[Opening Promo] Mapo Don for $3: Bib Gourmand Awarded Chen’s Launches New Outlet at PLQ Mall

Chen’s, the fast-casual Japanese-Sichuan concept by Michelin-starred Chef Chen Kentaro, has opened its doors at PLQ Mall in Paya Lebar. This marks the brand’s fourth outlet in Singapore, bringing its acclaimed, Bib Gourmand-awarded cuisine to the East.

Chef Chen Kentaro, the third-generation chef behind the one-Michelin-starred Shisen Hanten, launched Chen’s to translate his family’s culinary legacy into an accessible, everyday dining experience. The restaurant, which has earned the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand award four times (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023), is celebrated for its bold Sichuan flavours refined with Japanese techniques.

This is the first time we are trying the food at Chen’s and we sampled a variety of their sharing plates as well as a few mains.

The signature item of the menu is the award-winning Mapo Don ($12.90), a bowl of Japanese rice crowned with the Chen family’s signature Mapo Tofu. The dish is known for its complex profile, embodying eight distinct qualities: tingly-numb, spicy, hot, fragrant, crispy, tender, fresh, and aromatic.

It did not disappoint. We will definitely come back again just for this. Unlike other Mapo Tofu dishes, Chen’s version is not overtly numbing or spicy, deliver just the right kick to keep you craving for more.

Next, we tried the Kurobuta Tonkatsu with Kombu Ramen ($17.50), featuring a generous slab of crispy breaded pork cutlet, layered on Japanese ramen with an onsen egg. Love the chewy texture of the Kombu ramen. Paired with the pork cutlet, it’s a lovely comfort dish.

The Sauerkraut Fish Udon ($18.90) came next, a delightful fusion dish, featuring tender white fish simmered in a fragrant Sichuan-style spiced broth with snow vegetables, wild sansho peppers and udon. This is the first time we tried udon served in a sweet and sour broth and it was surprising good.

Beyond these hero dishes, Chen’s serve up a variety of sharing items as well:

Go for the Sichuan Soy Puffs and the Sichuan Popcorn Chicken, they are addictive and once you pop one, you cannot stop till you finished up all of it.

The PLQ outlet will also feature exclusive items, including Ebi Chilli Tamago Don ($20.90) and matcha desserts. With plant-based alternatives and kid-friendly bentos, the restaurant seeks to to cater to a wide range of diners, with the different dietary options clearly indicated in their menu.

Opening Promotion

To celebrate the opening, Chen’s is rolling out a series of promotions.

From 28 to 30 October, customers who follow @chensmapotofu on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok can redeem a Mapo Don bowl for just $3. During the same period, spending $30 and signing up for the newsletter earns a spin at a Gashapon machine for a chance to win a year of free food and other prizes.

From 31 October 2025 to 31 January 2026, a stamp card programme will reward customers with a free small plate after six main purchases and a free main after twelve.

Located at 10 Paya Lebar Road #02-20, Chen’s at PLQ Mall is open daily from 11am to 9.30pm.