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Indulging in Desserts at Jade

Digest Eat This

August 26, 2012

Story By: Ali Resich | Photos by: Nathalie Walker

As any loyal reader will tell you, Dining Out has a serious sweet tooth, and this week it was out in full force, searching for a bite of Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant’s new dessert menu. While the eatery is known for its expansive menu of Hong Kong-style cuisine and delectable selection of dim sum, its sweetest endeavors are bringing something completely crave-worthy to the table.

According to general manager Gary Chan, many of the desserts are inspired by retired Chef Hoi, who moved to Hawaii after working at one of Hong Kong’s most elite jockey clubs for 30 years. He’s now sharing his plethora of knowledge with the bright-eyed chefs at Jade Dynasty, just for fun!

“Whenever he talks about desserts, his eyes light up,” describes Chan. Some of his creations (available after 1 p.m.), which incorporate Eastern and Western flavors and are priced at $2.95, include Golden Drops, Pan-fried Chinese pancake, Steamed coconut custard, Creme Brulee, Steamed custard with yellow bean and Banana Cake.

For a dessert that will make you smile, try Deep-Fried Sesame Balls ($2.95), better known as “smiling donuts” for the way they burst into a biscuit-like ball of happiness. Chilled Yellow Bean Pudding ($2.95) is another must, as its refreshing flavor and mochi-like consistency are addicting. And then there’s the smooth and satiny Baked Caramel Custard ($3.50) to delve into, as well as yummy Walnut Crisp ($2.95) cookies.

Be sure to save room for Tofu Pudding ($2.95 individual, $30 serves up to 15), an absolute dessert knockout. Tofu may not be the first thing you think of when you fancy something sweet, but Jade’s warm silken tofu is here to change that.

“The tofu is made in-house from scratch every day,” says Chan. Truly dreamy slivers of the softest of tofu forms are delicately drizzled with a gorgeous ginger syrup. Not only does this dish taste divine with its creamy tofu flavor blending so beautifully with the pop of real ginger, but its surprisingly healthy ingredients will leave you feeling more svelte than you ever have post-dessert.

If all those sweets leave you in need of something salty, look no further than Fisherman Style Stir Fry Shrimp ($18.95). “We leave the shell on the shrimp because it seals in the flavor,” says Chan. A wonderfully crispy mix of stir-fried ground pork, onion, egg, black beans and a heap of garlic combines with the plump and oh-so-savory shrimp.

After that, there’s always room for more dessert.

Jade Dynasty

Ala Moana Center, Hookipa Terrace
1450 Ala Moana Blvd. #4220, Honolulu
947.8818
Daily, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; dim sum served from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Honolulu, HI 96814

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