Wok this way: Robina’s new Chinese hotspot has landed

Robina just scored itself a seriously tasty new leading lady with the arrival of Jade Room Chinese Cuisine, and the buzz is entirely justified.

Opening upstairs at The Kitchens at Robina Town Centre, the latest venture from hospitality heavyweights Jackie and May Cheng has landed with the kind of swagger only the Chengs can pull off. With a reputation built on crowd‑favourite institutions like Jasmine Room, Dragon Cove and Canton Road Chinese Kitchen, they don’t simply open restaurants – they drop culinary blockbusters.

And Jade Room is shaping up to be their most cinematic release yet.

If their track record wasn’t enough to get Gold Coasters salivating, the interiors alone would do the job. Designed by Span Design and brought to life by Elements Shopfitting, Jade Room is a moody, nostalgic dreamscape blending Wong Kar-wai and mid-century modern.

Picture a contemporary remix of a classic Chinese dining room, where tradition has been given a design-forward glow-up. Warm timber panelling and softly lit banquettes set a cosy, intimate tone, while the rich mustard and jade green seating add a layer of retro-luxe charm.

Overhead, a playful canopy of suspended disc lights in shades of jade and cobalt floats across the ceiling like a contemporary art installation, casting a soft, ambient glow.

Vertical striped detailing along the walls brings structure and rhythm, balanced by curved elements like the oversized paper lantern and circular mirror that nod subtly to traditional motifs.

Add retro wall tiles paired with decadent marble and you’ve got the perfect backdrop for a long lunch, a date night or a dumpling‑fuelled gossip session.

The Chengs chose Robina for its beauty, buzz and ever‑growing food scene, and Jade Room slots in like it was always meant to be there. With seating for around 150, a private dining room, plush sofa zones, intimate booths and those glorious big round tables that practically demand a lazy Susan, the space is built for everything from cosy dinners to multi‑generational feasts.

Let’s talk about the real star of the show: the food.

The kitchen is helmed by the original head chef of Landmark Restaurant and Jasmine Room, which means the classics are in very safe hands.

Jade Room’s unique selling point is its modern Yum Cha that’s been zhuzhed, elevated, and given a contemporary twist without losing the soul of tradition.

Think Aromatic Peppercorn Pork Dumplings, Truffle Veggie Dumplings, Pan-Fried Seafood Buns, Beef Ho Fun, Dried Meats Glutinous Rice, and Fresh Mango Pudding for a sweet finisher.

Then there’s the extensive A La Carte menu packed with mouthwatering options designed to be shared.

The signature Peking Duck is a theatrical, glossy masterpiece, freshly prepared in-house daily, seasoned with traditional spices and roasted to crisp perfection. Carved before your very eyes, each portion is presented with the flavorsome crispy duck skin, together with spring onions, cucumber and special sauce, wrapped in soft pancake.

The Singaporean Mud Crab is a showstopper, messy in the best possible way, while the XO Pipi brings that addictive, umami‑rich punch that will leave you wanting more.

And for the bovine buffs, the Stir Fried Eye Fillet with Tea Leaves is the MVP; tender, aromatic, and ‘udderly’ unforgettable.

The broader menu is a thoughtful bridge between old and new, weaving together the refined elegance of Cantonese cooking with the bold, aromatic flavours of China’s interior provinces.

Expect Sichuan spice that tingles, Beijing‑style sauces that cling in all the right ways, and modern interpretations that feel fresh without being fussy. It’s a culinary story that spans regions, eras and traditions – and Jade Room tells it beautifully.

Of course, no cinematic dining experience is complete without a supporting cast of cocktails. The Lychee Martini is already shaping up to be the breakout star, and the bar team has crafted a whole lineup of unique sips designed to pair with the menu’s depth and drama.

Whether you’re a wine‑and‑dumplings person or a cocktail‑and‑crab devotee, you’re covered.

Jade Room Chinese Cuisine is more than just another restaurant opening – it’s a stylish, flavour‑packed, mood‑drenched statement.

With its modern yum cha, signature dishes, cinematic interiors and the Chengs’ signature polish, it’s set to become one of the Coast’s most talked‑about dining destinations – and we’re here for it.

Where: The Kitchens, 19 Robina Town Centre Drive, Robina Town Centre, Robina

When: Daily 11am – 9pm

Words by Bianca Trathen
Images by Liam McDonald