Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant – Waipio Shopping Center
One type of food that you absolutely cannot go wrong with is Chinese food. Generally, the portions are generous, the food is filling, and it’s an affordable option. It satisfies even the pickiest of eaters. The food served at Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant in Waipio is no exception. There’s an array of items to choose from, including fan favorites and specialty items. Either way, there’s something for everyone.
On approach to the Waipio Shopping Center, facing towards the shops, you will see Foodland all the way on the right corner. A few spaces away on the left, where a palm tree stands, is Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant. You can’t miss it. Their entire menu is pasted in the window, where you can make your choices before even walking in. You can choose to take a seat at one of the many tables, or you can do takeout. I opted for the latter, as I had placed a phone order, and got my food in no time at all. It was packaged in a box and taped for optimal transport.
Here’s what I got:
Crispy Gau Gee ($8.75): Gee, was this crispy! I enjoyed the crunch of the wonton, as I bit right into the plump pork. The sweet chili sauce, which coated the outside, rounded out the flavor nicely.
Seafood (shrimp, scallop, and egg) with Garlic Fried Rice ($13.50): This is Jade Garden’s house special and a favorite at most Chinese restaurants here in Hawai’i. Although it’s a bit on the oily side, this dish is not as salty as others I have tried. Jade Garden’s take on this popular dish resulted in a pleasant complement to the other items I ordered.
Sam Sing on Chow Mein (with char siu, roast duck, and crispy chicken), $12.50: This is one of two Monday lunch specials, which offers a hefty amount of food for an affordable price. Take your pick between the two different specials available between 10 am-3 pm daily. You are free to substitute the rice in the plates with another starch, which I did. Keep in mind that the base price is $10.75, and to substitute with fried rice, chow mein, or lo mein is $1.75 extra. The meats were juicy and quite enjoyable, and the chow mein balanced it out nicely.
Black Mushroom and Tofu with Vegetables on Lo Mein ($12): This is the other Monday lunch special, and my favorite of the two. I substituted the rice for lo mein, and I received even more vegetables, which I loved! The bok choy and the broccoli were stir-fried, making them soft, yet keeping the veggies crisp. The fried tofu texture was great! It had a soft middle and a nicely fried outer skin. The mushroom was tender, and I enjoyed the oyster sauce flavoring this veggie mix.
All in all, if you’re looking for a friendly neighborhood Chinese restaurant to satisfy your Chinese takeout craving, Jade Restaurant is a viable option. Although the entries are on the oiler side, the portions are generous, you get a good bang for your buck, and their food will completely satisfy your hunger. For the best experience, I recommend getting one of the lunch specials like I did, as well as a side or two. So place a phone order or plan your next gathering there soon!
DETAILS:
Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant
Hours: 10 am-9 pm daily
Address: 94-1040 Waipio Uka Street, Waipahu, HI 96797
Phone number: (808) 671-2882
Website: http://jadegardenwaipahu.com/
