs an older person is better at.

COMFORTING CONGEE

One new item is the salted pork rib with preserved vegetable congee ($7.80).

You can never go wrong with Crystal Jade congee.

The rice is cooked till smooth, while the preserved vegetables add a subtle flavour.

This is the perfect sort of food to have when you feel the world hates you.