Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 isn’t your typical airport lounge dining spot. It’s a proper restaurant experience tucked away in the airside area, and if you’ve got Priority Pass, you’re in for a solid pre-flight meal.
We were heading to Langkawi (our second trip in a year – it’s become our annual ritual ever since hubby did his first Ironman triathlon there). Before boarding, we decided to use our Priority Pass at Crystal Jade instead of hitting up the usual lounge scene.
Priority Pass Perks You Might Not Know About
Most people think Priority Pass only gets you lounge access. Wrong. You also get complimentary meals at specific restaurants, plus services like massages, hair cuts and manicures at certain airports. If you travel regularly, grab a credit card that includes Priority Pass membership. Check their website before each trip to scope out what’s available at your departure terminal and the operating hours so you can plan your time accordingly.
Location and Opening Hours
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao sits on the airside at Terminal 1, directly above the Departure Immigration Area. After clearing immigration, take the escalator up one level. You’ll spot it opposite Marhaba Lounge (another Priority Pass option). Opens daily from 07:00 to 23:00.
What to Expect at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao
The setup is straightforward. Each Priority Pass holder gets one set meal. They’ll show you the menu at the counter with three choices. Pick your dish, then they seat you.
The Menu
Simple options. Soup and beverage selections stay the same across all sets. You just choose your main:
- Sweet & Sour Fish with Rice (my pick)
- Black Pepper Chicken with Rice (hubby’s choice)
- Chicken Fried Rice
The Food Review – Honest Take
Portion sizes are pretty generous. I wasn’t left hungry. Taste-wise? Really average. Think regular tze char stall standards. Nothing spectacular, nothing terrible.
The advantage here is freshness. Everything’s made to order and served hot. That beats picking lukewarm food from chafing dishes at airport lounges. You get full restaurant service too.
Who Should Choose This Over a Lounge?
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao works well if you’re travelling with folks who prefer Chinese food over sandwiches and Western fare. My parents, for example, would pick this over typical lounge spreads any day.
It’s not a place to camp out for hours. The setup isn’t conducive for relaxing or working on your laptop.
Limited spread at Marhaba Lounge, but the food is not bad
We ate, felt satisfied, then headed to Marhaba Lounge opposite for round two whilst waiting for our gate to open.
Final Verdict
Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao at Changi Airport Terminal 1 serves its purpose. It’s a practical Priority Pass redemption when you want something hot, filling and freshly cooked before your flight. Don’t expect mind-blowing flavours. Do expect decent portions and proper service. Keep this option in your back pocket, especially if traditional airport lounge food doesn’t cut it for you or your travel companions.