CHEN Kentaro’s culinary pedigree is of the loftiest order. He is grandson of CHEN Kenmin (1912 – 1990). The late Chen was born in Sichuan and worked in restaurants in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. In 1952, he arrived in Japan and in 1958 founded the first Shisen Hanten. Often credited with introducing Sichuan cuisine to that country, Chen Kenmin is referred to as ‘Japan’s Father of Sichuan Cuisine’.
Second generation CHEN Kenichi (1956 – 2023) joined the family business when he came of age and opened more branches. Born in Tokyo, he brought fresh ideas to the menu. Even more sensationally, Chen Kenichi became one of the first Chinese celebrity chefs when he appeared as an Iron Chef in the cult Japanese TV programme. Created by Fuji Television, the first episode was aired 10 October 1993 until 24 September 1999. There were 309 episodes.
In 2002, CHEN Kentaro became the third generation to join the restaurant founded by his grandfather. Kentaro further refined his skills by returning to his roots. From 2005 to 2008, he went back to Sichuan in order to work in various restaurants. Crucially, during that time, he learnt from Master Chef ZENG Guohua.
Just as his father Chen Kenichi increased the number of Shisen Hanten restuarants in Japan, Kentaro has gone, literally, further. In 2014, Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro was born. Set inside the Hilton Singapore Orchard, it is a joint-venture between the chef and OUE Limited, owner of the building.
〒102-0093 National Ryokan Hall 5F and 6F • 2-5-5 Hirakawacho • Chiyoda-ku • Akasaka
赤坂四川飯店 • 〒102-0093東京都千代田区平河町２丁目５番５号全国旅館会館６階
