My first encounter with Iru Den, then called IL Den, was when it was a small, 8-seater hidden gem in Orchard Plaza. Today, Chef Javier Low has transformed Iru Den into an elegant establishment on Scotts Road, with a main dining area, counter seating, and a private room accommodating up to 31 guests. Chef Javier has reimagined his menu along with the expanded space, now featuring Taiwanese ingredients crafted with a Japanese-European approach. The Chef's Experience Autumn Menu ($258++) consists of 9 creative courses, each thoughtfully curated to showcase Taiwan's unique flavours.
Snow Crab Cake 4.5/5
The meal started with a trio of snacks, beginning with the Snow Crab Cake. Made with Hokkaido snow crab seasoned with ginger and garlic, the crab was coated in flour and egg and then deep-fried to a golden crisp. Topped with a mixture of snow crab, sour cream, and crème fraiche, this dish was a luxurious bite that set the tone for the rest of the meal.
Five-spiced Duck Croquette 4/5
Next, the Five-Spiced Duck Croquette featured tender, confit duck flavoured with aromatic five-spice. Shaped into a croquette, coated in ciabatta crumbs, and fried to golden perfection, this savoury treat was topped with Taiwanese red chilli, adding a hint of spice to round out the flavours.
Prawn Toast 4.2/5
Inspired by Taiwanese Moonlight cakes (月光饼), the Prawn Toast was a delightful creation made with finely chopped ama ebi, coated in panko and fried to a crisp. Finished with a drizzle of Taiwanese lovage oil, this dish bursts with bold, herbaceous flavours, offering a complex interplay of taste and texture in each bite.
Homemade Ciabatte with Cai Pu Brown Butter 4/5
For the bread course, we were served Homemade Ciabatta with Cai Pu Brown Butter, featuring aged, sun-dried radishes from Pingtung, Taiwan. Accompanied by a warming Chicken Broth Soup with cai pu and Taiwanese green chillies, this course was rich with umami flavours and provided a comforting prelude to the upcoming dishes.
Aged Kampachi with Taiwanese Plums, Dill Oil and VerJus 4.5/5
This dish showcased Chef Javier's skilful ageing technique by incorporating two Taiwanese ingredients — Penghu-sourced Kampachi and Taiwanese plums. The Kampachi, aged for four days and lightly charred over charcoal, was paired with dill oil, verjus, and Taiwanese plums. The resulting dish was bright and refreshing, perfectly balancing the fish's richness with the plums' acidity.
Prawn XO, Provence Sauce 4.2/5
The Prawn XO Provence Sauce was a standout course featuring Carabineros (Spanish red shrimp) from Yilan, Taiwan. Prepared two ways, the prawn flesh was brushed with a special XO sauce made from Taiwanese flying fish innards, while the head was deep-fried to a satisfying crunch. Paired with a rich, prawn-stock-based Provence sauce, this course was a flavorful tribute to the complexity of Taiwan's seafood.
Uni, Wheat Noodles & Hanawasabi 4.5/5
One of Iru Den's signature dishes, the Taiwanese Somen, was a symphony of textures and flavours. Tossed in white wine vinegar dressing with shallots, diced Taiwanese octopus, wasabi, and sawtooth herb (Ci Cong), the somen noodles were topped with Hanawasabi, adding a delicate floral note. The herb's robust, citrusy, and slightly peppery flavour complimented the uni, creating a memorable dish.
Tilefish, Green Chilli & Katsuo Dashi 4.2/5
Chef Javier presented Tilefish (Amadai) for the fish course, with scales left intact and fried skin-side down to a crisp finish. Paired with rich katsuo dashi and pickled Taiwanese green chillies, this dish perfectly contrasts the fish's flaky, tender flesh and the zesty, umami-laden broth.
Wagyu 4.5/5
The Japanese Beef Short Rib is perfectly cooked — remarkably tender and juicy, with a rich, savoury depth. Paired with Taiwanese pumpkin, which adds a subtle sweetness, the dish achieves an elegant balance that enhances the flavour profile of the beef. The highlight, however, is the Maqaw jus. This native Taiwanese pepper from the mid-altitude mountains introduces a bright, citrusy note with hints of lemon and lemongrass, adding complexity and a gentle warmth to each bite. The combination of the beef's richness, the pumpkin's sweetness, and the vibrant maqaw makes for an exquisite and well-composed dish.
Sanma Claypot Rice 4.8/5
The Sanma Claypot Rice featured Pacific Saury sourced from Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The fish, harvested during autumn for its tender, oily texture, was dry-aged for three days, salt-cured, and lightly grilled over charcoal. Cooked with Hokkaido Yumepirika rice, the sanma's fat infused the grains, creating a deeply flavourful base with ginger, garlic, mushroom, pork lard, and kale. This seasonal donabe was comforting and rich, capturing the essence of autumn.
Muah Chee 4/5
Muah Chee was served alongside dairy-free goma (black sesame) ice cream and cashew nuts for dessert. A beloved traditional snack in Taiwan, this chewy, nutty treat provided a satisfying conclusion to the meal, merging simplicity with nostalgia.
Petit Four 4/5
The meal concluded with a Financier for Petit Four, perfectly moist inside and crisp exterior. This small, delightful bite was the perfect end to an exceptional dinner experience.
Chef Javier Low's Iru Den has successfully evolved from a small, intimate spot into a refined dining destination. His commitment to Taiwanese ingredients, paired with Japanese and European techniques, makes the Chef's Experience Autumn Menu a captivating journey through nuanced flavours and thoughtful presentations. Iru Den is a must-visit for those looking to experience the harmony of Taiwanese ingredients with global culinary styles.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
Iru Den
27 Scotts Road
Singapore 228222
Tel: +65 8923 1127
Website
Nearest MRT: Newton (NS Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)
Direction:
1) Alight at Newton MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right on Scotts Road. Walk down Scotts Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]
