There’s a new place in town where you can enjoy Chef Chen Kentaro’s Sichuan creations. Chen’s Kitchen is a casual dining spot that serves up chuka ryori, a take on Chinese cuisine specially catered to Japanese palates. Located in the basement of Paragon Shopping Centre, it joins Chef Chen Kentaro’s belt of Michelin-starred and fast dining concepts.

True to Japanese fashion, Chen’s Kitchen repackages the bold flavours of Sichuan cuisine in a way that is accessible to diners who are more accustomed to mild, delicate foods.

The highlight of the menu is the Mapo Tofu ($16.90 -$58.90++), which is available in four flavours: black (A5 Kagoshima wagyu), white (seafood), jade (plant-based meat), and red (minced meat with fermented bean and chilli paste) and can be served claypot-style with a topup.

We enjoyed the White Mapo Tofu ($28.90++, top up $14++ for claypot) with its moreish bits of Hokkaido scallop and succulent prawns mixed with soft tofu. The crushed peanuts and preserved vegetables added some crunch and flavour to the dish. Great for diners who love mapo tofu but cannot handle the heat.

Weekday lunch sees Chen’s Kitchen dishing out noodle and rice bowls, such as Chef Chen Kentaro’s signature dan dan mien and mapo don. For a true taste of Japan-Sichuan fusion, check out their don selection, which infuses Japanese classics such as Yakiniku ($18++) and Shoyu Kurobuta ($16.90++) with Sichuan-style sauces.

The Signature Combo – Mini Mapo Don and Mini Dan Dan Mien ($15++) stays true to Chef Chen Kentaro’s reputation for zesty Sichuan flavours, dishing up the punchy notes and heat that fans have to come to love him for. Like classic dishes that are made to stand the test of time, this is one reliable dish that does not disappoint.

With an appetiser-and-drink combo available for a $5 top-up, Chen’s Kitchen’s set lunches are a steal. Go for a second helping of mapo tofu, or fill up on some Hot and Sour Soup and Szechwan Soy Puffs (additional $1.20 top-up required).

Other family-syle dishes include meat and seafood, as well as the much-loved chahan. The Yakiniku on Hot Plate ($15.90++) is a sizzling delight, featuring your choice of grilled pork or beef shabu cooked in Szechwan-Japanese spiced sauce. Another dish that goes light on the spice.

While the Fatty Egg Garlic Chahan ($12.90++) makes for a substantial addition to your meal, it’s rather ordinary compared to other items. I would recommend going for the Dan Dan Mien ($7.50++) instead.

For dessert, cool down with a Double-Boiled Pear ($6.90++), another Chinese favourite. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Caramelised Mala Pecan Ice Cream ($4.80++), a dessert made in collaboration with Denzy Gelato, tantalises with homemade Chen’s chilli oil. d

While it may be on the milder side for longtime fans of Chef Chen Kentaro, Chen’s Kitchen is a great place to experience chuka ryori. Its casual setup makes for an accessible, yet still classy alternative to the fancier Shisen Hanten.

Address: 290 Orchard Road, Paragon Shopping Centre B1-43, Singapore 238859
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Nearest MRT:  Orchard NS22/TE14, Somerset NS23
Opening Hours: 11am – 9.30pm (daily)
Contact: +65 9128 6829

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