Classic Chinese cuisine spotlighted at 18 Jade, Gateway 2

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — A new dining destination at Gateway 2 in Araneta City is drawing attention with a refined take on classic Chinese cuisine, anchored by a traditional yet theatrical presentation of Peking Duck.

Located on the fourth level of the mall, World Kitchens positions itself as an elevated food hall concept, offering a range of international cuisines in a setting designed to evoke fine dining without rigid formality.

Among its newest and most prominent additions is 18 Jade, a restaurant dedicated to classic Chinese fare under the direction of Chef Peng, who previously worked at Kai Garden in Singapore’s Marina Square.

At the center of 18 Jade’s offering is its Dried Aged Peking Duck Two Way, a signature dish that reflects both technical precision and culinary heritage.

The duck, imported from China, is marinated and dry-aged for a full week before roasting. A finishing blend of sugar, wine and water contributes to a balance of crisp, golden skin and tender, succulent meat.

Chef Peng emphasizes that while the restaurant uses customized equipment for roasting and drying, the recipe itself is rooted in time-honored culinary traditions.

A custom-built service cart enables tableside carving, allowing diners to observe the preparation and presentation — a feature commonly associated with established fine-dining Chinese restaurants in cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai.

The dish is served in two styles.

First, the thinly sliced duck skin and meat are paired with Mandarin pancakes, cucumber and spring onion, accompanied by sweet bean or hoisin sauce. Some diners opt to enjoy the crisp skin on its own with a light sprinkle of sugar.

The second preparation transforms the carved duck into chopped pieces stir-fried in a light sweet bean sauce. The meat is then wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves, offering a contrasting texture and flavor profile that many diners consider equally compelling.

The restaurant’s name carries symbolic weight: “18” is associated with prosperity in Chinese culture, while jade represents purity and enduring value. These themes, the operators say, are reflected in the restaurant’s approach to both ingredients and presentation.

As Metro Manila’s dining spotlight often centers on Makati and Bonifacio Global City, the emergence of concepts such as 18 Jade at Araneta City signals a broader geographic spread of upscale culinary ventures, particularly those that blend traditional techniques with modern dining environments.

ABOUT 18 JADE: 18 Jade is an upscale destination for classic Chinese cuisine at World Kitchens, crafted for guests of distinction. Led by Chef Peng of Singapore, it offers specialties such as its signature crispy Peking duck and classic shark’s fin soup, all brought together in a menu that is deeply rooted in tradition. Its name reflects its philosophy: 18 symbolizing prosperity, and jade representing purity, rarity, and enduring value--qualities expressed in every dish of the show kitchen.

ABOUT WORLD KITCHENS: Inspired by the comfort food of the world, WORLD KITCHENS is a one-of-a-kind, first-of-its-kind 5-star dining destination created by Singapore’s food and beverage guru Andrew Tan Hock Lai. With 15 show kitchens and international chefs specializing in unique cuisines, this giant full-table-service restaurant offers a variety of international dishes at affordable prices. Serving great food at a single table, and using AI technology for seamless ordering, World Kitchens redefines dining as a global culinary experience.