New Dishes Delight Diners

Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant makes it a priority to satisfy its growing customer base by constantly adding new menu items, many of which are influenced by the cuisine in both China and Hong Kong.

The evolving menu keeps customers coming back to see what lies in store, and the restaurant was recently rewarded for its culinary creativity.

Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant, located at Hookipa Terrace on Ala Moana Center’s fourth floor, recently experienced the pride and acclaim that comes with earning a prestigious culinary award. The Escoffier Society’s Asia Pacific Region named the restaurant “Best Chinese Restaurant in Hawaii.” The Five-Star Diamond Award of Excellence was presented to Jade Dynasty in August, and comes from the prestigious culinary group that boasts a history dating back to 1936.

“It’s a great honor for us,” says general manager Gary Chan of the award. “One of the gentlemen from the Escoffier Society flew here all the way from the Asia Pacific headquarters to test out our food.”

Chan also is proud of yet another new dish to grace the Jade Dynasty menu in Deep Fried Golden Rolls ($4.50 for two). The item was introduced last month, and its popularity has grown so quickly that the tasty appetizer will soon find a permanent home on the menu. The pupu-style dish features taro, Chinese bacon and sausage wrapped in special spring roll wrappers that are shipped to the restaurant from China. The tasty starter features a light and flaky outer layer that provides a crispy crunch without weighing diners down.

“We try to add new items every couple of weeks, so you will constantly see something new on the menu,” Chan says of the eatery that is capable of hosting up to 300 people, and he encourages customers to celebrate birthdays and special events in either the main dining room or one of the private dining areas.

Jade Dynasty recently added another new item that Dining Out readers now have an exclusive look at. Ask for Abalone Siu Mai ($4.50), and enjoy the juicy, open-faced dumpling that is topped with fresh abalone and served with a savory oyster sauce. After giving the dish a try, some diners deemed it “the best of the best.”

A dish that is appeals to a host of diners’ senses can be found in Dynasty Tea-Smoked Jumbo Shrimp ($23.95). The juicy shrimp are prepared in a special Mandarin soy sauce and are infused with flavors from Ti Kuan Yin tea leaves.

Customers also rave about Crispy Roast Beef ($18.95), juicy pieces of tender beef sliced perfectly to enjoy family style, and served in a sweet sesame sauce that adds a special kick to the dining experience, as does Pork Ribs in Chef’s Special Vinaigrette ($15.95).

Jade Dynasty also is taking part in Restaurant Week Hawaii, a showcase of local eateries from Nov. 12 to 18 that supports the Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Diamond Head. During the week, diners can take advantage of a special lunch menu ($16.50 per person including tax and tip, minimum of two people, available from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), which includes snow mountain char siu bun, signature shrimp dumplings, shrimp and chive dumplings, deep-fried golden taro rolls, stir-fried noodles Chiu Chow style and silken tofu with sweet ginger sauce.

A special dinner menu set also is available during the fund-raising week ($23.50 per person including tax and tip, minimum of two people, available from 5 to 10 p.m.) featuring crispy lettuce wrap with chicken, spinach and fish fillet soup, roasted crispy beef, Shanghai bak choy with crab meat and carrot sauce, fried rice with dried scallop and egg white, and silken tofu with sweet ginger syrup.

Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant

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