MACAU—With three Michelin stars and three diamonds of the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide tucked under its belt, dining at Jade Dragon at City of Dreams Macau is an experience like no other.
From the ambience to the service, and to the exceptional food, to say that it is a five-star dining experience almost feels like an understatement.
Mom and I were on the last leg of our five-day trip and of course we had to try the set menu of Macau’s most celebrated restaurant, with Executive Chef Kelvin Au Yeung at the helm.
A Hong Kong native with over 30 years of experience in top Chinese restaurant kitchens, Chef Kelvin has been with Jade Dragon since it opened in July 2012, rising through the ranks of senior sous chef, chef de cuisine and executive chef before being appointed as Director of Culinary four years ago.
For starters, we had four kinds of dumplings – the Jade Dragon, Steamed Kegani Crabmeat, Baked Black Pepper Wagyu Beef Puff, and Crispy Chicken Roll with Foie Gras and Aged Black Garlic. Each bite was an explosion of flavors – an exquisite way to tease the palate.
This was followed by a hot and sour soup with Hokkaido Kegani Crabmeat, the sweetness of the crabmeat tempered by the tangy vinegar.
Four main dishes highlighted Jade Dragon’s commitment to using only the freshest seasonal and premium ingredients – Crispy Suckling Pig with Caviar, Deep-fried Gillardeau Oyster topped with Black Truffle Salt, the Jade Dragon Barbecue Iberico Pork, and the Wok-fried Broccolini with Mantis Shrimp and X.O. Sauce. (P.S. Jade Dragon’s X.O. Sauce – made with dried scallops, fish, shrimp, chili peppers, garlic and onion – was the bomb! I had to ask the staff if they sell it by the bottle, but unfortunately, they do not.)
A zesty and refreshingly light Bergamot Mousse with Hazelnut and Preserved Buddha’s Hand capped the meal. Buddha’s Hand, traditionally seen in temples as offerings, is a citron variety with finger-like segments. Its unique fragrant aroma pairs well with the unmistakable flavor of bergamot for a symphony of soft notes.
Jade Dragon is truly a dining destination, creating culinary masterpieces and setting the standard for gastronomic excellence in this part of the world. The experience is worth the trip over to Macau.
