Review: Ji Ji Asian Kitchen on Carnival Sunshine: A Delight for the Senses

Hi everyone!

One of the highlights of our Carnival Sunshine weekend cruise was the elegant Ji Ji Asian Restaurant. While Carnival paid for our visit, the upcharge of $12.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids is nothing short of a bargain, and on a longer cruise, we’d pay out of pocket for this experience more than once.

We were with a group of 6 total, and the food at Ji Ji Asian Kitchen is served family style. That meant we ordered a number of items to share at the table. I’m somewhat of a picky eater, but ended up with exactly what I hoped for on the menu – and a lot more. The head of the table ordered. How did we know who was the head? We rolled dice until the lucky number came up.

The service at Ji Ji Asian Kitchen was impeccable. I asked Carnival about whether another gratuity should be added, but I was told that the per person gratuity each day covers it. Guests can – and often do – show their appreciation for the great service with an additional tip (which we would do).

We were docked in Freeport when we began our meal, and sailed soon after. It was nice having a table right on the window.

We received our menus – I thought the red cups were candleholders, but they were for water. 🙂

A tray with some tapioca crisps and Indonesian sauces was brought. I haven’t had chips like these, and they were light, airy and delicious.

We even found a crisp that reminded us of Oogie Boogie!

Our group collectively tried every specialty drink on the menu.

I looked forward to my appetizer, the Chicken & Cilantro Root Soup. This was one of the best soups I have ever had – ever. I not only ate my bowl of it, but I finished Jeff’s bowl too. The soup is thick and hearty, with corn, eggs, tomato, and oyster mushrooms. It didn’t really taste like any of those, though – it just was blended perfectly.

The Pot Stickers were a huge hit!

I wasn’t sure what this was, so I asked Jeff – this is the Nanjing Style Duck. And Jeff’s take on it? “Boy, was that good!” This was one of his favorite dishes.

The appetizer I heard most about – not only at our table, but around the restaurant – was the Slow-Braised Pork Belly. I don’t eat a lot of pork, but wish I’d tried it now. Everyone loved it.

There was so much food at our table, all of it excellent.

Singapore Chili Shrimp.

I believe these are the Hakka Style Noodles.

Kung Pao Chicken.

Waygu Beef Short Ribs.

Hot and Spicy Crisp Potato Fries.

The Peppered Beef is the entree I was waiting for, and it didn’t disappoint. The dish had a creative flair, just like most of what was served. Presentation of the meals here is top-notch. I enjoyed it with Fragrant Jasmine Rice (not pictured).

Rose Creme Brulee with Ginger Ice Cream. I’m not sure which I liked better!

At the end of the meal, a birdcage shaped tray of fortune cookies and fruit rolls was brought.

The restaurant is elegant and has a calm feel to it. We stuck with business casual dress, but I saw anything from shorts to suits.

This was one of my favorite meals on a cruise ship.

The kitchen at Ji Ji Asian Kitchen is open, guests can see food being prepared as they enter and exit the restaurant. Ji Ji Asian Kitchen also offers a custom stir-fry lunch at no extra cost. We didn’t have time to try that.

Reservations are recommended for Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, you don’t want to miss out on this meal! The upcharge is minimal compared with the experience. We have also heard very good things about Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, a couple we met during lunch compared it with a Shula’s type experience on land.

The Carnival Sunshine is now sailing out of Port Canaveral.

We were hosted by Carnival but the views are all ours.