Michelin-starred restaurant Shisen Hanten has opened a new casual concept called Chen’s Kitchen in Paragon! Helmed by chef Chen Kentaro, Chen’s Kitchen offers Japanese-inspired Chinese food – aka chuka ryori – specifically inspired by Szechuan cuisine.
Comfortable, Modern Interior
The Paragon space is inviting and cosy, with private booth spaces for small groups.
The green, red and orange colour palette make it relaxing; a different experience from their elevated space in Shisen Hanten.
Chen’s Kitchen Menu
The star dish is Chen’s Mapo Tofu, available in four variations. Check out the full menu here!
There’s the classic Red (from $16.90), Black with A5 Kagoshima Wagyu beef (from $39.90), White with Hokkaido scallops and prawns (from $28.90) and Jade with plant-based meat (from $21.90).
Other chuka ryori dishes include Dong Po Rou ($23.90), Yurinchi Chicken ($13.90) and Szechuan Seafood Hot and Sour Soup ($5.90/serving).
There are Paragon-exclusive items like the XXL Szechuan La Zi Ji ($17.90) with karaage chunks, Ebi Chilli ($18.90) and Wagyu Beef with Green Peppers ($32.90).
They offer Lunch Sets from only $12.90, with options like Dan Dan Mian and Mapo Don!
We tried the new, limited-time Spring Feast Bundle for 2 ($62.90) with some seasonal offerings.
Spring Feast
The Spring Feast included two sides, two mains, rice and drinks. It’s available only until 31 May 2025!
The seasonal special is the Spring Sauerkraut Fish, with white fish, snow vegetables, sansho peppers and Szechuan spices. It was reminiscent of Suan Cai Yu, with an appetizing fragrance.
To be candid, it didn’t taste like what we expected. The soup was flavourful with a nice tang but had a floral taste that we couldn’t pinpoint.
We appreciated how it wasn’t too oily and easy to drink! The fish was tender, complemented by a crunch from the generous amount of bean sprouts.
There was also the Twice Cooked Tori ($16.90/ a la carte). We really liked this!
The sauce had an addictive savoury-sweet flavour that kept us going back for more. Even the eggplant and cabbage tasted good coated in the sauce.
The sides of Szechuan Century Egg and Tofu ($7.90) and Seasonal Vegetables were also appetizing.
Chen’s Mapo Tofu
We also got to try the famous Chen’s Mapo Tofu in Red.
This was a well-executed version of the dish: tender tofu, a rich salty flavour from the minced meat and just enough spice plus a numbing sensation to be enjoyable. Perfect with white rice!
It was not as intense the usual mapo tofu in a traditional Chinese restaurant. It had the same flavours, but less concentrated and more refined.
This will not be as satisfying if you prefer the classic fiery hot version. We think it could be a tad spicier for a punchier taste.
Kurozu Kurobuta
The Kurozu Kurobuta ($22.90) featured fried pork belly tossed in a Japanese sweet and sour sauce. While we enjoyed the indulgent chunks of pork, a stronger sour/tangy would have balanced it better.
Desserts
The Double-Boiled Pear ($6.90) was an enjoyable, sweet treat. It was served cold which made it refreshing! The pear was soft but retained a bite.
We were excited to try the Caramelised Mala Pecan Ice Cream ($4.80) but felt underwhelmed. The creamy ice cream base was good but could do with more mala pecans!
Japanese Chinese Food In Singapore
Chen’s Kitchen provides an elevated Japanese twist on the usual Szechuan food with familiar flavours! It also makes for a good spot for casual gatherings.
Check out more Japanese eats in Singapore:
- MIYOSHI by Fat Cow Has A Refreshed Teppan-Kaiseki Experience With Aged Maguro, A4 Wagyu & More
- Yuiitsu Yakiniku: Japanese A5 Wagyu Yakiniku Buffet At $79.80+ In Serangoon
- AMI Patisserie: Popular European-Japanese Pastry Cafe In Scotts Road
Chen’s Kitchen
290 Orchard Road Paragon, Singapore 238859
Paragon Shopping Centre #B1-43
11am – 9.30pm daily
*This article is based on a media-tasting event, but all opinions expressed about the food are entirely our own.
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