With the explosion of Sichuan style cuisine globally due to their unique and addictive flavours, most famous for their signature mala combination, we are spoilt for choice when dining out. Chen’s comes highly recommended and with it retaining its MICHELIN Bib Gourmand year after year, you know you are about to have a good meal.
About Chen’s at PLQ Mall
Chuka Ryori is the term for this Japanese style of Chinese cuisine, popularized by chefs such as Chef Chen Kenichi and in Singapore being elevated and refined at restaurants like the MICHELIN-starred Shisen Hanten by Chef Chen Kentaro.
Chen’s is a casual dining sister concept of Shisen Hanten and it brings Chef Chen’s bold, authentic and quality flavours to us at very accessible prices.
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PLQ Mall is where its new, fourth location is now open, and you can go immediately to enjoy amazing Japanese-Sichuan dishes with the whole family. What struck us first was its very open and spacious layout which made us very comfortable. The very friendly waitstaff also helped us choose a variety of food that we would like to try and drinks to go with them.
Starters & Drinks at Chen’s
We started off with Chen’s Ginger Ale, which we subsequently replaced with Sparkling Honey Yuzu later in the meal. The Ginger Ale was a mellow, refreshing ginger drink. Slightly spicy and just slightly sweet as well.
The gentle warmth at the back of the throat was also pleasant. It did help with thirst-quenching and was decent as a palate cleanser, but I preferred the Sparkling Honey Yuzu, which was more sparkling, sweet and citrusy (all things that I like!) and great for the dishes that we were having that day.
We kicked off the meal with a trio of starters that set the tone for the rest of the meal:
The Szechwan Popcorn Chicken was gone in a matter of minutes. My dining partner and I polished it off the plate, remarking repeatedly how nicely fried and crispy the chicken pieces were and seasoned lightly with the Sichuan flavours. It’s a lighter tasting version, yet fully satisfying.
The second small plate we had was the Kurobuta with Garlic Sauce. Deep fried to crunchy perfection, yet juicy and tender on the inside. A tangy garlic sauce that changed the dish from something that could potentially have been very heavy and jelat to a tasty and appetite-inducing (开胃) dish.
Finally our last starter was another familiar classic, Szechwan Century Egg and Tofu. No introductions are necessary but recommended for sure. Such a deceptively simple dish, yet the balance, texture and contrast of tofu, century egg and aromatic dressing just makes it irresistible and a fine dish to have before diving into the heavier, spicier foods.
Mains: Sauerkraut Fish Udon and Chen’s Mapo Don
For our mains, my dining companion chose the Sauerkraut Fish Udon. The waitress complimented his choice, noting that it was a very popular item at the other outlets. It turned out absolutely great. Springy udon noodles swimming in a very tasty sauerkraut fish broth with tender, fresh fish and crunchy vegetables. The dish was light on oil and spice but deep in flavour of the incredible broth.
The waitress recommended the next main dish, which was the Ebi Chilli Tamago Don. Plump prawns in a sweet and tangy chilli sauce on top of soft folds of fluffy Tamago. The flavours were definitely hard-hitting, sweet, spicy and rich resembling Chilli Crab sauce. Very appetising, and you’re hypnotized to shovel scoop after scoop of it into your mouth.
Lastly, the main main dish, in a section of its own, Chen’s Mapo Don. Chen’s signature Mapo Tofu with Savoury Minced Pork on Hokkaido Rice. Offered currently at a spice level of 1 (going up to spice level 3), the Mapo Don was soft, steamed rice at the bottom of the bowl, topped with the luscious, mildly-spicy Mapo Tofu.
It’s definitely one of the great comfort food dishes that I have had in a while. I can’t wait to go back for spice levels 2 and 3.
Chef Chen Kentaro is a maestro of Chuka Ryori, celebrating Sichuan heat and flavours with Japanese finesse in his dishes here at Chen’s. Drop by and dig in!
Promotions at Chen’s
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.
Spend $30 and sign up for our newsletter to earn a spin at the Gachapon machine. Stand to win prizes like a year of free food or score prizes like 1-for-1 small plates and more.
Earn 1 stamp with every main purchased. Collect 6 stamps for a free small plate and 12 stamps for a free main!
Chen’s
Where: 10 Paya Lebar Road #02-20,
PLQ Mall Paya Lebar Quarter, Singapore 409057
