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
Website
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]
