Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro @ Hilton Orchard - Launches $88++ Weekend Brunch Indulgence

Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro, Singapore's highest Michelin-rated Szechwan restaurant, is back with a revamped space and a brand-new weekend brunch experience. Available exclusively on weekends and public holidays, the $88++ per guest brunch menu (minimum two guests, all diners at the table must order) offers a luxurious spread of signature dishes available from refined dim sum to indulgent mains and classic Szechwan specialities.

Shisen Hanten Trio Appetiser 3/5

We kicked off with the Shisen Hanten Trio Appetiser, featuring Sweet and Sour Jellyfish, Chilled Steamed Chicken with Spicy Sesame Sauce, and Szechuan Sliced King Mushrooms with Mala Sauce. Each bite showcased the restaurant's mastery of flavour layering, which was zesty, nutty, and tongue-tingling in all the right ways. It was a perfect introduction to what was to come.

Steamed Spinach Shrimp Dumpling 4/5

Steamed Okinawa Barbecued Pork Bun 3.8/5

Pan-fried Chinese Sausage Radish Cake 4.2/5

Szechwan-style Poached Pork Dumpling 4/5

From the dim sum selection, we tried four of the seven available items, each crafted with finesse and elegance. The Steamed Spinach Shrimp Dumpling stood out for its delicate translucent skin encasing a juicy, flavourful filling that combined the sweetness of shrimp with the earthy freshness of spinach. The Steamed Okinawa Barbecued Pork Bun offered a rich and slightly smoky profile, its pillowy soft exterior giving way to tender, well-marinated pork. The Pan-fried Chinese Sausage Radish Cake was a comforting classic elevated by fragrant Chinese sausage, adding a savoury depth to the dish's crispy edges and soft interior. Lastly, the Szechwan-style Poached Pork Dumpling impressed with its juicy filling and the gentle heat from the accompanying mala-style broth. While each item was enjoyable, we wished for a broader selection to explore, especially considering the high standard set by these refined offerings.

Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Crab Roe Soup 4.8/5

Among the three soup options on the menu, the Foie Gras Chawanmushi with Crab Roe Soup (+$18) is undoubtedly the showstopper and an absolute must-try. This luxurious dish arrives as a harmonious union of East and West, beginning with a silky-smooth Japanese-style steamed egg custard infused with the rich, buttery essence of foie gras. The custard is then crowned with a generous ladle of crab roe soup, bursting with umami and a delicate ocean sweetness that perfectly complements the foie gras' depth. Each spoonful is a textural delight, with the soft custard melting in the mouth while the vibrant crab roe adds a subtle pop and brininess. It's an opulent, deeply satisfying soup that lingers on the palate, making it well worth the indulgence.

Barbecued Honey-glazed Hokkaido Shirobuta Pork Char Siew, Crispy Pork Belly 4.2/5

From the barbecue section, the roast meats at Shisen Hanten offer a masterful showcase of texture and technique. The Barbecued Honey-glazed Hokkaido Shirobuta Pork Char Siew boasts a beautiful caramelised glaze, enveloping slices of tender pork that perfectly balances sweetness and savoury richness. The premium Hokkaido pork offers a succulent bite, with just the right amount of fat to make each mouthful melt with flavour.

The Crispy Roasted Pork Belly is equally satisfying. It features alternating layers of crackling skin, soft fat, and juicy meat. The skin is shatteringly crisp, creating a pleasing contrast against the moist, savoury pork beneath.

Pan-seared Peking Duck 4.5/5

However, the standout among the trio is the Pan-seared Peking Duck. Unlike the traditional version, this rendition is elevated by pan-searing the duck wrap, lending it an extra crispness and a delightful textural crunch. Each bite reveals tender duck meat encased in a golden, crispy wrap, an unexpected yet welcome twist on a classic. This thoughtful attention to both flavour and texture makes the roast meat selection a highlight of the brunch experience.

Deep-fried Diced Chicken with Szechwan Chilli Peppers 4.2/5

You can't leave Shisen Hanten without trying their take on Szechwan classics. The Deep-fried Diced Chicken with Szechwan Chilli Peppers delivered a fiery kick and addictively crispy morsels, staying true to the restaurant's roots in bold, spice-laden flavours.

Stir-fried Prawns with Chilli Sauce (+$8) 4.2/5

Another crowd-pleaser was the Stir-fried Prawns with Chilli Sauce (+$8). The plump, crunchy prawns were coated in a vibrant, spicy-sweet sauce, which is best enjoyed with deep-fried mantou to mop up every last drop.

Chen's Mapo Tofu with Hokkaido Rice 4.8/5

A signature must-have, Chen's Mapo Tofu is a flavour bomb that combines silky tofu and a punchy fermented bean paste sauce over a bed of premium Hokkaido rice. It is rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

Szechwan Jelly with Seasonal Fruits 4.2/5

For dessert, the Szechwan Jelly with Seasonal Fruits offers a refreshing and vibrant conclusion to the indulgent brunch. The jelly, delicately infused with subtle hints of Szechwan spices, carries a gentle floral aroma and a light, palate-cleansing sweetness. Its soft, wobbly texture contrasts beautifully with the medley of seasonal fruits, each adding bursts of natural sweetness and juicy freshness. The interplay of cool jelly and crisp fruits creates a harmonious balance that refreshes the senses and helps cut through the richness of the earlier courses. It's a thoughtfully crafted dessert that brings a refined and revitalising end to the meal.

Shisen Hanten's new weekend brunch menu is a well-curated journey through elevated Szechwan cuisine, balancing refined techniques with bold flavours. From the luxurious foie gras chawanmushi to the punchy mapo tofu and pan-seared Peking duck, each dish is rooted in tradition while offering modern sophistication.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro
Hilton Singapore Orchard
Level 35
333 Orchard Road
Singapore 238867
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tim Ho Wan @ Plaza Singapura - Celebrates 12th Anniversary with Newly Revamped Menu

Tim Ho Wan, the famed Hong Kong dim sum chain, marks 12 incredible years in Singapore at its inaugural outlet at Plaza Singapura. To commemorate this milestone, the brand has launched a newly revamped menu that blends the comfort of familiar favourites with fresh creations and elevated classics, all at new pocket-friendly prices.

Barbecue Pork Rice 4/5

Barbecue Pork Noodles 4/5

The Barbecue Pork Rice ($12.80) and Barbecue Pork Noodles ($11.80) stood out among the new dishes. Both feature tender, smoky char siew that's full of flavour and satisfyingly moreish. The rice comes topped with a sunny-side-up egg, and we recommend breaking the yolk and mixing in more sauce for that extra indulgence. The noodles, while deceptively simple in appearance, were springy and well-seasoned.

BBQ Pork Bun 4.2/5

No visit to Tim Ho Wan is complete without their signature BBQ Pork Bun ($7.50/3pcs), and this revamped version delivers on all fronts. With a more fragrant, slightly crisp crust and juicier, chunkier meat fillings, this classic dim sum favourite is as crave-worthy as ever. It remains one of our top must-orders.

Pork & Shrimp Dumplings 4.2/5

Spinach Dumplings with Shrimp 3.8/5

For other dim sum staples, we tried the Pork & Shrimp Dumplings ($5.80/3pcs) and the Spinach Dumplings with Shrimp ($4.80/3pcs). The former impressed us with its juicy, flavourful filling, which we suspect is a subtle upgrade in the recipe. The latter, while lighter in taste, was generous in filling and offered a refreshing contrast on the table.

Sweet Plum Jelly 3.5/5

The Sweet Plum Jelly ($3.80) was a lovely palate cleanser to end the meal. Its soft, jiggly texture paired well with the sweet-tangy notes, making it a great way to balance out the richer dishes and cut through any lingering greasiness.

Cold Brew Teas 4/5

Tim Ho Wan's new Cold Brew Teas ($3 each) are a refreshing option if you want a chilled drink to pair with your meal. The White Peach Oolong and Rose Lychee Black teas offer distinct floral-fruity notes and aroma. Fragrant and light, they complement the dim sum spread beautifully, perfect for Singapore's weather.

Whether you're a long-time fan or a first-time diner, Tim Ho Wan's refreshed offerings are worth revisiting. The 12th anniversary menu stays true to the brand's commitment to traditional flavours while introducing modern touches that make the experience even more enjoyable. Celebrate this milestone with comforting dim sum and discover what's new. Now available at all Tim Ho Wan outlets across Singapore.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tim Ho Wan
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road
#01-29A/52
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6251 2000
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Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (CC, NE, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 930pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit D, E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant @ Anchorvale Village - Opens A New Outlet in Sengkang with Exclusive Dishes

Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant, a household name in Singapore, has opened a new outlet at Anchorvale Village, bringing its legendary dim sum closer to residents in the Sengkang area. Known for its consistently delicious offerings and bustling atmosphere, Swee Choon's new outlet introduces a slew of exclusive dishes on top of the usual classics.

Triple Combination of BBQ Meat 4/5

One of the new outlet exclusives is the BBQ Meat selection. You can pair these with rice or noodles or enjoy them on their own. We had the Triple Combination of BBQ Meat ($23.90), featuring Honey Char Siew, Garlic Roasted Chicken, and Roasted Pork. The Honey Char Siew was nicely glazed and incredibly tender, earning high marks. The Garlic Roasted Chicken surprised us with its crispy skin and tender meat, and the fragrant chicken rice we paired with it was perfect. Although we wished for more crackling on the skin of the Roasted Pork, it was nicely seasoned and not too salty.

Siew Mai 3.8/5

Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bao 4/5

Baked BBQ Char Siew Bao 3/5

No visit to Swee Choon is complete without sampling their classic dim sum items. We started with the Siew Mai ($2.90/2pcs), which was juicy and meaty, packed with ingredients. The Salted Egg Yolk Custard Bao ($5.80/3pcs) featured soft, fluffy dough filled with a sweet and savoury salted egg custard that oozed like lava, making it a delightful treat. For those seeking a texture contrast, the Baked BBQ Char Siew Bao ($4.90/2pcs) offered a crusty exterior with a fluffy interior filled with chunky sweet BBQ char siew.

Swee Choon Signature Mee Suah Kueh 3/5

A must-try is the Swee Choon Signature Mee Suah Kueh ($3.30/2pcs), which provides a delightful textural contrast with its crispy exterior and soft interior.

'Sichuan Chilli Oil Dumpling 3/5

The Sichuan Chilli Oil Dumplings ($5.90) was drenched in fragrant Sichuan chilli oil. These plump and juicy dumplings, encased in soft, translucent skins, offered a spicy kick.

Tofu Bomb 4/5

An innovative take on traditional dim sum, the Tofu Bomb ($4/2pcs) featured a crispy exterior filled with flavourful ingredients and a slight spiciness from the mixed chopped chilli inside, making it a flavour bomb in itself.

Lychee Prawn Cheese Ball 3.5/5

Another creative dish is the Lychee Prawn Cheese Ball ($3.90/2pcs), shaped to resemble the lychee fruit with a delightful crispy coat. It’s filled with cheese for an elevated taste profile, though I wished the prawn flavour was more pronounced.

Sweet Potato Salted Egg Custard Ball 4/5, Baked Hong Kong Egg Tart 3.5/5

We ended our meal with some sweet delights. The Sweet Potato Salted Egg Custard Ball ($3.90/2pcs) was a highlight with its oozing lava filling and mochi-like chewy texture. The Baked Hong Kong Egg Tart ($3.50) offered a sweet, creamy, and eggy custard encased in a buttery tart, making for a satisfying end to our meal.

Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant's new outlet at Anchorvale Village continues its tradition of delivering delicious dim sum while introducing exciting new dishes. It's a welcome addition to the Sengkang dining scene, sure to delight both long-time fans and new customers alike.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Swee Choon
Anchorvale Village
339A Anchorvale Road
#B1-06/07
Singapore 541339
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Nearest MRT: Sengkang (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 8am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Sengkang MRT station. Transfer to Sengkang LRT station. Take the LRT to Farmway LRT Station. Take Exit B and walk to destination. Journey timeabout 8 minutes. [Map]

Dim Sum Haus @ Jalan Besar - Delicious And Affordable Handcrafted Dim Sum In Singapore

Nestled along Jalan Besar Road, Dim Sum Haus has been around for a number of years, known for their freshly prepared dim sum, extensive menu and affordable pricing. Apart from dim sum, congee, fried rice, and HK-style noodles are also available.

Baked Salted Egg Custard Bun 4.2/5

The Baked Salted Egg Custard Bun ($6.80) was baked perfectly with a crispy bun crust. You get a nice flow of the rich and creamy salted egg custard lava upon breaking it apart.

BBQ Pork Bun 3.8/5

The BBQ Pork Bun ($5) comes with soft white buns filled with a generous amount honey glazed BBQ pork meat.

Truffle Siew Mai 4/5

The Truffle Siew Mai ($6.90) is a luxurious twist on a classic favourite. The addition of truffle lends an earthy aroma to the tender siew mai.

Crispy Shrimp and Mango Roll 4.2/5

Crispy Shrimp and Mango Roll ($6.10) is easily one of our favourite dishes. Deep-fried till golden brown on the outside and drizzled with mango sauce, it is filled with plump juicy prawns and mango chunks, rendering each bite sweet and savoury.

Crispy Shrimp Rice Roll 4.2/5

One of our favourites is the Crispy Shrimp Rice Roll ($5.80), made fresh from scratch, with the skin folded twice to hold the crispy fried shrimp. The fried shrimp added a nice crispiness to contrast the softness of the rice rolls, while the sweet and savoury soy sauce was light and complimented the rice rolls well.

Twin Swan 3.5/5

The Twin Swan features two deep-fried yam balls with two paper swan heads placed on top of them. While the exterior is nicely crisped, we wished the yam flavour was more pronounced.

Fried XO Carrot Cake 3.8/5

The Fried XO Carrot Cake ($8.60) comes in a plate of carrot cake cubes fried to a nice crisp texture and cooked in fragrant XO sauce.

Mango Sago 4/5

End the meal on a sweet note with the Mango Sago ($5.60). It is a refreshing and satisfying dessert, filled with mango chunks and pomelo, perfect for the hot weather.

Photos and words by Crystal. A girl who likes to eat, photograph, and write about food, and dreams about travelling around the world one day. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Dim Sum Haus
57 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208809
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Nearest MRT: Jalan Besar (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 930am - 1030pm
Tue-Sun: 930am - 530am

Direction:
1) Alight at Jalan Besar MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]