When you look at Jade Kingdom from the outside it evokes the faded air of a Chinese restaurant in a country town that still might have fish and chips on the menu. Still, that's possibly a better look than the cafe around the corner filled with grannies that has old bloomers and an industrial strength suspender belt and nylons hanging in the window.
When faced with the menu at Jade Kingdom it's a case of 'I'd like one of everything please.' If only I'd 10 tummies with which to ingest it all. There are specials, Malaysian Hawker style dishes and Chinese classics. Plenty of choice, whether for a casual meal or celebration.
At Chinese New Year there is a really fine Yu Sang and some of the best festive banquets available in Melbourne. But don't linger, it is likely that your table has been booked for another two sittings, so popular are these menus. Even on the weekends when the joint is jumping, make sure you book and let your table go to those drooling at the door when you're replete.
So what's the big deal?
Bill has been cooking for many, many years at various successful venues - mostly his own - and he trains his chefs well. The food is awesome, even when he's not there. Why? Because it's cooked with care and attention, a deft balance of subtlety and spice, texture and aroma.
To me Jade Kingdom makes the food of many popular Melbourne Malaysian venues feel churn and burn, bland, unloved and un-nurturing. Out for a fast buck, throw in a packet mix, revolting as it begins to cool....you know the type? While this instead is classic, Buddhist in it's form. There is love, restraint and a refined palate in play here.
So look beyond the facade and your preconceptions of Malaysian food. And you'll find a classical tale of Chinese influenced Malaysian dishes and street food favourites unfolding before you. This, is where the taste is. read more