When you’re looking for fine Chinese cuisine, try Precious. This establishment lives up to its name; it is a precious gem in the middle of downtown Hoboken.
The interior is ornate, yet modern. Red and gold dominate the decor, with delicate Asian characters etched into the varnished tables and carved into the wall panels. The ambiance and intimate setting make it perfect for date night, yet still appropriate for a family dinner or business lunch. The menu’s Chinese offerings include a wide variety of appetizers, soups, fried rice, chow mein, lo mein, noodles, noodle soups, moo shu, and egg foo young dishes, as well as classic Chinese-American favorites like General Tso’s Chicken and wonton soup. To my delight, on the Japanese side are a range of sushi and sashimi creations, as well as soups, salads, appetizers, and desserts. Both cuisines offer lunch specials.
For the health-conscious, Precious offers an oil-free cooking menu called “revolution diet,” as well as a large vegetarian selection. The manager, Tracy, suggested we order some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. We started with the Crazy Tuna Roll, spicy tuna delicately wrapped in black pepper ahi tuna. It’s clear that artistry is important here, because the plate was topped with a small pumpkin carved from a carrot. The roll is served with ponzu sauce. Ponzu is that citrus-based sauce that you’ve probably had in Japanese restaurants. It’s tart with a thin consistency and dark color. I’m not sure if this “Chef’s Special Roll” was crazy, but it was definitely delicious and a good price at $12.50.
We followed the appetizer with two of the eatery’s bestselling entrees, chosen from the “Chef’s Specialties.” I ordered the classic Sesame Chicken, a lightly battered chicken smothered in a tangy sauce and coated with sesame seeds. Terri ordered the Black Pearl Shrimp, made with jumbo shrimp lightly fried in a soy sauce batter and served on a bed of peppers, snow peas, and baby corn. It gets its name from the dark color of the sauce. The description, “lightly-fried,” is important. It was not at all heavy or oily. The shrimps were truly jumbo, and the vegetables fresh and not overcooked.
“Crisp” is the operative word for the Crispy Sesame Chicken. The consistency was the result of subtle cooking; the popular Asian sesame seed gave a zesty flavor to the chicken. Both entrees were a very reasonable $15. The portions were generous; we had more than enough to eat.
For drinks, we sampled some of the specialty beverages: the pungent Thai iced tea and the refreshing honeydew bubble tea. If you’ve never had bubble tea, I’d definitely recommend it. The “bubbles” are small tapioca balls, served with a large enough straw to slurp them down. Talk about having fun with food!
Precious is BYOB. The staff is happy to chill your beer or wine or pour whatever alcoholic beverage you bring.
This popular Washington Street establishment prides itself on being “friendly, graceful, comfortable, and fresh.” All those attributes were on display on this Tuesday evening in mid-summer. The wait staff was friendly and made us feel comfortable, and the chefs used the freshest ingredients in a really tasty array of dishes. Be warned. The menu is huge, which is why we really appreciated Tracy’s suggestions.
The next time you’re in the mood for Chinese food or sushi, don’t just order in. Come to Precious, where old classics and new creations await.—07030
Precious
128 Washington St.
(201) 798-8837/8086
precious128.com
PHOTOS BY Terri Saulino Bish-