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]

NA OH @ Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS) - A Unique Korean Fine Dining Experience at a Conventional Automotive Production Facility

Located within the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS), Na Oh has quickly become one of the most sought-after restaurants in town. This exclusive dining destination is a collaboration between Hyundai and Chef Corey Lee, the first Korean chef to earn three Michelin stars for his renowned San Francisco restaurant, Benu.

Na Oh offers a four-course prix fixe seasonal menu. Guests can opt for Jinjitsang, a traditional Korean meal setting with an array of accompaniments. We recently visited to experience their Winter Menu, a showcase of refined Korean flavours.

Homemade Tofu with Aged Soy Sauce 4.2/5

Our meal began with the Homemade Tofu with Aged Soy Sauce. The highlight was undoubtedly the aged soy sauce, which provided deep umami notes that enhanced the soft, silky tofu, making for a simple yet elegant dish.

Buckwheat and Mugunji Jeon 4.2/5

Next, we had the Buckwheat and Mugunji Jeon, served with a salad of freshly harvested lettuce. This was a unique take on Korean pancakes — paper-thin with a crisp exterior. The accompanying vinegary dipping sauce was essential, adding brightness and acidity that balanced the flavours.

Chilled Hand-Pulled Somyeon 4.8/5

A light and refreshing dish, the Chilled Hand-Pulled Somyeon featured silky noodles in a lightly fermented kimchi broth, delivering a delicate tang. The dish was completed with braised octopus and beef tendon, adding contrasting textures and richness.

For the Jinjitsang, diners can choose from three main options:

1. Grilled Jeju Beltfish with Golden Queen’s Rice
2. Galbijjim Finished Over Charcoal
3. Pheasant Mandu Soup with Freshly Milled Rice Cakes (which we did not try)

Spicy Winter Seafood Stew with Pollock Roe and Cod Milt 4.5/5

Grilled Jeju Beltfish 5/5

Seaweed Gyeran Mari, Bellflower Root Muchim 4.2/5

The Grilled Jeju Beltfish with Golden Queen's Rice was a beautifully executed dish, allowing the fish's natural sweetness to take centre stage. The Beltfish was grilled to perfection, with its delicate flesh remaining moist and tender, complemented by a lightly crisped skin. Accompanying the fish was an array of thoughtfully prepared side dishes that added depth to the meal. The Spicy Winter Seafood Stew with Pollock Roe and Cod Milt stood out with its bold flavours, while the Bellflower Root Muchim introduced a slightly bitter, earthy contrast. The Seaweed Gyeran Mari, a soft rolled omelette infused with umami-rich seaweed, added a comforting touch to the meal.

Galbijjim 5/5

Preserved Maesil Geotjeori 4.2/5

The Galbijjim Finished Over Charcoal was equally satisfying for those who prefer a meat option. The Hanbang-style Beef Short Ribs were braised in aged soy sauce, resulting in exceptionally tender meat infused with a deep, savoury aroma, enhancing the dish's richness and making each bite incredibly flavourful. It was served alongside Chestnut and Thistle Sotbap, a nutty and earthy rice dish that complemented the robust galbijjim. The Preserved Maesil Geotjeori provided a bright, tangy contrast that helped balance the meal, ensuring that every element worked harmoniously together.

Winter Hwachae of Jeju Citrus, Naju Pear, Pomegranate

To wrap up the meal, we enjoyed the Winter Hwachae, a vibrant Korean fruit bowl featuring Jeju Citrus, Naju Pear, and Pomegranate. Its natural sweetness and refreshing acidity made it a perfectly light and invigorating dessert.

Na Oh delivers an elevated yet deeply rooted Korean dining experience, blending traditional techniques with modern refinement. With its seasonal menus and hard-to-secure reservations, dining here is a rare treat worth experiencing.


Na Oh
Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore
(HMGICS)
2 Bulim Link
Level 3
Singapore 649674
Tel: +65 6263 1548
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Nearest MRT: Boon Lay (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Sun: 1130am - 330pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Boon Lay Bus Interchange (Stop ID 22009). Take bus number 157. Alight 3 stops later. Walk straight down Jurong West Ave 2. Turn left onto Bulim Ave. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.  [Map]

2) Alight at Boon Lay MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Boon Lay Bus Interchange (Stop ID 22009). Take bus number 174. Alight 5 stops later. Walk straight down Corporation Road. Cross the road to Bulim Ave.Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes.  [Map]