Chen's Kitchen @ Paragon - Bold Chuka Ryori Flavours with Michelin-Quality Comfort Food

Famed Michelin Chef Kentaro of Shisen Hanten debuts a comfort dining concept, Chen's Kitchen, at Paragon Shopping Centre. The new casual family dining concept brings bold Chuka Ryori flavours and his renowned Mapo Tofu to the heart of Singapore. The new concept offers comfort Chinese food with finesse, blending Japanese techniques with rich Szechuan flavours and promising sustainable pricing.

Chen's Pork Shumai 4/5

Chef Kentaro's Szechwan-inspired Pork Shumai ($9.90) The siew mai features juicy, seasoned pork enriched with the umami depth of conpoy. Topped with a touch of mala daikon, it offers a delicate kick that elevates this classic dish. While I enjoyed the version here, my dining companions preferred a firmer texture.

XXL Szechwan La Zi Ji 4.5/5

A store-exclusive dish is the XXL Szechwan La Zi Ji ($17.90), an elevated take on Szechwan Popcorn Chicken with crispy karaage, soy puffs, garlic chips, cashews, aromatic spices, and dried chillies for bold flavour and irresistible crunch. Unlike the traditional La Zi Ji, the size of the chicken is like a chicken nugget, giving it a more substantial bite. The soy puffs give the dish an extra textural contrast.

Poached Fish Fillet in Golden Broth 4.2/5

Another store-exclusive dish on the menu is the Poached Fish Fillet in Golden Broth ($24.90). Chunky, moist, and fork-tender fish fillets are boiled in a golden broth made of Japanese pumpkin, with mushrooms, asparagus, and sansho pepper for a hint of heat or spiciness.

Mapo Tofu (Red) 4.8/5

The star at Chen's Kitchen has to be their Mapo Tofu. Chen's Kitchen offers the classic version and three other innovative variations. We had the Classic Mapo Tofu Red Version ($16.90/$26.90), which comprises soft silky tofu cooked with fermented broad bean paste (Dou Ban Jiang) sourced from the Pixian District in Chengdu, Szechwan pepper-flavoured fermented chilli bean paste, and savoury minced meat.

Szechwan French Beans & Mushroom 4.5/5

For our vegetable dish, we opted for the Szechwan French Beans & Mushroom ($13.90). They are wok-fried in Szechwan spices with minced pork. The dish is well executed, with the greens retaining a delightful crunch and a spice aroma.

Szechwan Spiced Chahan with Sakura Shrimp 4.2/5

Next, we had the Szechwan Spiced Chahan with Sakura Shrimp ($13.90). This is Szechwan-spiced fried rice with sakura shrimp, egg, and garlic. It is a flavoured packed fried rice, with the various aromatics accentuating the enjoyment of the fragrant rice.

Caramelised Mala Pecan Ice Cream 4.2/5

In my wildest imagination, I cannot imagine that this combination actually works. The Caramelised Mala Pecan Ice Cream ($4.80) turns out to be deliciously good. The hint of mala kick with the vanilla ice cream works harmoniously, rounding out the enjoyment with the nuttiness of the Pecan.

Double Boiled Pear 4.5/5

I like the Double-Boiled Pear ($6.90) dessert, which is very fitting for spicy and bold cuisine. This light and refreshing dessert can help ease and wash down the richness and also cool down the tongue for those who can't ready take spicy food.

Chen's Kitchen at Paragon brings Chef Kentaro's signature bold Chuka Ryori flavours into a more casual, accessible dining setting without compromising on quality. From their famous Mapo Tofu to innovative XXL Szechwan La Zi Ji, every dish is thoughtfully crafted with Japanese precision and rich Szechwan influences. The restaurant's affordable pricing and well-executed flavours make it a fantastic option for both quick meals and family gatherings. Whether you're a fan of spicy, umami-packed flavours or comforting, home-style dishes, Chen's Kitchen is well worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chen's Kitchen
Paragon Shopping Centre
200 Orchard Road
#B1-43
Singapore 238859
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line), Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 930pm

Direction:
1. Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. At the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link, cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 2 or 3. Proceed to the road level. Walk down Orchard Road until the junction of Orchard Road and Orchard Link. Cross the road and walk to Paragon. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Crystal Jade Palace @ Takashimaya - Limited-time Special Menu of Reimagined Local Favourites to Celebrate National Day

With Singapore's National Day approaching, Crystal Jade's various restaurant concepts are proud to launch a limited-time special menu of 'Local-inspired Delights' (本地经典风味菜肴) dishes available from now to 30 September 2024. The chefs have meticulously crafted this menu to pay homage to local dishes and flavours. At Crystal Jade Palace, featured dishes include Chilli Crab in Golden Kueh Pie Tee Cup, Hokkien Live Prawn Noodle with Pork Lardon in Opeh Leaf, and more.

Other Crystal Jade concepts, such as Crystal Jade Golden Palace, Crystal Jade Pavilion, Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen, and Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, will each offer their own special reimagined dishes. During this period, Crystal Jade Jadeite members and UOB Cardmembers can enjoy 20% off all promotional dishes (excluding dessert) when dining in.

Chilli Crab in Golden Kueh Pie Tee Cup 4/5

First, we had an elevated kueh pie tee - Chilli Crab in Golden Kueh Pie Tee Cup ($18.80). The crispy pastry shell was filled with crab meat shreds in a tangy and spicy chilli crab sauce.

Double-boiled Fish Maw with Sea Whelk, Black Garlic & Chicken Soup in Coconut 4.5/5

Next, we moved to a nourishing bowl of soup. The Double-boiled Fish Maw with Sea Whelk, Black Garlic & Chicken Soup in Coconut ($42 per person) was brimming with many ingredients. The heartwarming soup had a depth of black garlic and sweetness from red dates.

Seafood Medley in Lime Leaf & Chilli Crab Sauce served with Golden Mantou 4.2/5

Enjoy the local favourite chilli crab without the mess. Crystal Jade’s Seafood Medley in Lime Leaf & Chilli Crab Sauce served with Golden Mantou ($68 for regular) features scallops, mussels and prawns cooked in a rich chilli crab sauce.

The mantous were fried to the best crunch, ideal for mopping up the spicy-sweet sauce.

Sambal French Bean & Eggplant with Crispy Silver Bait 4.2/5

Our vegetable dish was the Sambal French Bean & Eggplant with Crispy Silver Bait ($26 for regular). The french bean and strips of eggplant are sautéed in a slick homemade sambal sauce that perfectly coated every vegetable, while the silver baits were fried to a perfect crunch.

Hokkien Live Prawn Noodle with Pork Lardon in Opeh Leaf 4.2/5

The Hokkien Live Prawn Noodle with Pork Lardon in Opeh Leaf ($32) easily won the hearts of my dining companions and me. The noodles were well-textured and not simmered too soft, paired with prawns simmered in a robust prawn and pork lard stock. Make sure to mix in their addictive house-made belacan, which is also sold in bottles at the reception counter.

Durian Chendol in Coconut 3.5/5

Our first dessert was a tropical-themed Durian Chendol in Coconut ($18.80 per person). The base includes typical chendol ingredients such as atap chee, red beans, and pandan jelly, topped with coconut ice cream and D24 durian pulp. This rendition was more of a 'dry' chendol, with much less coconut milk and ice.

I ♥ SG Red Ruby with Coconut Pudding 2/5

Decked in our national colours, the I ♥ SG Red Ruby with Coconut Pudding ($8.90 for four pieces) was created to pay homage to Singapore and the upcoming National Day. Unfortunately, we found it slightly bland, and its texture was a tad too sticky.

To make reservations, visit the restaurant website at www.crystaljade.com/reservation.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Crystal Jade Palace
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
#04-19
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238872
Tel: +65 9017 5423
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Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 10.30am - 3.30pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Follow the walkway through Wisma Atria to Takashimaya. Continue walking straight at Ngee Ann City until destination. Journey about 8 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B to Orchard Road. Head west or turn left onto Orchard Road against the flow of traffic. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]