THERE is a new player in the Chinese food market. Huang Jia restaurant serves food steeped in Chinese tradition but jazzed up in a modern way.

The restaurant is swanky and a far cry from the usual decor with red lanterns and bamboo plants in corners.

A chandelier adds character, while the textured walls and plush chairs make you feel like a million dollars.

Donny said: "I like the decor. It's modern and chic."

Lai Meng added: "I like the seats. The decor is not Chinese but more old English."

You don't have to part with a lot of money to eat here. Huang Jia's set lunch menu is at only $28 per person.

Joanne said: "It's quite a good deal."

This five-course lunch is available until further notice.

But if you're afraid of the chill, ask for a table away from the aircon vent as it can get pretty cold, especially after dessert.

Another thing to note for drivers - there is a lot of parking space outside the mall.

Of course, if you're going on a night where there is a concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, then good luck to you.

If you're taking a cab, do note that it can be a challenge to catch one out of the place.

I waited for nearly 20 minutes before I decided to call for one.

What we liked:

The Imperial Special Roasted Crispy Chicken ($32 a la carte) is part of the $28 menu, and it is a winner.

The skin is crispy and oily and the flesh is juicy.

Joanne said: "The meat was tender."

I like that the chicken was served so hot that steam rolled out when you cut into the skin.

Another winner was the combination platter ($22). This is available from the a la carte menu.

Lai Meng likes the char siew.

"I like it for the freshness," she said.

Donny disagreed.

He said: "I didn't quite like it. I prefer the melt-in-your-mouth type."

What we didn't:

The dessert served with our set - boiled hasma (the glutinous opaque puffs) with snow pear - wasn't quite a big a hit as the others.

Donny said: "The hasma should have been on the firm side and not too sweet."

Review in 4 words: A place to watch

Huang Jia Restaurant
#01-01 Kallang Leisure Park
5, Stadium Walk
(S) 397693
Tel: 6344 0250

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