Chen’s Mapo Tofu at PLQ Mall – affordable Japanese–Szechuan classics

Chen’s Mapo Tofu at PLQ Mall is a new outlet of the popular Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Chen’s. It offers affordable, casual dining with a quick yet authentic take on Japanese–Szechuan classics. The signature dish is the award winning Mapo Tofu, which is said to have been refined by three generations of Japanese chefs.

Michelin Pedigree

Chen’s Mapo Tofu is the affordable offshoot of the Michelin-starred Shisen Hanten by Chef Kentaro at the Hilton Orchard Singapore. Chen’s Mapo Tofu has itself been awarded the Bib Gourmand distinction in the Michelin Guide. Their first outlet is at Downtown Gallery in the CBD. It now has outlets in Star Vista, Paragon and Paya Lebar Quarter.

Chen’s at Paya Lebar Quarter Mall

The new outlet at Paya Lebar Quarter is located on level two of PLQ Mall, near the walkway link to PLQ 3.

The interior of this casual dining restaurant is bright and inviting, with a modern retro theme. The space is not large, so tables are set fairly close together. Seating includes a few booths, counter seats and regular dining tables. It is designed primarily for small groups, though tables can be combined to accommodate larger parties.

Chen’s Menu

There is a fairly wide selection of food available. There are rice and noodles dishes with meat, seafood and plant-based options. A variety of small plates as well as sets for kids are also on the menu.

Here are some sample pictures of the menu of Chen’s at PLQ Mall.

We ordered the Twice-Cooked Tori Don ($15.90) with Gyoza ($6.90) and Dan Dan Mien Soup ($13.90) with a $7.80 add on for Vegetables and Sparling Honey Yuzu.

Twice-Cooked Tori Don & Gyoza

The Twice-Cooked Tori Don featured crispy fried chicken with eggplant and other vegetables, all tossed in Japanese soy sauce and served over rice. The chicken was juicy inside with a lightly crisp exterior. The dish offered a pleasing mix of textures along with the signature sweet-and-savoury notes of Japanese soy sauce.

The gyoza, or Japanese-style dumplings, had crisp, pan-seared skins encasing a juicy filling. They were simple, comforting and thoroughly enjoyable.

Dan Dan Mien

The menu described Dan Dan Mien as a crowd favourite, inspired by Chef Kentaro’s grandparents’ love of ramen and miso soup. We tried the soup version, which consisted of ramen noodles served in a rich, creamy sesame broth and generously topped with minced pork. The combination of tender noodles, nutty sesame, savoury minced pork and flavourful broth made the dish very enjoyable. It was a fine example of Chen’s Chuka ryori flavours, blending Japanese and bold Chinese tastes.

The portion of vegetables was rather small, though it was sufficient for someone who is not particularly fond of greens. Both the side dish and the beverage, which we paid extra for as an add-on, were fairly unremarkable.

Overall, we enjoyed the mains at Chen’s Mapo Tofu in PLQ Mall. The space is pleasant and the prices are reasonable, making it an great spot for a quick, delicious meal.

Ratings:
Food: 4
Service: 3
Value: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Overall Rating: 3 TOPs

Chen’s Mapo Tofu PLQ Mall
#02-02 PLQ Mall
10 Paya Lebar Road
Singapore 409057

Tel: +65 9168 2639

Opening Hours: 11 am – 9:30 pm

Nearby MRT Station: Paya Lebar (EW8/CC9)

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