At the heart of Araneta City’s ever-evolving food scene, a new dining experience is quietly asserting itself—with restraint, symbolism, and depth of flavor. 18 Jade, the latest show kitchen to open at World Kitchens, invites diners to slow down and rediscover Chinese cuisine through a lens of refinement.
Located at Gateway Mall 2, 18 Jade draws its identity from meaning as much as from technique. In Chinese culture, the number 18 is associated with prosperity and good fortune, while jade is prized for its purity, beauty, and enduring value. These ideas shape the restaurant’s philosophy, from its menu to its manner of service.
At the helm is Chef Zhouping Liang, whose culinary journey includes years of professional training and kitchen experience in Singapore. His approach is disciplined and deliberate, grounded in tradition yet attuned to modern sensibilities. Dishes are built around balance—of flavor, texture, and aroma—using premium ingredients handled with precision rather than excess.
The restaurant’s centerpiece is its Dry-Aged Peking Duck Two Way, a dish that speaks volumes about 18 Jade’s patience-driven ethos. The duck is gently marinated with sugar, wine, and water, then dry-aged for a full week to deepen flavor and perfect texture. Cooked using custom-designed equipment, it emerges with crisp, golden skin and tender meat, then served in two thoughtful preparations that honor both tradition and technique.
Beyond the duck, the menu explores classic Chinese fare elevated through meticulous execution. Premium seafood, wok-fried specialties, and even shark’s fin are prepared using time-honored methods where timing is exact and restraint is key. Nothing is rushed; everything is intentional.
What further sets 18 Jade apart is its sense of occasion. Personalized menus are available for intimate gatherings and special celebrations, while a custom service cart allows for tableside carving and the presentation of hot dishes straight to diners, turning the meal into a quiet form of theater without breaking its calm, polished mood.
At 18 Jade, Chinese cuisine is carefully revealed; its familiar flavors clarified, its traditions respected, and its pleasures refined. It is dining for those who appreciate nuance, symbolism, and the kind of luxury that speaks softly but lingers long after the last bite.
18 Jade is now open at World Kitchens, Level 4 of Gateway Mall 2, Araneta City. For inquiries and reservations: +63 918 939 4537 or wkreservations@aranetagroup.com.