Chen’s Kitchen @ Paragon Shopping Centre

by | Jan 19, 2026 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Lunar New Year 2026 Reunion Menu Review

Restaurant Overview

Location: Paragon Shopping Centre, #B1-43, 200 Orchard Road
Cuisine Type: Contemporary Szechuan-Chinese
Occasion: Festive CNY Reunion Dining
Price Point: Premium ($328++ for 4 pax Blossom Set)

Ambience & Atmosphere

Chen’s Kitchen occupies a basement location in the upscale Paragon Shopping Centre, positioning itself as a refined destination for celebratory Chinese dining. The restaurant cultivates a contemporary atmosphere suitable for family gatherings and festive occasions, particularly during the Lunar New Year season when reunion meals are central to cultural celebration.

The setting balances traditional Chinese hospitality with modern mall convenience, making it accessible for both intimate family dinners and larger group celebrations. The basement locale provides a sheltered, climate-controlled environment ideal for extended multi-course meals without the bustle of street-level dining.

Menu Structure & Offerings

CNY 2026 Reunion Sets

Chen’s Kitchen has curated festive set menus available in multiple configurations:

  • 4-Pax Set: Blossom Set ($328++)
  • 6-Pax Set: Available
  • 8-Pax Set: Available

All sets feature a combination of restaurant signatures and new dishes being introduced to the regular menu post-CNY 2026.

Service Formats

  • Dine-in: Full restaurant experience
  • Takeaway: Convenient pickup option
  • Delivery: Home celebration facilitation

Dish-by-Dish Analysis

1. Prosperity Yu Sheng (Lo Hei)

Rating: 3/5
Category: Appetizer/Ceremonial Dish

Culinary Purpose: Traditional CNY starter symbolizing prosperity and good fortune through the tossing ritual.

Characteristics:

  • Classic preparation following traditional lou hei format
  • Communal participation dish
  • Sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavor profile
  • Combination of raw fish, vegetables, and sweet plum sauce

Cultural Significance: Essential CNY tradition where diners toss ingredients while proclaiming auspicious wishes for the new year.

2. Double-Boiled Lotus Root and Pork Rib Soup

Rating: 3/5
Category: Soup Course

Cooking Technique: Double-boiling (隔水炖) – gentle steaming method that preserves nutrients and creates clear, refined broths.

Flavor Profile:

  • Simple and homely
  • Comforting warmth
  • Soothing character
  • Subtle sweetness from lotus root
  • Savory depth from pork ribs

Textural Elements:

  • Clear, clean broth
  • Tender lotus root with slight bite
  • Fall-off-the-bone pork ribs

Nutritional Facets: Lotus root is prized in Chinese cuisine for cooling properties and digestive benefits, while pork ribs provide collagen and richness.

3. Mapo Tofu Original

Rating: 4.2/5
Category: Signature Main Dish

Regional Origin: Classic Szechuan preparation

Flavor Architecture:

  • Umami: Deeply savory, packed with glutamate-rich flavors
  • Spice: Characteristic Szechuan peppercorn numbness (málà)
  • Heat: Chili oil warmth
  • Complexity: Layered fermented bean paste depth

Textural Excellence:

  • Silky tofu cubes that absorb sauce beautifully
  • Contrast between tender tofu and sauce coating
  • Minimal structural breakdown despite intense heat

Key Ingredients & Technique:

  • Soft/silken tofu
  • Ground pork or beef
  • Doubanjiang (fermented broad bean paste)
  • Szechuan peppercorns
  • Chili oil
  • Garlic, ginger, scallions

Recipe Framework (Home Interpretation):

  1. Blanch cubed soft tofu to set structure
  2. Sauté ground meat until fragrant
  3. Add doubanjiang, fermented black beans, aromatics
  4. Incorporate stock, bring to simmer
  5. Gently fold in tofu
  6. Finish with Szechuan peppercorn oil and cornstarch slurry for glossy coating
  7. Garnish with chopped scallions

4. Sweet and Sour Barramundi

Rating: 3/5
Category: Seafood Main

Fish Selection: Barramundi (Asian sea bass) – mild, flaky white fish

Preparation Method: Deep-fried whole or filleted fish with sweet-sour sauce

Strengths:

  • Overall delectable flavor
  • Fresh fish quality
  • Classic sweet-sour balance

Weaknesses Identified:

  • Texture Issue: Fried exterior too thick on leaner portions
  • Ratio Problem: More crust than meat in certain sections
  • Flavor Imbalance: Sauce skewed overly sweet rather than balanced sweet-sour

Ideal Sweet-Sour Profile Should Include:

  • Tangy brightness from vinegar/citrus
  • Sweet notes from sugar/ketchup
  • Savory depth from soy sauce
  • Umami undertones
  • Light, crispy coating that doesn’t overwhelm

Cooking Challenge: Achieving uniform crust thickness on fish with varying thicknesses requires careful batter consistency and oil temperature control (around 175-180°C).

5. Mala Mayo Prawns

Rating: 4.5/5
Category: Signature Seafood, Fusion Innovation

Innovation Factor: Contemporary fusion combining Szechuan málà with Japanese-influenced mayonnaise technique

Standout Qualities:

  • Prawn Quality: Succulent, well-cooked crustaceans
  • Coating Excellence: Creamy, indulgent mala mayonnaise exterior
  • Mouthfeel: Rich, luxurious texture from mayo emulsion
  • Spice Balance: Málà heat tempered by creamy fat

Textural Layers:

  1. Crisp exterior (light frying)
  2. Creamy mayo coating
  3. Firm yet tender prawn flesh
  4. Juicy interior

Flavor Complexity:

  • Creamy: Mayonnaise richness
  • Spicy: Chili heat
  • Numbing: Szechuan peppercorn tingle
  • Sweet: Natural prawn sweetness
  • Savory: Umami depth

Technique Essentials:

  • Prawns must be deveined, butterflied or kept whole
  • Quick flash-fry to maintain moisture
  • Mala mayonnaise likely combines: Japanese mayo, chili oil, ground Szechuan peppercorn, garlic, possible sesame oil
  • Tossing technique to achieve even coating without drowning

6. Chen’s Black Sweet and Sour Pork

Rating: 4.8/5
Category: House Signature, Main Protein

Distinguished Features: This is not traditional bright red sweet-sour pork, but a “black” variation suggesting caramelized or darker sauce base.

Exceptional Qualities:

  • Texture Perfect: Firm yet tender morsels
  • Deep Savouriness: Rich umami profile
  • Flavor Balance: Well-balanced, leaning toward savory-umami rather than tangy-sweet
  • Consistency: Each piece delivers uniform excellence

“Black” Sauce Analysis: The dark color likely derives from:

  • Dark soy sauce base
  • Caramelized sugar (darker caramelization)
  • Possibly black vinegar (Chinese Chinkiang vinegar)
  • Reduced sauce for concentrated flavor
  • May include fermented ingredients

Textural Achievement:

  • Exterior: Crispy coating that holds sauce
  • Interior: Tender pork that remains juicy
  • No sogginess despite sauce coating

Cooking Methodology (Theoretical Reconstruction):

  1. Pork Preparation: Cubed pork shoulder or loin, marinated
  2. Double-Frying: First fry for cooking, second fry for crispness
  3. Sauce Construction:
    • Caramelize sugar to dark amber
    • Deglaze with black vinegar
    • Add dark soy, aromatics
    • Reduce to concentrated glaze
  4. Final Toss: Quick wok toss to coat without softening crust
  5. Temperature Control: High heat for wok hei, quick execution

Why It Excels: The shift from tangy-sweet to umami-savory creates a more sophisticated, adult flavor profile that pairs better with rice and balances multi-course meals.

7. Gongbao Chicken (Kung Pao Chicken)

Rating: 4/5
Category: Classic Szechuan Main

Visual Appeal: Described as visually appealing with color contrast

Protein Quality:

  • Tender chicken
  • Well-marinated (velveting technique likely used)
  • Retains moisture despite high-heat cooking

Vegetable Component:

  • Asparagus (non-traditional but modern adaptation)
  • Refreshing crunch
  • Adds textural contrast
  • Provides green color balance

Traditional Elements Expected:

  • Dried red chilies
  • Roasted peanuts or cashews
  • Szechuan peppercorns
  • Gongbao sauce (sweet, sour, savory, spicy)

Flavor Dimensions:

  • Spicy: Chili heat
  • Numbing: Málà sensation
  • Sweet-Sour: Balanced sauce
  • Nutty: From peanuts
  • Fresh: Vegetable contribution

Velveting Technique (For Tender Chicken):

  1. Slice chicken thinly
  2. Marinate with egg white, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine
  3. Brief oil-blanching or water-blanching
  4. Results in silky, never-dry texture

8. Szechwan French Beans with Mushrooms

Rating: 4.5/5
Category: Vegetable Side/Main

Addictive Quality: Described as “thoroughly moreish” – induces repeated reaching

Textural Success:

  • Beans: Crunchy, maintaining structural integrity
  • Mushrooms: Providing umami depth
  • Minced Meat: Savory binding element

Technique Analysis:

  • Dry-frying method likely employed (干煸)
  • Beans blistered in minimal oil until wrinkled
  • Creates concentrated flavor and desirable texture
  • No sogginess despite sauce presence

Flavor Components:

  • Savory: Minced pork/meat umami
  • Spicy: Szechuan preparation
  • Aromatic: Garlic, ginger, preserved vegetables possible
  • Complex: Dried shrimp or fermented elements may contribute

Cooking Instructions (Home Version):

  1. Trim French beans, leave whole or halve
  2. Dry-fry beans in wok with minimal oil until blistered (3-4 min)
  3. Remove beans, increase heat
  4. Fry minced pork until crispy
  5. Add aromatics (garlic, ginger, preserved radish if using)
  6. Add sliced mushrooms
  7. Return beans to wok
  8. Season with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, touch of sugar
  9. Toss until beans are tender-crisp but not soft
  10. Finish with sesame oil

Why It Works: The combination of textures (crunchy beans, tender mushrooms, crispy meat) and savory depth makes it impossible to stop eating.

9. Double-Boiled Pear with Snow Fungus and Red Dates

Rating: 3.8/5
Category: Dessert/Sweet Soup

Serving Style: Chilled (refreshing conclusion)

Purpose in Menu Flow:

  • Palate cleanser after rich, spicy dishes
  • Cooling properties (important in Chinese dietary philosophy)
  • Light finish prevents heaviness
  • Hydrating conclusion

Ingredients & Their Essences:

Pear:

  • Naturally sweet
  • Moistening properties
  • Lung-nourishing in TCM
  • Soft, yielding texture after double-boiling

Snow Fungus (Silver Ear, 银耳):

  • Gelatinous, slippery texture
  • Skin-beautifying reputation
  • Collagen-like properties
  • Absorbs soup flavors while maintaining structure

Red Dates (Jujube, 红枣):

  • Natural sweetness
  • Blood-nourishing in TCM
  • Chewy texture
  • Warm energy balance

Double-Boiling Benefits:

  • Preserves delicate flavors
  • Creates clear, refined soup
  • Gentle heat prevents nutrient destruction
  • Results in pure, clean taste

Flavor Profile:

  • Subtly sweet (natural fruit sugars)
  • Clean and light
  • Refreshing when chilled
  • Soothing character

Preparation Method:

  1. Combine pear (peeled, cored, cubed), snow fungus (soaked, torn), red dates, rock sugar
  2. Place in ceramic bowl with water
  3. Set bowl in steamer or larger pot with water
  4. Steam for 2-3 hours
  5. Chill before serving

Menu Synergy & Course Flow

The Blossom Set demonstrates thoughtful progression:

  1. Opening Ceremony: Yu Sheng (participatory, auspicious)
  2. Warming Comfort: Soup course (gentle, soothing)
  3. Flavor Building: Mapo Tofu (spicy, umami-rich)
  4. Seafood Variety: Barramundi and Prawns (lighter proteins)
  5. Rich Centerpiece: Black Sweet and Sour Pork (most substantial)
  6. Classic Balance: Gongbao Chicken (familiar, satisfying)
  7. Vegetable Grounding: Szechuan Beans (textural relief)
  8. Cooling Conclusion: Pear dessert (refreshing closure)

Balance Achieved:

  • Protein variety: Fish, prawns, pork, chicken
  • Cooking methods: Steamed, fried, stir-fried, double-boiled
  • Spice levels: Mild to intense
  • Textures: Crispy, silky, crunchy, tender
  • Temperature: Hot mains, chilled dessert

Culinary Techniques Employed

Traditional Chinese Methods:

  1. Double-boiling (隔水炖): Soup and dessert
  2. Dry-frying (干煸): French beans
  3. Velveting: Chicken preparation
  4. Wok cooking: Multiple stir-fries
  5. Deep-frying: Fish, pork coating

Contemporary Adaptations:

  • Fusion mayo-based sauce
  • Modern vegetable pairings (asparagus in Gongbao)
  • Presentation styling

Flavor & Texture Matrix

Flavor Profiles Represented:

Umami: Mapo Tofu (4.2), Black Sweet & Sour Pork (4.8), French Beans (4.5)
Spicy/Málà: Mapo Tofu, Mala Prawns, Gongbao, French Beans
Sweet: Barramundi (too much), Pear dessert (balanced)
Sour/Tangy: Barramundi, Yu Sheng
Savory: Black Pork, French Beans, Soup
Creamy: Mala Prawns (4.5)
Refreshing: Pear dessert, Yu Sheng

Texture Spectrum:

Crispy/Crunchy: Fried fish, pork exterior, French beans
Silky: Mapo Tofu (4.2), velveted chicken
Succulent: Prawns (4.5)
Tender: Pork (4.8), chicken (4), lotus root
Gelatinous: Snow fungus
Firm: Pork interior quality

Standout Dishes & Recommendations

Must-Order Signatures:

  1. Chen’s Black Sweet and Sour Pork (4.8/5) – Family favorite, exceptional execution
  2. Mala Mayo Prawns (4.5/5) – Innovative fusion done right
  3. Szechwan French Beans with Mushrooms (4.5/5) – Addictively delicious

Solid Performers:

  • Mapo Tofu Original (4.2/5) – Authentic Szechuan quality
  • Gongbao Chicken (4/5) – Reliable classic

Proceed with Caution:

  • Sweet and Sour Barramundi (3/5) – Execution issues with batter and sauce balance

Delivery & Service Options

Availability:

  • Dine-in: Full restaurant experience with service
  • Takeaway: Self-collection from Paragon location
  • Delivery: Home delivery service available

Formats:

All reunion sets available in all three service modes, making celebration flexible for different circumstances (dining out vs. home gathering).

Practical Considerations:

  • Some dishes travel better than others
  • Crispy items (fried fish, pork) may lose texture during delivery
  • Soup courses remain stable
  • Chilled dessert requires proper insulation

Promotional Offers (CNY 2026)

1. Citi Cardmembers Exclusive

  • Discount: 20% off CNY Set Menus
  • Validity: 9 Jan – 3 Mar 2026
  • Exclusion: Does not apply 16–18 Feb (peak CNY period)

2. Early Bird Special

  • Discount: 15% off for advance reservations
  • Booking Deadline: By 31 Jan 2026
  • Peak Period: Only 10% off during 16–18 Feb

3. Fortune Cat Blind Box

  • Offer: Free with any set menu or Yusheng purchase
  • Appeal: Collectible/gift element

4. Angbao Giveaway

  • Period: 5 Jan – 3 Mar 2026
  • Availability: While stocks last
  • Prizes Include:
    • Discounts on CNY sets
    • Yusheng offers
    • Complimentary appetizers
    • Drinks

Value Analysis:

The Blossom Set at $328++ for 4 pax equals approximately $82++ per person before discounts. With 20% Citi discount, this drops to ~$66 per person, representing reasonable value for upscale festive dining with 9 courses.

Access & Location Details

MRT Connectivity:

Somerset Station (NS Line) – 10 minutes walk:

  • Exit B → Ground level
  • Turn left onto Orchard Road
  • Walk toward Orchard Link junction
  • Cross road to Paragon

Orchard Station (NS Line) – 12 minutes walk:

  • Exit 2 or 3 → Road level
  • Walk down Orchard Road to Orchard Link
  • Cross to Paragon

Address:

Paragon Shopping Centre
200 Orchard Road, #B1-43
Singapore 238859

Operating Hours:

Daily: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Overall Assessment

Strengths:

  • Strong signature dishes with high ratings (4.5-4.8/5)
  • Good variety across proteins and cooking methods
  • Contemporary takes on classic Szechuan dishes
  • Flexible service options (dine/takeaway/delivery)
  • Attractive promotional offers
  • Convenient Orchard Road location

Areas for Improvement:

  • Consistency in execution (Barramundi issues)
  • Sauce balance refinement needed
  • Batter technique for fried items

Best For:

  • Family CNY reunion dinners
  • Groups of 4-8 people
  • Diners who appreciate Szechuan flavors with modern twists
  • Convenient upscale mall dining

Final Verdict:

Chen’s Kitchen delivers a solid CNY reunion experience anchored by exceptional signature dishes. The Black Sweet and Sour Pork and Mala Mayo Prawns alone justify a visit, while the overall menu provides sufficient variety and cultural appropriateness for festive celebration. With strategic use of promotions, the set represents good value in the premium Chinese dining segment.

Recommended: Yes, particularly for the signature dishes and convenient location.

Contact Information

Reservations & Inquiries:

  • Facebook: [Chen’s Kitchen]
  • Instagram: [@chenskitchen]
  • Website: [chenskitchen.com.sg]

Note: This review represents an invited media tasting experience (January 2026).

Analysis compiled from food blog review by Si An, SG Food on Foot