Jade, the Chinese-Cantonese restaurant located within The Claridges New Delhi, recently celebrated its first anniversary coinciding with the Chinese New Year, which commenced on January 29. The festivities culminated in the Lantern Festival on February 12, the very day I dined at Jade.

　　Chef Bir Singh created a special menu for the occasion. The restaurant offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including dim sum and Cantonese specialities. It has a capacity of 90 covers and three private dining rooms. The decor features elements like brass accents, malachite pillars, and artwork, including hand-painted dragons by artist Ankon Mitra.

　　The Star Dish

　　The Fresh Shiitake, Shimeji, Bamboo Shoot in Chili Oyster and Wine Sauce was a standout. The rich chilli oyster sauce and the subtle hint of Chinese wine perfectly balanced the earthy notes of the mushrooms and bamboo shoots. Served alongside fragrant Spinach and Truffle Fried Rice, the dish was a comforting combination of textures and flavours. The tender mushrooms and slightly crunchy bamboo shoots were complemented by the savoury rice, with the truffle adding a touch of luxury. While I hadn't tried this exact preparation before, it carried familiar notes of classic Cantonese stir-fries. However, the quality of the ingredients and the skilful execution, particularly the well-paired rice, made it a standout dish. This dish is worth a visit.

　　What's More?

　　The menu boasted a variety of Cantonese classics. The Vegetable Wonton soup was a light and flavorful start to the meal. The Elephant Lotus with salt and pepper was a delightful small plate, offering a crispy and savoury treat. I also sampled two dim sum options: the Exotic Mushroom, with its medley of shiitake, button, black fungus, and white fungus encased in crystal dough, and the unique Carrot, Truffle Mushroom, and Cream Cheese dumpling, which offered a twist on traditional flavours. For a larger plate, the Mapo Tofu, with its trio of bell peppers, Chinese preserved vegetables, black bean, and Szechuan oil, provided a spicy and flavourful counterpoint to the other dishes. While the signature dish remained a highlight, the overall execution of the dishes reflected the kitchen's skill, offering a well-rounded dining experience.

　　Beyond the dishes I tried, Jade's menu also includes signature Cantonese offerings such as New Zealand Lamb Chop with Black Pepper Sauce, Tiger Prawns in Homemade XO Sauce, and Steamed Chilean Sea Bass in Soy Chilli Broth, highlighting the restaurant's extensive selection. While these dishes add to the variety, how well they live up to expectations depends on individual preferences.

　　What To Sip On?

　　Jade offers an extensive beverage menu. For those seeking alcoholic options, there's a range of whiskies, malts, rum, vodka, gin, tequila, beers, wine, champagne, and cocktails. For non-alcoholic drinkers, a selection of mocktails is available, including Passion Delight, Shirley Temple, Dark Surprise, Magic of Lime, Litchi Mocktail, Bitter Mandarin, Virgin Miami Vice, and Cucumber Express. Given the focus on the food, I opted for a traditional Chinese tea, which complemented the meal perfectly.

　　Vibe Check

　　Located within The Claridges, Jade exudes elegance and sophistication. The brass accents, malachite pillars, and jade-inspired decor create a luxurious ambience. The hand-painted dancing dragons by Ankon Mitra on the ceiling add a festive touch, especially fitting for the Year of the Dragon. The restaurant is perfect for a special occasion, whether a family gathering, a romantic dinner, or a corporate event. Attentive service further enhances the overall experience, making for a memorable visit.

　　Final Verdict

　　Jade's Chinese New Year menu offers a thoughtfully crafted dining experience. From the flavourful signature dish to the well-executed dim sum—including the distinctive Carrot, Truffle Mushroom, and Cream Cheese dumplings—and the diverse larger plates like the Mapo Tofu, the menu showcases a range of Cantonese specialities. Complemented by an elegant ambience, the experience is both refined and inviting. While there is more to explore, the attention to detail in both flavour and presentation makes it a noteworthy choice for those seeking an authentic and memorable Cantonese meal.

　　I look forward to returning to try more from the menu.