Flavour Report with Derek Goforth: The verdict of a pre-Easter Chinese feast at Geraldton’s Jade House

Every family has their unique food traditions, and for mine it’s Chinese takeaway on the day before Good Friday. This year, we decided to venture to Jade House on Marine Terrace to indulge in a pre-Easter feast with a selection of dishes to share. The anticipation was high as we phoned our order through. For pick-up, Jade House was easy to locate, with ample parking available. On entering, we were greeted with a warm smile and a polite welcome. The decor was modern yet cosy, with Asian-inspired accents that added to the restaurant’s charm. We ordered salt and pepper squid, Peking ribs, veggie fried rice and a satay combination, excited to taste the flavors of each dish. We had high expectations for the salt and pepper squid, and it didn’t disappoint. The squid was delightfully tender, with a satisfying crunch on the outside. It was packed with flavour, and we could taste the freshness of the ingredients. With the ribs, it was evident the chefs had put in the time and effort to make this dish perfect. The meat was cooked to perfection and fell off the bone effortlessly. Each bite was packed with flavour, and it was clear that the ingredients used were of the highest quality. The satay combination was good, but it lacked the expected peanut hit that we were used to. However, it still went down well and added a different flavour profile to our meal. The veggie fried rice was the perfect accompaniment to our dishes, tying everything together nicely. It was evident that the rice was freshly prepared, and the vegetables were cooked well. While we were pleased with the quality of the food, the portion sizes left something to be desired. The Peking ribs, in particular, was lacking, with only five or six small pieces in the box. We were disappointed with this, as we had hoped that the portion sizes would justify the cost. However, despite this, we had no other complaints about the food. The service at Jade House was prompt and polite, and we were pleased with the overall experience. While it may be pricey, the quality of the food at Jade House is worth the cost. Each dish was well prepared and it was evident that the chefs take care in selecting and preparing the ingredients. It’s a great option for those looking for a good Chinese takeaway in the area, and we would recommend it to others with a caveat — order more than you think you will eat! If you are willing to splurge and enjoy some well-prepared and fresh Chinese food, Jade House may be the place for you.