Review of JiJi Asian Kitchen- Carnival Cruise Line

As you know last month my family and I went on an 8 day cruise, I shared about it basically daily while we were on it. But what you might not have known is that we didn’t eat in the main dining room every night. Apart of it was because our 2 year old just wasn’t having it, and also anther part of it was because we wanted to try the specialty  (paid) dining experiences. Our goal was to try as many as possible, whether it was for lunch or dinner. So we started with JiJi Asian Kitchen.

I loved all the options Carnival offers for where to eat if you don’t want to dine in the main dining room. Because we chose”anytime dining” we didn’t feel obligated at all to attend dinner in the dining room every night. Instead we decided to explore other dining options, whether it was the Lido marketplace, Eating one last burger from Guy’s Burger Joint before they close at night, or at the Specialty Dining Restaurants.

If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for Asian food. Aside from Panamanian and Dominican Home comfort food, Asian food is my absolute favorite. So one day on the cruise, when getting of the elevator on the 11th deck, we saw a sign for JiJi Asian Kitchen, we took a peek at their menu and we were sold! We made our reservations for that same night.

Before we get started, make sure you follow me on Instagram for lots of family travel content, and also check out my cruising carnival with kids blog post!

What I love about JiJi Asian Kitchen:

1. Smaller Intimate Restaurant: There wasn’t a lot of people, therefor it wasn’t loud. Sometimes being around a lot of people is overwhelming for the kids. So it was a nice change of scenery for them.
2. The Aesthetic: I love how they make you feel like you’re in an authentic asian restaurant with traditional touches, warm and inviting colors, but yet still modern.
3. Large family style portions: Being a family of 6, we need a lot of food, and having 4 kids all different ages they all eat different amounts. my oldest eats like an adult, but my 3 year old eats more than my 4 year old, and don’t let Laila’s little body fool ya. Laila girl WILL EAT. So having family style portions was amazing.
4. Slower pace, but yet faster than main dining: Because our kids get super antsy at the main dining room they did so much better here at JiJi Asian Kitchen. It was the pace of a normal restaurant and immediately after we finished eating one course, the next was brought out. There wasn’t any waiting-which is ket when you have little ones.
5. Not Expensive: For the quality of food, it wasn’t expensive at all. I don’t remember the exact price-but definitely under $40 for all of us to eat.

What we ate:

Appetizers:

1. Jiaozi (Pot Stickers): Chinese believe serving Jiaozi brings luck and prosperity! Shrimp dumplings, pea shoots, radish & green apple salad.
2. Chicken Spring Rolls: Lemon marmalade, curry leaves, pink grapefruit, cilantro pearls.
3. Chicken and Cilantro Root Soup: Corn, eggs, tomatoes, Chinese chives, oyster mushrooms.

Entree: 

1. Peppered Beef: Shen Li Ho (Chinese vegetable), bird’s nest, Chinese mustard, young garlic, ginger root, scallions.
2. Bo Kho- Slow braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib: Watermelon radish, burdock root, wasabi pearls, crisp potatoes
3. Kung Pao Chicken: Sichuan peppercorns with heavenly facing chilies & cashews. This is spicy, my kids loved it still but I had to let you know!

Sides:

1. Chinese Broccolini: with ginger & garlic glaze
2. Hakka Style Noodles: “Hakka”, a Chinese community known for its culture of tradition and cuisine, inspired this simple noodle.
3. Himalayan Basmati Fried Rice with chicken: This is perfect for picky eaters!

Desserts:

1. Rose Creme Brûlée with ginger cream:
2. Fried Wontons: Wrapped lychee fruit with tapioca pearls & coconut milk
3.  Caramelized Crepes: with Calamansi citrus ice cream

Overall, would we recommend JiJi Asian Kitchen?:

Absolutely yes! Everything was great. There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t enjoy. The kids begged to go again a couple more times during our cruise. If you’re about to go on a cruise, and are planning out your dinner options, make sure you include JiJi Asian Kitchen in your plans. When you board the boat, head to the restaurant to make reservations.

This post was sponsored by Carnival Cruise Line, but all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own