Chef Chen Kentaro, the culinary force behind One Michelin-starred Shisen Hanten, is bringing Chen’s, his fast casual Japanese-Sichuan concept to the East, located within the bustling PLQ Mall. This marks the brand’s fourth location in Singapore, continuing Chef Chen’s mission to deliver bold, authentic and quality flavours at accessible prices. The casual dining restaurant serves comfort food with finesse and blends Japanese techniques with rich Szechwan flavours.
Honouring Heritage
A third-generation chef from a renowned Japanese culinary family, Chef Chen studied in Chengdu, where he developed a deep appreciation for Sichuan cuisine and its iconic ma la (spicy and numbing) flavours. His culinary journey led to the creation of Shisen Hanten, and later Chen’s, a four-time MICHELIN Bib Gourmand establishment which marries Japanese techniques with the robust flavours of Szechwan cooking.
Signature and Classic
At the heart of Chen’s menu is the celebrated, award-winning, Mapo Don – a comforting bowl of fragrant Japanese rice topped with the Chen family’s signature Mapo Tofu. Distinctive in its complexity, the Mapo Tofu embodies eight defining qualities: tingly-numb 麻, spicy 辣, hot 燙, fragrant 捆, crispy 酥, tender 嫩, fresh 鮮 and aromatic 香. Another signature dish is the Dan Dan Mien, featuring ramen noodles tossed in velvety sesame sauce and topped with umami-packed minced meat. There is also the Dan Dan Mien soup, which was a tribute created by Chef Kentaro Chen’s grandfather. A perfect balance of umami-packed minced meat, heat and a rich, comforting broth, this is a dish that’s uniquely only available at Chen’s, honouring Chef’s family legacy.
More Than Mapo Tofu
Beyond its hero dishes, Chen’s offers an extensive menu that bridges familiar flavours with Szechwan inspirations such as the Twice-cooked Tori Don, Kurobuta Tonkatsu with Kombu Ramen or the Raki-Raki Yakiudon. Perfect for the working lunch crowd, add $5 to any main for a side and drink to complete the meal. The PLQ Mall outlet will also see exclusive dishes to it, being the Ebi Tamago Don and matcha dessert offerings.
With inclusivity at its core, the restaurant also serves plant-based alternatives and kid-friendly bentos, ensuring something for everyone, all at approachable prices.
Chef Chen Kentaro, on his vision and mission: “We created Chen’s to bring the bold, comforting flavours of my family’s cuisine into an everyday dining experience,” said Chef Chen Kentaro. “With our new PLQ Mall outlet, we are excited to share these flavours that I grew up eating and remember fondly, with even more diners in Singapore, especially in the East.”
The Modern Dining Room
Beyond its food, Chen’s has a style that’s synonymous with warmth and comfort. With a bright and contemporary dining room space, the restaurant blends minimalism with warm tones, which is akin to a welcoming, homely feel making it a great spot for everyday, comfort dining, busy lunch hours and satisfying dinner meals.
Opening Promotion:
From 28th to 30th October, follow @chensmapotofu on Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok and redeem a Mapo Don bowl at $3, limited to one per person only. Not valid with other discounts or promotions.
