Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro

Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro is a world-renowned restaurant situated in the heart of Singapore. With its rich history dating back to 1958 in Japan, the restaurant has earned a reputation for its exquisite Szechuan cuisine. Awarded two Michelin stars in Singapore, Shisen Hanten is a restaurant that I always revisit whenever I’m in the country. The authentic flavours of their cuisine are the primary reason for my return, complemented by the welcoming service and elegant decor that make my visits even more enjoyable.

The ambience at Shisen Hanten is elegant and refined, with a luxurious decor that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s spacious dining area is decorated with traditional Chinese elements such as antique vases and Chinese paintings, giving the restaurant a timeless feel.

The food at Shisen Hanten is exceptional, offering a diverse range of authentic Szechuan dishes that cater to all taste buds, from spicy and bold to subtle and delicate flavours. The menu is impressive, featuring signature dishes like Chen’s Mapo Doufu, a spicy tofu dish, and wok-fried fish with shishito pepper that are must-tries and guaranteed to leave you wanting more. There are five types of fish to choose from, including turbot fish, green wrasse (with advance order), east-spotted grouper, red grouper, and marble goby. Personally, I prefer the grouper for its delicate flavour, and I also highly recommend the foie gras chawanmushi with crab roe soup for its unbeatable umami taste. Undoubtedly, it also goes very well with a bowl of aromatic hot Jasmine rice.

The dining experience at Shisen Hanten is truly exceptional, thanks in no small part to the restaurant’s attentive and knowledgeable staff. With a team that is always on hand to provide excellent service, guests can feel confident that their needs will be well taken care of throughout their meals. The staff at the restaurant possess outstanding quality – an impressive knowledge of the menu and the ingredients used in each dish. The staff is ever-willing to explain which dishes complement each other and which fish and seafood are freshly caught for the day. Furthermore, the team also offers recommendations on which wines pair best with each meal, adding an extra layer of sophistication to the dining experience.

Additionally, the staff’s ability to converse fluently in multiple languages, including Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, is a definite asset. As someone who can comfortably communicate in Cantonese, my mother tongue, I feel particularly at ease dining at Shisen Hanten, as the staff are able to provide a level of personalized attention and service that is truly unmatched.

All in all, the exceptional service at Shisen Hanten is one of the many reasons why it is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience and appreciate authentic and flavorful Szechuan cuisine. The combination of exceptional food, elegant ambience, and attentive service make it one of the best restaurants in Singapore. If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience, Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro is definitely worth a visit.