Oh my goodness, first time in and I love it. Great food and flavor, quick service, very clean and so many vegetarian options! Be sure to try the Crab Rangoon, the tastiest I've had in some time!
(5)
Joseph P.
Visiting Omaha for a few days, and my brother and I were hungry for good Chinese food. I looked up Chinese food here on yelp, and as Crystal Jade was close to our hotel, and based on reviews, decided to try it. We have for the past 7 years been looking for decent Chinese food...so we were hopeful, but fearful...and lucky for us we really liked the food. My brother had vegetable Lo Mein, which was very good, gave 3 1/2 stars. I had yellow curry with shrimp, which i gave a solid 3 stars. The only disappointment was the fried rice, which was a bit bland. Atmosphere and restaurant very good, and waiter excellent. Will go back again.
(3)
Marcia V.
I've been to Crystal Jade a handful of times. It's been awhile so I thought I'd go today. I'm sad to say that I regret going there instead of somewhere else. It makes me wonder what has happened to make it go so downhill, perhaps it's their constant deals on Groupon, making their quality of food worse to make up for it. Anyway! Onto the service and food. When we first got there, the service was great. We ordered our food which included crab rangoons and fried dumplings. The crab rangoons were lacking crab... It was mainly cream cheese with a very very faint taste of crab, you could also tell that the oil wasn't fresh, it had an old taste. The dumplings were even worse. They are nothing like the way dumplings should be. They're supposed to be a very thin dough stuffed with vegetables and whatever meat you'd like. These dumplings were a thick dough, when I bit into it I was surprised that there were absolutely no vegetables. I was even more surprised that it tasted like breakfast sausage, which I absolutely hate. Needless to say, we sent them back. The server responded in an uprofessional way, she was a bit rude because we weren't satisfied. My dish was very nice -- Spicy chicken bulgogi. My friend ordered the lemon chicken, which she was unsatisfied with. I didn't want to try it because the tempura breading wasn't flaky like it should be, the chicken was drenched in lemon sauce. Finally when the server came back, we told her that the lemon chicken was no good either. Again, she had a rude response. It took what felt like forever for us to get our check. We spent another chunk of time waiting for someone to come take our payment. We noticed a nearby party was waiting for the same thing, getting restless. After some time they waited at the counter, which we followed. Finally we were out of there. I'm sad to say that one of my favorite places to eat Chinese food at has become so bad. I won't be going back.
(2)
Alaina H.
Vegan menu available. Wonderful employees and owners. Seriously one of the best restaurants in Omaha. Try the curry noodle soup and the crispy eggplant!
(5)
Matt M.
I would say this was a 2.5 star experience but since there is no half star on Yelp I had to round down. The good - the fried dumplings were great and you can't beat 1.88 bottles of beer. The bad - crab rangoons were really sad and my curry noodle soup came out room temp. I sent it back and got the same temp in return. I did not eat it but I was still charged for it. The mediocre - both of our entrees were just so-so. My orange beef was edible but nothing I would return for and Aimee's pad thai was soupy and sweet. We ate both but we are in no hurry to have either again. I wish it would have been better because the service was not bad and the people were very friendly. Many other options in town that are much better.
(2)
Gerry F.
I really struggled with the stars here. The food was out of this world delicious. like...Crazy good. The service wasn't slow, but the opposite, very underfoot. Constant questions and checking in, made my wife and I feel very rushed. I had the Pork Bulgogi, which I tried on a whim, based on the fact that I had never had it before. It blew my mind. My wife had the Chicken Tikka Masala which was also amazing. We will be going back very soon, but wanted to give a shout out and a review because it was so fantastic.
(4)
Maggie W.
O.M.Yeezy. GLUTEN-FREE GENERAL TSO'S??!?!? It's real. Real real. Y'all, there is anything (literally anything) you need, Asian-food-wise, except Vietnamese, here at Crystal Jade. Vegans? They gotchu, boo boo. Gluten-Freeda-Kahlo? Thursdays, my friends. Okay, all the time, since they have dedicated an entire page of the menu to gluten-free options. But Thursdays, in particular, they do half-price chicken wings and a free egg drop soup with your GF entree purchase. Shut the front door, right? This is the best damn egg drop soup I have had in Omaha, hands down. There is a buttery richness to it that is just incomparable. Ask for them to add green onions, as it doesn't originally come with the soup. Even if you're not Celiac, the Crispy Shrimp on the gluten-free menu is something out of a dream. And yes, there is GF General Tso's. And Sesame Chicken. Basically I died and went to heaven. If they could find a way to duplicate Honey Walnut Shrimp in a gluten-free way, I would never eat anywhere else in this city. But they haven't figured that out yet. Realistically this place may only be a 3.5 star. I haven't had real Chinese food in so long that I almost forget what it tastes like. Maybe I'm a little too excited that they have so many GF options. But they also have $2 beers for my sweet husband, and other amazing drink specials.
(4)
Koshya W.
Nothing puts a smile on my face like the vibes of an old school Chinese place. The menu here is very extensive and has a variety of different Asian-American cuisine (hints the pan-asian I suppose). From Thai to Chinese to Korean, you can literally mix and match appetizers, drinks and entrees -- which is exactly what I did. I ordered a Thai tea, which was very good--not to sweet and very rich, the chicken chow mein (brown sauce is the way to go) and order of crab rangoon . My friend ordered a green curry dish with tofu. Both our meals were excellent. The chicken chow mein actually had meat in it unlike other restaurants that overload on cabbage and skip putting a good amount of protein in the dish. Chow mein noodles were very crispy, as well as the crab rangoon. Crab rangoon had a good amount of cream cheese in it as well! The curry was also very good, actually thick in consistency and not overly soupy and was packed with tofu and veggies. Very good meal for a cheap price! I commend our server, sweet little Asian lady! She's very quick, polite, remembers your face, and always open to make suggestions or tend to your every need. The food and service always brings me back for more.
(4)
Dave M.
Mediocre at best the egg rolls had a funny taste. We didn't finish our dinner. My thirteen year old who usually eats out of house and home didn't even finish his meal and he loves Chinese food. We are leave here to get something to eat. I gave a 3 star because of presentation.
(3)
Misty C.
My favorite thing about Crystal Jade is its abundance of delicious vegan offerings, both appetizer and entree. A favorite spot for the Omaha Vegan Meetup group, Crystal Jade has gone above and beyond to accommodate people such as myself. There is even a dish named for Isa Moskowitz, proprietor of Modern Love, prolific cookbook author, and the "world's coolest chef" according to Buzzfeed. (Isa noodle - dig it.) For protein, a vegan can order tofu, mock duck (seitan), or both. If I had to choose one or the other, I'd go with the mock duck because of its substantial texture and savory tastiness. However, I love the tofu here as well and would just feel unfulfilled if I didn't have it on my plate, too! Ordering both does result in the highest price for any particular vegan dish ($12.95 at the time of this writing). I ordered the lemak curry for the first time this last visit. I now have a new favorite curry and a new favorite at Crystal Jade! My dish included tofu, mock duck, bamboo shoots, and pineapple. The curry was creamy, not oily, and so flavorful. Oh, and I got a vegan egg roll for an appetizer. It's a pretty standard egg roll, crispy and full of a cabbage. Yummy enough and just one of several vegan apps.
(4)
Gary B.
In a landscape driven by the juices of Omaha steaks, baked potatoes in tow; this once-Village Inn is a breath of fresh air blowing in from the East. The atmosphere is open and welcoming, and the choice of decor encourages an ambience of fine dining. The staff are incredibly friendly and receptive, and the culinary artwork with each platter is the perfect touch. The food is solid Chinese and pan-Asian fare, which leaves you satisfied with its traditional Chinese-American taste.
(5)
Nhi T.
I absolutely love Crystal Jade and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for some delicious Pan-Asian food. Such a wide variety of Asian foods from Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, etc.. It is located in the Old Village Inn on 72nd and its location makes it a hidden gem of Omaha. I was skeptical when I was first introduced to this place, but was so happy with this restaurant after dining in! The waiters and waitresses are friendly. The food portions are great and the presentation is fantastic. I love the cute little food flowers and birds they add to their dishes. Such a cute unique feature. I also got the honor of learning how to make one of the flowers, which was such an awesome experience. I'll remember that forever in case I ever host a dinner party (We'll see about that). So I have tried all 3 versions of their Curry and also the Pad Thai dish. The curry is nice and spicy. I love all 3 of them. The Pad Thai is a lot sweeter than I have tasted at different Thai restaurants, but it is pretty delicious. I always order a side of crab rangoon and Thai Iced Tea. ... a MUST HAVE! I was a bit upset the last time I ordered a Thai Iced Tea because it was 1/2 milk and 1/2 tea. I probably should have sent it back, but now I know.. Blah. But overall, this place fulfills my taste buds. Oh and can't forget, they also have awesome gluten free options!
(4)
David G.
Don't let the exterior of the building for you. The food was great! I ordered General Tso's chicken with vegetable fried rice and an order of crab Rangoon. I think this is the first time ever eating General Tso's where I can actually taste some subtle spice! The crab Rangoon was cooked perfectly. I will definitely return my next trip to Omaha.
(4)
Mike S.
This is the best Village Inn I have ever been to! Actually now it's far better than any VI could ever hope to be. I have been here quite a few times and each time I get some new item that jumps out at me. Most recently I was here for Omaha Vegan Meetup which is similar to an Elite Yelp event, but is only based on the food being vegan. It usually costs more too. This run through we were treated to a full buffet. Spring rolls, pastry puff(samosas), Curry Noodle soup, and about nine entrees with some desserts that I had no room for. ALL vegan! Stellar. I used to be a huge fan of the Massamon Curry, but now am hooked on Two Generals which is just General Tso's tofu and mock duck (seitan). the sauce is savory and a little spicy unless you bite into a Thai chili. Whoops. For the rest of the Omnivores, don't fret. They have a plethora of dishes for you too. I just can't comment on them. There is a great variety of flavors. Some Korean, Thai, Chinese, Indian, etc... Plus at $1.88 for beer from Guiness to Blvd., and Sierra Nevada you cannot go wrong
(4)
Susan S.
Wow is the food good. You wouldn't think it from the location and looks of the building, but it is very fresh and tasty. Good beer selection followed by yummy crab Rangoon, the chicken pad Thai was also amazing.
(5)
Jonah L.
I know what you're thinking! "You're the noodle whisperer and this is Omaha!" Nevertheless, this is my honest assessment. I was only one of two customers at the time I was seated. Wary, but I have an obsession for trying Asian-American cuisines outside of California. The waiter was very kind and generous with his recommendations whenever I had a question about a certain dish. One particular dish (chomp pong) I grew up off of as a child, I inquired and he immediately said, "that's not a good idea." Haha great! So I ordered a signature pad thai and a entree, crispy chicken. No docked points on the chicken, it was satisfactory, but the pad thai was just noodles drenched in sweet and sour sauce. If they opened a restaurant in California with the competition of all the other Asian-American restaurants they would not survive. If you asked me to rate this place purely on judgment forgetting the quality comparison to what I've experienced in California, Kuwait, Korea, or anywhere else I've tasted Asian-American cuisine or noodles in general, this place would rank near the bottom. This is a review on the noodles alone. The crispy chicken gave them back one star. It pains me to give anyone less than three stars and I am a full supporter of individually owned establishments especially because my parents were small business owners. But Crystal Jade has a ways to go before they can be close to standard when it comes to Asian-American cuisine.
(2)
John W.
This place is notable for being the only Chinese restaurant I've found with a gluten-free menu that includes the brown-sauce fried meats. In other words, they have sesame chicken and General Tso's chicken, gluten-free! After over a decade without the General's chicken, I was in heaven. My girlfriend got something with shrimp and a white sauce. She didn't like it very much, but I was too busy enjoying my delicious General's chicken to be sensitive and thoughtful about it. Bottom line: the General's chicken is awesome. The gluten-free menu is awesome. I didn't feel the least bit of gluten reaction after. If I lived in Omaha, I'd be back all the time.
(5)
Kat P.
Stopped by and picked up food, we had gotten food there because of the high reviews on yelp. I got the general tso's chicken which was mostly breading and the little bit of chicken you did get was chewy and gross. My boyfriend got the sesame chicken with the same problem. We also ordered crab rangoons, which had little flavor and was all cream cheese. And the "fried rice", was only fried with egg I believe. There was no vegetables in any of the food at all, and any Chinese place I've been to usually adds vegetables. No flavor, nothing. Super dull meal. We were very disappointed in our meal and I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone that's eaten quality Chinese food, because this place isn't quality what so ever.
(1)
Carrie P.
I have attempted to order from the vegan menu on two occasions and both times it's been horrible. Just not good at all, I don't recommend. But my mom has liked her chicken dishes from the regular menu both times we've come. I will not return after this last experience. I also asked for a plate of lemons, I like lemon water and notice if I ask servers for lemons, I'll get 2 tiny lemons so recently a friend suggested I ask for a plate full, so today when I asked for a small plate of lemons I got 2 tiny lemons! What does a girl need to do to get some lemons in her life?!
(2)
Matthew D.
After seeing some good reviews for Crystal Jade, I decided to pick it up on the way home from work one day. It always makes me a little weary when you walk into the place and it is completely empty... almost like everyone knows something bad about the place that I don't know yet. But I was quickly greeted by a lady that went to retrieve my order. When she came back with the food, she looked at our order and saw that we had ordered egg drop soup. She asked if I like egg drop soup and said she would be right back. After a minute she reappeared with a big tub of egg drop soup. I guess since it wasn't too far from closing time and it was dead in there, they would have had to throw it away, so she loaded us up instead. So, I was already impressed with the generous service. Once I arrived home and dug in, I was equally impressed with the food. I got the peanut butter chicken (a new thing for me), and absolutely loved it. One of the best chinese food restaurants I've had in Omaha.
(4)
Blake R.
Large seating area, quality food, great service and plenty of Vegan choices... my second visit and I will be back- they made me feel like family
(5)
Corby K.
The food here is pretty good, better than some other Chinese places in the area. What sets them apart is the showmanship in plate decoration, which just adds that extra little touch to make you remember them. It's also not just Chinese food, but a bit of Thai, Korean, Japanese, and Indian as well. They have very good Thai iced tea! They have a few house specials, as well as more common Chinese fare. Most items come with a salad. My only complaint is that the salad is included and you can't substitute a soup instead without an additional cost, unless your server is nice and waves it off. The service has been great on my visits. The wait staff is attentive without being clingy, and the food was delivered quickly and piping hot. Crystal Jade is definitely a gem, and worth a visit!
(4)
P J.
Update on Crystal Jade- The owner contacted me twice (!) over the past year to let me know that they had added several vegetarian options to the lunch menu and invited us back to try the place with a free meal for my friend. Yesterday, we went back and had lunch and there is now a special section for vegie meals. An added plus, it that they've updated the menu - it looks so much more interesting now. Lunch was quick, with fresh ingredients. I had the volcano chicken and my friend Vegies in Sweet Korean sauce and we were both really happy with our meals. So nice to visit a place where the owners are nice and responsive to customers. Its back on our list for places to have lunch.
(4)
Rene G.
Crystal Jade makes my mouth SO HAPPY! As a vegan in Omaha, it's not easy to find vegan-friendly spots that make it interesting! My favorite dish so far is the Lucky 7! I Love eggplant so this dish is the BOMB! The curry rice soup is super yummy too. If you drink, the drinks are super cheap! The only thing I'd say is the price is a little steep. I'd have no problem if they charged "regular" price for drinks so they could go down on the plate price a $1 or two. I really hope the hype builds and I see this place busier!
(4)
Mary Janel S.
Not my favorite, but would eat here again with no complaints. Although wouldn't be my pick.
(4)
Sarah L.
Very underwhelming. The portion sizes are definitely generous, but getting our food was an ordeal. When we phoned in our order, the lady had trouble understanding us and it took them double their 20 minutes, they told us it would take. So, the quality of the food was ok, but the springrolls were weird (cold, uncooked) BUT their dumplings were amazing! These are worth the two stars alone, the rest was less than 'meh'.
(3)
Jarell H.
Great deals on meals!!! Great food!
(5)
Frans S.
NEVER EVER TRUST the Reviews on YELP! This place is very Clean & proudly kept but it's Not anywhere near real Chinese. Actually it's Mexican Chinese but still not very good. Trust me, I lived in Singapore which is a food lovers paradise & this place wouldn't last a day there! The bottom line is this, you're in Nebraska & not Paris, NYC, Singapore, or LA so what ever reviews on yelp say about NE places, automatically deduct 3 stars because most people here about are CLUELESS!
(2)
John W.
I tried to eat at the restaurant for the first time today. Showed up at 9 and they close at 9:30. I was told that I needed to get a meal to go. Three people working there looked as if that was the only option. Bad customer service not a winner. I have not eaten the food and never will!
(1)
J K.
I had driven by Crystal Jade a lot and I always thought it looked sketchy from the outside. I couldn't have been more wrong. It is beautiful inside and the service is amazing. Initially, I was searching for good Thai food in Omaha, so I stumbled upon this place. They have a variety of different Asian foods so it can satisfy any Asia craving. A huge plus is their gluten-free menu. The server was very knowledgeable about what options are available for people with gluten sensitivities. Overall, the place is awesome and I'm definitely coming back!
(5)
J W.
The ladies in our party were delighted with the flower-shaped garnishes, and the cook came out and showed them how these are done. The food itself was ok, but not great. We had orange chicken, sweet & sour chicken, chicken lo mien, cashew chicken. Waitress was attentive, food was pretty fast.
(4)
Josh L.
Excellent service, tasty Malaysian cuisine, and awesome $3 Martinis... Try the Mango!
(5)
Rodney K.
Wasn't worth the money! Waitress was more worried about texting on her cell phone than taking care of customers! Bad Service
(1)
shannon b.
Just ate here a couple days ago with some friends and was pleasantly surprised by how good it was (haven't heard much about it). The sizzling rice soup reminded me of the old Imperial Palace - delicious broth with veggies, shrimp, chicken, crab and scallops (don't like scallops so I didn't eat those). The menu reads for two people but really it should be for 4 unless that's all you are going to eat. The egg rolls and crab rangoon were solid and the owner (I think?) was very friendly and helpful in recommending dishes. The General's chicken and Kung Pao beef were fabulous and the plating with the veggies flowers and birds was the perfect added touch. Would definitely go there again!! Oh, and forgot to add - $3 martinis!!
(4)
Shawn G.
I'm writing this review while I sit at my table at the restaurant, which is, judging by the lay-out, obviously a Village Inn, so please bear with me and forgive the slightly unusual word-choice and just go with it. Unlike typical Village Inns, this Village Inn is tastefully decorated with a mix of low-cost Asian themed ornaments, interesting flora (but no fauna, you sneaky health-inspectors you), and modern wine-rack fixtures. Soft piano jazz is intermixed with more typical Asian restaurant music in a welcome break from typical noise one finds playing in a Village Inn. But the decor and the music are the only thing different about this Village Inn. Oh no, not by a long shot. As you may have figured out from the above paragraph, this Village Inn seems to have eschewed the usual beverage selection of crappy coffee and soft drinks, and offers a wide range of beer, wine, and cocktails at so-low-they-must-be-crazy prices. Yes, at this Village Inn can you order a one-dollar-and-eighty-eight-cent Boulevard to go with your waffle. Only you can't. Because in addition to spicing up the liquid refreshments offered, Village Inn: Asian Edition has also knocked up the quality of their food a notch. Bam. (I profusely apologize for the played out Emeril joke). Gone are the fifty varieties of eggs mixed with fried heart attacks and every-pie-but-the-one-you're-in-the-mood-for-because-they-just-ran-out. In their place, this Village Inn has implemented a robust menu of Asian cuisines with something to please just about everyone. Spicy beef, savory chicken, sweet pork, Korean bbq, Japanese noodles, Indian curry... this Village Inn dares to go to countries and cuisines where other Village Inns dare not tread. Everything here is prepared and presented with a quality and attention to detail that is noticeably absent from lesser Village Inns. The Mongolian Delight I've ordered and eaten while writing this review was such a welcome departure from the pedestrian fare at other Village Inns, that it makes me question whether- ...whether this is actually a Village Inn... at all.... *cues dramatic music* *pays bill cautiously* *walks out of building* *notices Morgan Freeman warning him not to turn around* *turns around in slow motion and looks up at restaurant sign* Oh God.... *turns away* Oh God... OH....
(4)
Amanda P.
Crystal Jade used to be my favorite - mongolian delight is awesome. But it seems that lately the food quality has been going down which lead me to find other Chinese places to eat at - now we go to China Road or Jades Palace. They used to have AMAZING potato soup and I'd go there for just a bowl of that, but they discontinued it. I'm not a fan of the egg rolls or crab rangoon or even the soup that is left on the menu.
(3)
Niel K.
Solid pan-Asian neighborhood joint. Good selection of cheap beers!
(3)
Shane C.
BEST Chinese/Asian food in Omaha. I would recommend this place to anyone. I'm normally a snob about appearances and such, but please don't judge this book by its cover!! The service is amazing and the food is fabulous. And it's a family run establishment!
(5)
P D.
The egg drop soup was delicious! My drink wasn't refilled as if I didn't even exist at first, amongst the many other people here that were being served promptly. The Generals Chicken was HOT & FRESH, but tasted more tangy than what I'm use to. I rank it #2 in city right behind Hunan Garden.
(4)
Shane F.
I'm glad we decided to try eating here. It's very clean and the service is excellent. The crab rangoon and egg roll were as good as any I've had in omaha. My girlfriend liked the hot and sour soup, and I thought the wonton soup was amazing. It was salted perfectly and the two wontons were delicious. The mongolian beef was tender and well seasoned. The hot garlic chicken was also excellent, and both dishes had crisp fresh veggies in them. We found our favorite chinese restaurant! Yay!
(5)
Will S.
I've been a fan of this place for a few years. And for the second year in a row, we ended up here for an NYE dinner. The menu is vast -- with entrees ranging from traditional American Chinese to Malaysian to Indian to Korean. Plus they always have fantastic drink specials, if you're into that sort of thing. I started off with a bowl of the curry noodle soup. It tasted a bit too salty for me, but I'd give it another try. On this visit we split an order of a garlic chicken dish (I forget the exact name!). The sauce was sweet, succulent and a bit garlic-y (which should be expected). Besides the chicken, carrots, water chestnuts and some other veggies added to the texture. All around delicious. I've never had a bad meal here. Plus, the restaurant is clean and unassuming, holed up in what appears to be an old Village Inn. The prices are decent, but are a little bit more than what you'd pay at similar places. I'd say it's warranted, as Crystal Jade is a cut of above the rest.
(4)
Jessica K.
The food is delicious and the presentation is delightful, with roses and swans made from carrots and radishes and whatnot. Two of the dishes that haunt my dreams and bring me back often are the shrimp lemak curry and the house special pan fried noodles. The dressings for the salad bar are also very tasty. Surprisingly, the American fare is also quite good. I took a chance on trying the potato soup once and it pops into my thoughts on occasion as yet another lure Jade-ward. I keep meaning to try other dishes, but the cravings that draw me there are specific and insistent. The one drawback is the price. I feel that if the prices were lowered a dollar or two on the entrees, the place wouldn't be so empty all the time.
(5)
Jay I.
Crystal Jade is one of my favorite restaurants in Omaha. I'm an occasional vegetarian, and I love all the various options they have that are meat/dairy free. But when I'm eating meat, their meat entrees are also delicious. I love their hot and sour soup, crab rangoons, vegetarian spring rolls, peanut butter tofu or chicken, yam yam chicken, kung pao chicken or tofu, curry dishes, etc. Plus, they also offer alcohol for relatively cheap. The martinis are small, but priced accordingly and tasty They also offer a number of cheap (good) beers. If you haven't gone here yet and you love various asian inspired types of food, just GO!
(5)
Michelle O.
We have been trying to find a really good bowl of hot and sour soup since we moved here almost two years ago. This was the best we have found so far!
(4)
Christine B.
Just got a tip from an acquaintance (who's Malaysian). When ordering the Rendang curry, make sure to indicate that you want it spicy, otherwise it lacks the flavor punch. Since I always order this dish extra spicy, I had no idea it made such a difference!
(4)
Jenna F.
Their Malaysian food menu is very disappointing and this is the reason why I'm only giving a two star.
(2)
Evan B.
Stayed at the DoubleTree right across the street and ordered the Mongolian Delight and Chicken Tiki Masala for carry out. Both were excellent. Carry out was hot and ready in 10 minutes. Ordering was easy and staff was friendly.
(5)
Mychele G.
This place is one of my favorites in Omaha they have a wide selection of non meat options for my friends and I have enjoyed everything they have on their menu. We go there often and I also love the little garnishes they put on the plates.
(5)
Allison B.
Solid Americanized Chinese that was extremely reasonably priced. Looks like they have great beer prices too. I had the General's chicken lunch special that came with egg drop soup and fried rice- all for only 7.95. Very tasty. Service was quick and perfect for lunch. Will return for sure!
(4)
Mike P.
I love this place. The veg*n menu is a godsend, and I love that they include a lot of seitan instead of just fried tofu. Don't get me wrong, fried tofu is awesome, but it's nice to switch it up once in a while. They have "Happy Day" pricing on beers through most of the week, so you can get an impressive selection of beers, including imports, for a buck and some change. I highly recommend the Twin Generals off the veggie menu, and for those who eat meat, the Malaysian curries are awesome. The service is always very friendly, it feels like going over to a friend's place for a holiday dinner.
(5)
Bhaven S.
I was visiting from California and staying next door. I decided to go there just because of proximity and the Yelp reviews. Gotta tell you....the reviews were not wrong. This is one the best Asian food I've ever had. I loved the 1.88 beer. The taste of the food, the presentation, the service . . . all was great. I'm probably going to remember the food and the restaurant forever. My colleague also thought the food was great. I recommend everyone to go there at least once.
(5)
S K.
Crystal Jade has been a favorite of ours since we moved to Omaha a year ago. I can't believe that people haven't caught on to this gem yet. The menu has a nice variety of different Asian cuisines. I also love that they have a gluten free menu! It can be difficult trying to eat safely when I dine out, but with CJ I have never had a bad reaction. They are very helpful, understanding, and careful with my order. Did I mention the food is delicious? It is!! They charge a fair price for well prepared food in generous portions. I hope you have the chance to meet Aunt Shirley because she is delightful!
(5)
John H.
One of the best Asian style restaurants in Omaha. I should know as I have been to almost all of them. I had the Mongolian Beef and while a little sweet, it was very good. Service was top notch, though I was the only person there at that time. Only negative that took away a star was price. For a plate of stir-fry, soda and tip($3) it cost $17. FAR too expensive IMHO for one person. But that said I will go back again, just not soon. I would like to add that this restaurant dose not have bicycle parking, so bring a good lock and perhaps park somewhere else and walk here. Another reason I'll not be returning soon.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
Jenn L.
Oh my goodness, first time in and I love it. Great food and flavor, quick service, very clean and so many vegetarian options! Be sure to try the Crab Rangoon, the tastiest I've had in some time!
(5)Joseph P.
Visiting Omaha for a few days, and my brother and I were hungry for good Chinese food. I looked up Chinese food here on yelp, and as Crystal Jade was close to our hotel, and based on reviews, decided to try it. We have for the past 7 years been looking for decent Chinese food...so we were hopeful, but fearful...and lucky for us we really liked the food. My brother had vegetable Lo Mein, which was very good, gave 3 1/2 stars. I had yellow curry with shrimp, which i gave a solid 3 stars. The only disappointment was the fried rice, which was a bit bland. Atmosphere and restaurant very good, and waiter excellent. Will go back again.
(3)Marcia V.
I've been to Crystal Jade a handful of times. It's been awhile so I thought I'd go today. I'm sad to say that I regret going there instead of somewhere else. It makes me wonder what has happened to make it go so downhill, perhaps it's their constant deals on Groupon, making their quality of food worse to make up for it. Anyway! Onto the service and food. When we first got there, the service was great. We ordered our food which included crab rangoons and fried dumplings. The crab rangoons were lacking crab... It was mainly cream cheese with a very very faint taste of crab, you could also tell that the oil wasn't fresh, it had an old taste. The dumplings were even worse. They are nothing like the way dumplings should be. They're supposed to be a very thin dough stuffed with vegetables and whatever meat you'd like. These dumplings were a thick dough, when I bit into it I was surprised that there were absolutely no vegetables. I was even more surprised that it tasted like breakfast sausage, which I absolutely hate. Needless to say, we sent them back. The server responded in an uprofessional way, she was a bit rude because we weren't satisfied. My dish was very nice -- Spicy chicken bulgogi. My friend ordered the lemon chicken, which she was unsatisfied with. I didn't want to try it because the tempura breading wasn't flaky like it should be, the chicken was drenched in lemon sauce. Finally when the server came back, we told her that the lemon chicken was no good either. Again, she had a rude response. It took what felt like forever for us to get our check. We spent another chunk of time waiting for someone to come take our payment. We noticed a nearby party was waiting for the same thing, getting restless. After some time they waited at the counter, which we followed. Finally we were out of there. I'm sad to say that one of my favorite places to eat Chinese food at has become so bad. I won't be going back.
(2)Alaina H.
Vegan menu available. Wonderful employees and owners. Seriously one of the best restaurants in Omaha. Try the curry noodle soup and the crispy eggplant!
(5)Matt M.
I would say this was a 2.5 star experience but since there is no half star on Yelp I had to round down. The good - the fried dumplings were great and you can't beat 1.88 bottles of beer. The bad - crab rangoons were really sad and my curry noodle soup came out room temp. I sent it back and got the same temp in return. I did not eat it but I was still charged for it. The mediocre - both of our entrees were just so-so. My orange beef was edible but nothing I would return for and Aimee's pad thai was soupy and sweet. We ate both but we are in no hurry to have either again. I wish it would have been better because the service was not bad and the people were very friendly. Many other options in town that are much better.
(2)Gerry F.
I really struggled with the stars here. The food was out of this world delicious. like...Crazy good. The service wasn't slow, but the opposite, very underfoot. Constant questions and checking in, made my wife and I feel very rushed. I had the Pork Bulgogi, which I tried on a whim, based on the fact that I had never had it before. It blew my mind. My wife had the Chicken Tikka Masala which was also amazing. We will be going back very soon, but wanted to give a shout out and a review because it was so fantastic.
(4)Maggie W.
O.M.Yeezy. GLUTEN-FREE GENERAL TSO'S??!?!? It's real. Real real. Y'all, there is anything (literally anything) you need, Asian-food-wise, except Vietnamese, here at Crystal Jade. Vegans? They gotchu, boo boo. Gluten-Freeda-Kahlo? Thursdays, my friends. Okay, all the time, since they have dedicated an entire page of the menu to gluten-free options. But Thursdays, in particular, they do half-price chicken wings and a free egg drop soup with your GF entree purchase. Shut the front door, right? This is the best damn egg drop soup I have had in Omaha, hands down. There is a buttery richness to it that is just incomparable. Ask for them to add green onions, as it doesn't originally come with the soup. Even if you're not Celiac, the Crispy Shrimp on the gluten-free menu is something out of a dream. And yes, there is GF General Tso's. And Sesame Chicken. Basically I died and went to heaven. If they could find a way to duplicate Honey Walnut Shrimp in a gluten-free way, I would never eat anywhere else in this city. But they haven't figured that out yet. Realistically this place may only be a 3.5 star. I haven't had real Chinese food in so long that I almost forget what it tastes like. Maybe I'm a little too excited that they have so many GF options. But they also have $2 beers for my sweet husband, and other amazing drink specials.
(4)Koshya W.
Nothing puts a smile on my face like the vibes of an old school Chinese place. The menu here is very extensive and has a variety of different Asian-American cuisine (hints the pan-asian I suppose). From Thai to Chinese to Korean, you can literally mix and match appetizers, drinks and entrees -- which is exactly what I did. I ordered a Thai tea, which was very good--not to sweet and very rich, the chicken chow mein (brown sauce is the way to go) and order of crab rangoon . My friend ordered a green curry dish with tofu. Both our meals were excellent. The chicken chow mein actually had meat in it unlike other restaurants that overload on cabbage and skip putting a good amount of protein in the dish. Chow mein noodles were very crispy, as well as the crab rangoon. Crab rangoon had a good amount of cream cheese in it as well! The curry was also very good, actually thick in consistency and not overly soupy and was packed with tofu and veggies. Very good meal for a cheap price! I commend our server, sweet little Asian lady! She's very quick, polite, remembers your face, and always open to make suggestions or tend to your every need. The food and service always brings me back for more.
(4)Dave M.
Mediocre at best the egg rolls had a funny taste. We didn't finish our dinner. My thirteen year old who usually eats out of house and home didn't even finish his meal and he loves Chinese food. We are leave here to get something to eat. I gave a 3 star because of presentation.
(3)Misty C.
My favorite thing about Crystal Jade is its abundance of delicious vegan offerings, both appetizer and entree. A favorite spot for the Omaha Vegan Meetup group, Crystal Jade has gone above and beyond to accommodate people such as myself. There is even a dish named for Isa Moskowitz, proprietor of Modern Love, prolific cookbook author, and the "world's coolest chef" according to Buzzfeed. (Isa noodle - dig it.) For protein, a vegan can order tofu, mock duck (seitan), or both. If I had to choose one or the other, I'd go with the mock duck because of its substantial texture and savory tastiness. However, I love the tofu here as well and would just feel unfulfilled if I didn't have it on my plate, too! Ordering both does result in the highest price for any particular vegan dish ($12.95 at the time of this writing). I ordered the lemak curry for the first time this last visit. I now have a new favorite curry and a new favorite at Crystal Jade! My dish included tofu, mock duck, bamboo shoots, and pineapple. The curry was creamy, not oily, and so flavorful. Oh, and I got a vegan egg roll for an appetizer. It's a pretty standard egg roll, crispy and full of a cabbage. Yummy enough and just one of several vegan apps.
(4)Gary B.
In a landscape driven by the juices of Omaha steaks, baked potatoes in tow; this once-Village Inn is a breath of fresh air blowing in from the East. The atmosphere is open and welcoming, and the choice of decor encourages an ambience of fine dining. The staff are incredibly friendly and receptive, and the culinary artwork with each platter is the perfect touch. The food is solid Chinese and pan-Asian fare, which leaves you satisfied with its traditional Chinese-American taste.
(5)Nhi T.
I absolutely love Crystal Jade and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for some delicious Pan-Asian food. Such a wide variety of Asian foods from Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, etc.. It is located in the Old Village Inn on 72nd and its location makes it a hidden gem of Omaha. I was skeptical when I was first introduced to this place, but was so happy with this restaurant after dining in! The waiters and waitresses are friendly. The food portions are great and the presentation is fantastic. I love the cute little food flowers and birds they add to their dishes. Such a cute unique feature. I also got the honor of learning how to make one of the flowers, which was such an awesome experience. I'll remember that forever in case I ever host a dinner party (We'll see about that). So I have tried all 3 versions of their Curry and also the Pad Thai dish. The curry is nice and spicy. I love all 3 of them. The Pad Thai is a lot sweeter than I have tasted at different Thai restaurants, but it is pretty delicious. I always order a side of crab rangoon and Thai Iced Tea. ... a MUST HAVE! I was a bit upset the last time I ordered a Thai Iced Tea because it was 1/2 milk and 1/2 tea. I probably should have sent it back, but now I know.. Blah. But overall, this place fulfills my taste buds. Oh and can't forget, they also have awesome gluten free options!
(4)David G.
Don't let the exterior of the building for you. The food was great! I ordered General Tso's chicken with vegetable fried rice and an order of crab Rangoon. I think this is the first time ever eating General Tso's where I can actually taste some subtle spice! The crab Rangoon was cooked perfectly. I will definitely return my next trip to Omaha.
(4)Mike S.
This is the best Village Inn I have ever been to! Actually now it's far better than any VI could ever hope to be. I have been here quite a few times and each time I get some new item that jumps out at me. Most recently I was here for Omaha Vegan Meetup which is similar to an Elite Yelp event, but is only based on the food being vegan. It usually costs more too. This run through we were treated to a full buffet. Spring rolls, pastry puff(samosas), Curry Noodle soup, and about nine entrees with some desserts that I had no room for. ALL vegan! Stellar. I used to be a huge fan of the Massamon Curry, but now am hooked on Two Generals which is just General Tso's tofu and mock duck (seitan). the sauce is savory and a little spicy unless you bite into a Thai chili. Whoops. For the rest of the Omnivores, don't fret. They have a plethora of dishes for you too. I just can't comment on them. There is a great variety of flavors. Some Korean, Thai, Chinese, Indian, etc... Plus at $1.88 for beer from Guiness to Blvd., and Sierra Nevada you cannot go wrong
(4)Susan S.
Wow is the food good. You wouldn't think it from the location and looks of the building, but it is very fresh and tasty. Good beer selection followed by yummy crab Rangoon, the chicken pad Thai was also amazing.
(5)Jonah L.
I know what you're thinking! "You're the noodle whisperer and this is Omaha!" Nevertheless, this is my honest assessment. I was only one of two customers at the time I was seated. Wary, but I have an obsession for trying Asian-American cuisines outside of California. The waiter was very kind and generous with his recommendations whenever I had a question about a certain dish. One particular dish (chomp pong) I grew up off of as a child, I inquired and he immediately said, "that's not a good idea." Haha great! So I ordered a signature pad thai and a entree, crispy chicken. No docked points on the chicken, it was satisfactory, but the pad thai was just noodles drenched in sweet and sour sauce. If they opened a restaurant in California with the competition of all the other Asian-American restaurants they would not survive. If you asked me to rate this place purely on judgment forgetting the quality comparison to what I've experienced in California, Kuwait, Korea, or anywhere else I've tasted Asian-American cuisine or noodles in general, this place would rank near the bottom. This is a review on the noodles alone. The crispy chicken gave them back one star. It pains me to give anyone less than three stars and I am a full supporter of individually owned establishments especially because my parents were small business owners. But Crystal Jade has a ways to go before they can be close to standard when it comes to Asian-American cuisine.
(2)John W.
This place is notable for being the only Chinese restaurant I've found with a gluten-free menu that includes the brown-sauce fried meats. In other words, they have sesame chicken and General Tso's chicken, gluten-free! After over a decade without the General's chicken, I was in heaven. My girlfriend got something with shrimp and a white sauce. She didn't like it very much, but I was too busy enjoying my delicious General's chicken to be sensitive and thoughtful about it. Bottom line: the General's chicken is awesome. The gluten-free menu is awesome. I didn't feel the least bit of gluten reaction after. If I lived in Omaha, I'd be back all the time.
(5)Kat P.
Stopped by and picked up food, we had gotten food there because of the high reviews on yelp. I got the general tso's chicken which was mostly breading and the little bit of chicken you did get was chewy and gross. My boyfriend got the sesame chicken with the same problem. We also ordered crab rangoons, which had little flavor and was all cream cheese. And the "fried rice", was only fried with egg I believe. There was no vegetables in any of the food at all, and any Chinese place I've been to usually adds vegetables. No flavor, nothing. Super dull meal. We were very disappointed in our meal and I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone that's eaten quality Chinese food, because this place isn't quality what so ever.
(1)Carrie P.
I have attempted to order from the vegan menu on two occasions and both times it's been horrible. Just not good at all, I don't recommend. But my mom has liked her chicken dishes from the regular menu both times we've come. I will not return after this last experience. I also asked for a plate of lemons, I like lemon water and notice if I ask servers for lemons, I'll get 2 tiny lemons so recently a friend suggested I ask for a plate full, so today when I asked for a small plate of lemons I got 2 tiny lemons! What does a girl need to do to get some lemons in her life?!
(2)Matthew D.
After seeing some good reviews for Crystal Jade, I decided to pick it up on the way home from work one day. It always makes me a little weary when you walk into the place and it is completely empty... almost like everyone knows something bad about the place that I don't know yet. But I was quickly greeted by a lady that went to retrieve my order. When she came back with the food, she looked at our order and saw that we had ordered egg drop soup. She asked if I like egg drop soup and said she would be right back. After a minute she reappeared with a big tub of egg drop soup. I guess since it wasn't too far from closing time and it was dead in there, they would have had to throw it away, so she loaded us up instead. So, I was already impressed with the generous service. Once I arrived home and dug in, I was equally impressed with the food. I got the peanut butter chicken (a new thing for me), and absolutely loved it. One of the best chinese food restaurants I've had in Omaha.
(4)Blake R.
Large seating area, quality food, great service and plenty of Vegan choices... my second visit and I will be back- they made me feel like family
(5)Corby K.
The food here is pretty good, better than some other Chinese places in the area. What sets them apart is the showmanship in plate decoration, which just adds that extra little touch to make you remember them. It's also not just Chinese food, but a bit of Thai, Korean, Japanese, and Indian as well. They have very good Thai iced tea! They have a few house specials, as well as more common Chinese fare. Most items come with a salad. My only complaint is that the salad is included and you can't substitute a soup instead without an additional cost, unless your server is nice and waves it off. The service has been great on my visits. The wait staff is attentive without being clingy, and the food was delivered quickly and piping hot. Crystal Jade is definitely a gem, and worth a visit!
(4)P J.
Update on Crystal Jade- The owner contacted me twice (!) over the past year to let me know that they had added several vegetarian options to the lunch menu and invited us back to try the place with a free meal for my friend. Yesterday, we went back and had lunch and there is now a special section for vegie meals. An added plus, it that they've updated the menu - it looks so much more interesting now. Lunch was quick, with fresh ingredients. I had the volcano chicken and my friend Vegies in Sweet Korean sauce and we were both really happy with our meals. So nice to visit a place where the owners are nice and responsive to customers. Its back on our list for places to have lunch.
(4)Rene G.
Crystal Jade makes my mouth SO HAPPY! As a vegan in Omaha, it's not easy to find vegan-friendly spots that make it interesting! My favorite dish so far is the Lucky 7! I Love eggplant so this dish is the BOMB! The curry rice soup is super yummy too. If you drink, the drinks are super cheap! The only thing I'd say is the price is a little steep. I'd have no problem if they charged "regular" price for drinks so they could go down on the plate price a $1 or two. I really hope the hype builds and I see this place busier!
(4)Mary Janel S.
Not my favorite, but would eat here again with no complaints. Although wouldn't be my pick.
(4)Sarah L.
Very underwhelming. The portion sizes are definitely generous, but getting our food was an ordeal. When we phoned in our order, the lady had trouble understanding us and it took them double their 20 minutes, they told us it would take. So, the quality of the food was ok, but the springrolls were weird (cold, uncooked) BUT their dumplings were amazing! These are worth the two stars alone, the rest was less than 'meh'.
(3)Jarell H.
Great deals on meals!!! Great food!
(5)Frans S.
NEVER EVER TRUST the Reviews on YELP! This place is very Clean & proudly kept but it's Not anywhere near real Chinese. Actually it's Mexican Chinese but still not very good. Trust me, I lived in Singapore which is a food lovers paradise & this place wouldn't last a day there! The bottom line is this, you're in Nebraska & not Paris, NYC, Singapore, or LA so what ever reviews on yelp say about NE places, automatically deduct 3 stars because most people here about are CLUELESS!
(2)John W.
I tried to eat at the restaurant for the first time today. Showed up at 9 and they close at 9:30. I was told that I needed to get a meal to go. Three people working there looked as if that was the only option. Bad customer service not a winner. I have not eaten the food and never will!
(1)J K.
I had driven by Crystal Jade a lot and I always thought it looked sketchy from the outside. I couldn't have been more wrong. It is beautiful inside and the service is amazing. Initially, I was searching for good Thai food in Omaha, so I stumbled upon this place. They have a variety of different Asian foods so it can satisfy any Asia craving. A huge plus is their gluten-free menu. The server was very knowledgeable about what options are available for people with gluten sensitivities. Overall, the place is awesome and I'm definitely coming back!
(5)J W.
The ladies in our party were delighted with the flower-shaped garnishes, and the cook came out and showed them how these are done. The food itself was ok, but not great. We had orange chicken, sweet & sour chicken, chicken lo mien, cashew chicken. Waitress was attentive, food was pretty fast.
(4)Josh L.
Excellent service, tasty Malaysian cuisine, and awesome $3 Martinis... Try the Mango!
(5)Rodney K.
Wasn't worth the money! Waitress was more worried about texting on her cell phone than taking care of customers! Bad Service
(1)shannon b.
Just ate here a couple days ago with some friends and was pleasantly surprised by how good it was (haven't heard much about it). The sizzling rice soup reminded me of the old Imperial Palace - delicious broth with veggies, shrimp, chicken, crab and scallops (don't like scallops so I didn't eat those). The menu reads for two people but really it should be for 4 unless that's all you are going to eat. The egg rolls and crab rangoon were solid and the owner (I think?) was very friendly and helpful in recommending dishes. The General's chicken and Kung Pao beef were fabulous and the plating with the veggies flowers and birds was the perfect added touch. Would definitely go there again!! Oh, and forgot to add - $3 martinis!!
(4)Shawn G.
I'm writing this review while I sit at my table at the restaurant, which is, judging by the lay-out, obviously a Village Inn, so please bear with me and forgive the slightly unusual word-choice and just go with it. Unlike typical Village Inns, this Village Inn is tastefully decorated with a mix of low-cost Asian themed ornaments, interesting flora (but no fauna, you sneaky health-inspectors you), and modern wine-rack fixtures. Soft piano jazz is intermixed with more typical Asian restaurant music in a welcome break from typical noise one finds playing in a Village Inn. But the decor and the music are the only thing different about this Village Inn. Oh no, not by a long shot. As you may have figured out from the above paragraph, this Village Inn seems to have eschewed the usual beverage selection of crappy coffee and soft drinks, and offers a wide range of beer, wine, and cocktails at so-low-they-must-be-crazy prices. Yes, at this Village Inn can you order a one-dollar-and-eighty-eight-cent Boulevard to go with your waffle. Only you can't. Because in addition to spicing up the liquid refreshments offered, Village Inn: Asian Edition has also knocked up the quality of their food a notch. Bam. (I profusely apologize for the played out Emeril joke). Gone are the fifty varieties of eggs mixed with fried heart attacks and every-pie-but-the-one-you're-in-the-mood-for-because-they-just-ran-out. In their place, this Village Inn has implemented a robust menu of Asian cuisines with something to please just about everyone. Spicy beef, savory chicken, sweet pork, Korean bbq, Japanese noodles, Indian curry... this Village Inn dares to go to countries and cuisines where other Village Inns dare not tread. Everything here is prepared and presented with a quality and attention to detail that is noticeably absent from lesser Village Inns. The Mongolian Delight I've ordered and eaten while writing this review was such a welcome departure from the pedestrian fare at other Village Inns, that it makes me question whether- ...whether this is actually a Village Inn... at all.... *cues dramatic music* *pays bill cautiously* *walks out of building* *notices Morgan Freeman warning him not to turn around* *turns around in slow motion and looks up at restaurant sign* Oh God.... *turns away* Oh God... OH....
(4)Amanda P.
Crystal Jade used to be my favorite - mongolian delight is awesome. But it seems that lately the food quality has been going down which lead me to find other Chinese places to eat at - now we go to China Road or Jades Palace. They used to have AMAZING potato soup and I'd go there for just a bowl of that, but they discontinued it. I'm not a fan of the egg rolls or crab rangoon or even the soup that is left on the menu.
(3)Niel K.
Solid pan-Asian neighborhood joint. Good selection of cheap beers!
(3)Shane C.
BEST Chinese/Asian food in Omaha. I would recommend this place to anyone. I'm normally a snob about appearances and such, but please don't judge this book by its cover!! The service is amazing and the food is fabulous. And it's a family run establishment!
(5)P D.
The egg drop soup was delicious! My drink wasn't refilled as if I didn't even exist at first, amongst the many other people here that were being served promptly. The Generals Chicken was HOT & FRESH, but tasted more tangy than what I'm use to. I rank it #2 in city right behind Hunan Garden.
(4)Shane F.
I'm glad we decided to try eating here. It's very clean and the service is excellent. The crab rangoon and egg roll were as good as any I've had in omaha. My girlfriend liked the hot and sour soup, and I thought the wonton soup was amazing. It was salted perfectly and the two wontons were delicious. The mongolian beef was tender and well seasoned. The hot garlic chicken was also excellent, and both dishes had crisp fresh veggies in them. We found our favorite chinese restaurant! Yay!
(5)Will S.
I've been a fan of this place for a few years. And for the second year in a row, we ended up here for an NYE dinner. The menu is vast -- with entrees ranging from traditional American Chinese to Malaysian to Indian to Korean. Plus they always have fantastic drink specials, if you're into that sort of thing. I started off with a bowl of the curry noodle soup. It tasted a bit too salty for me, but I'd give it another try. On this visit we split an order of a garlic chicken dish (I forget the exact name!). The sauce was sweet, succulent and a bit garlic-y (which should be expected). Besides the chicken, carrots, water chestnuts and some other veggies added to the texture. All around delicious. I've never had a bad meal here. Plus, the restaurant is clean and unassuming, holed up in what appears to be an old Village Inn. The prices are decent, but are a little bit more than what you'd pay at similar places. I'd say it's warranted, as Crystal Jade is a cut of above the rest.
(4)Jessica K.
The food is delicious and the presentation is delightful, with roses and swans made from carrots and radishes and whatnot. Two of the dishes that haunt my dreams and bring me back often are the shrimp lemak curry and the house special pan fried noodles. The dressings for the salad bar are also very tasty. Surprisingly, the American fare is also quite good. I took a chance on trying the potato soup once and it pops into my thoughts on occasion as yet another lure Jade-ward. I keep meaning to try other dishes, but the cravings that draw me there are specific and insistent. The one drawback is the price. I feel that if the prices were lowered a dollar or two on the entrees, the place wouldn't be so empty all the time.
(5)Jay I.
Crystal Jade is one of my favorite restaurants in Omaha. I'm an occasional vegetarian, and I love all the various options they have that are meat/dairy free. But when I'm eating meat, their meat entrees are also delicious. I love their hot and sour soup, crab rangoons, vegetarian spring rolls, peanut butter tofu or chicken, yam yam chicken, kung pao chicken or tofu, curry dishes, etc. Plus, they also offer alcohol for relatively cheap. The martinis are small, but priced accordingly and tasty They also offer a number of cheap (good) beers. If you haven't gone here yet and you love various asian inspired types of food, just GO!
(5)Michelle O.
We have been trying to find a really good bowl of hot and sour soup since we moved here almost two years ago. This was the best we have found so far!
(4)Christine B.
Just got a tip from an acquaintance (who's Malaysian). When ordering the Rendang curry, make sure to indicate that you want it spicy, otherwise it lacks the flavor punch. Since I always order this dish extra spicy, I had no idea it made such a difference!
(4)Jenna F.
Their Malaysian food menu is very disappointing and this is the reason why I'm only giving a two star.
(2)Evan B.
Stayed at the DoubleTree right across the street and ordered the Mongolian Delight and Chicken Tiki Masala for carry out. Both were excellent. Carry out was hot and ready in 10 minutes. Ordering was easy and staff was friendly.
(5)Mychele G.
This place is one of my favorites in Omaha they have a wide selection of non meat options for my friends and I have enjoyed everything they have on their menu. We go there often and I also love the little garnishes they put on the plates.
(5)Allison B.
Solid Americanized Chinese that was extremely reasonably priced. Looks like they have great beer prices too. I had the General's chicken lunch special that came with egg drop soup and fried rice- all for only 7.95. Very tasty. Service was quick and perfect for lunch. Will return for sure!
(4)Mike P.
I love this place. The veg*n menu is a godsend, and I love that they include a lot of seitan instead of just fried tofu. Don't get me wrong, fried tofu is awesome, but it's nice to switch it up once in a while. They have "Happy Day" pricing on beers through most of the week, so you can get an impressive selection of beers, including imports, for a buck and some change. I highly recommend the Twin Generals off the veggie menu, and for those who eat meat, the Malaysian curries are awesome. The service is always very friendly, it feels like going over to a friend's place for a holiday dinner.
(5)Bhaven S.
I was visiting from California and staying next door. I decided to go there just because of proximity and the Yelp reviews. Gotta tell you....the reviews were not wrong. This is one the best Asian food I've ever had. I loved the 1.88 beer. The taste of the food, the presentation, the service . . . all was great. I'm probably going to remember the food and the restaurant forever. My colleague also thought the food was great. I recommend everyone to go there at least once.
(5)S K.
Crystal Jade has been a favorite of ours since we moved to Omaha a year ago. I can't believe that people haven't caught on to this gem yet. The menu has a nice variety of different Asian cuisines. I also love that they have a gluten free menu! It can be difficult trying to eat safely when I dine out, but with CJ I have never had a bad reaction. They are very helpful, understanding, and careful with my order. Did I mention the food is delicious? It is!! They charge a fair price for well prepared food in generous portions. I hope you have the chance to meet Aunt Shirley because she is delightful!
(5)John H.
One of the best Asian style restaurants in Omaha. I should know as I have been to almost all of them. I had the Mongolian Beef and while a little sweet, it was very good. Service was top notch, though I was the only person there at that time. Only negative that took away a star was price. For a plate of stir-fry, soda and tip($3) it cost $17. FAR too expensive IMHO for one person. But that said I will go back again, just not soon. I would like to add that this restaurant dose not have bicycle parking, so bring a good lock and perhaps park somewhere else and walk here. Another reason I'll not be returning soon.
(4)