Yes, Chef! Chen Kentaro of Shisen Hanten and Chen’s Kitchen

Asia is one food-crazy continent! We take great care to pick restaurants based on culinary vibes, rankings on international gourmand guides, mentions in magazines, Instagrammability, and added hunger. Yes, Chef! features the region’s chefs' stories of love and labour in kitchens that have made some of our restaurants the next big thing in Asia.

You might know Chef Stephan Zoisl as the chef who pioneered the Western Omakase experience, which he fulfilled at the renowned Chef’s Table — the restaurant boasting an ever-evolving menu featuring the day’s freshest produce. After ten fulfilling years, Chef Stephan is embarking on a new chapter in his culinary journey by establishing a restaurant that embodies all the finesse and creativity of fine dining, but this time, giving it a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. 

Introducing Chef’s Tavern, a casual European-Japanese culinary concept in Singapore inspired by the Japanese izakaya. Although the restaurant now offers a fixed menu, each dish has been thoughtfully crafted, rooted in solid technique and bold flavors, and designed to be both creative and comforting. If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy good company and a quality meal without the fine-dining price tag, this is it.

The Beat Asia got to chat with the chef and owner of this brand-new restaurant to know more about his inspirations for the culinary concept and the unique dishes and experiences Chef’s Tavern intends to offer its customers.   

Chef Stephan grew up in Innsbruck, Austria, where his father worked as a professional chef for their family-owned restaurant. This is where it all began for him, as he received a hands-on kind of training from his father, which sparked his passion for cooking. The Chef described the kitchen as his second home, having spent most of his time there in his childhood. 

“Watching my dad work so hard as I grew up, I got a glimpse of the realities of the F&B (Food & Beverages) life — the long hours, the intensity, the passion it demands,” Chef Stephan told The Beat Asia. “I knew what I was signing up for, but I’ve never regretted it. It’s been a tough but deeply rewarding journey.”

Chef Stephan began his culinary journey at age 19 after completing his army service. He told us how his desire to travel had always been there, and how he even thought about pursuing aviation at one point, but he stated that the kitchen called to him more strongly.

“I wanted to explore the cuisines of the world beyond the one I knew back home, and immerse myself in different food cultures. The structure and intensity of the kitchen challenged me, but it was the creativity and constant discovery that really pulled me in, and that’s what keeps me going to this day.”

Exploring the world has added layers to the cook’s culinary identity, with each region having distinct flavors and personalities. Chef told us about how his time in Europe and the US working for Michelin-starred restaurants has provided him with a solid foundation in classic techniques and given him the freedom to innovate, while his time in Southeast Asia made him appreciate flavors, refinement, and balance in food even more. 

“I’ve made it a point to learn from each one and absorb what makes it special,” he expressed. “In doing so, I’ve tried to bring the best of each into my own cooking, to shape a style that reflects both where I come from and where I’ve been.”

Through his travels and experiences, one belief stood out from all his learnings, which is that using fresh, high-quality produce is the key to great cooking, no matter where you are in the world. He shared, “The best dishes always start with the best ingredients and are elevated through the genuine dedication to making food that’s not just good, but worth your calories."

With over 17 years of experience, Chef Stephan describes his journey as both diverse and enriching, having started with the foundations of Austrian home cooking — which is deeply influenced by Italian cuisine — to making his way to fine dining. He told us about how he landed a position at Austria’s iconic Restaurant Steiereck, which was one of the earliest defining moments of his career. 

The restaurant owner also catered to large-scale events and high-profile occasions like Formula 1, which added layers to his understanding of the culinary industry. He opened his first restaurant in Singapore, arriving in the city-state at age 26 without much knowledge of English, but with a passion and deep understanding for good food. 

When asked what he would advise aspiring cooks, he humbly shared, “I didn’t know if I would make it. However, I stuck with it, adapted, and grew alongside this different environment. Learn your craft. Focus on absorbing as much knowledge and experience as you can. There are no shortcuts, and there’s no need to rush. Make mistakes. Learn from them. Take feedback seriously. At the end of the day, our job as chefs is to cook meals that bring people joy. Food has the power to inspire people to celebrate life and love, and that is something truly special that we get to be a part of.” 

On Bringing his Two Loves Together at Chef’s Tavern

Chef’s Tavern was built on the concept of a Japanese izakaya, which are casual places for after-work drinking similar to that of an English pub. Chef told us about his experience dining in one of these bars, and how he always enjoyed the sense of ease and warmth of the place.

“The energy is lively, the food is always satisfying, and there’s a beautiful honesty to the experience. It’s not about being flashy, but about good food, good company, and a shared love for the moment,” he explained. “This speaks to my belief that food is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate life and the people we love, without pretense. That’s exactly the kind of atmosphere I wanted to create with Chef’s Tavern: a place where guests feel at home, can come as they are, and still enjoy something truly special.” 

The restaurant located on Craig’s Road offers a fusion of Japanese and European flavors, a beautiful reflection of Singapore’s multicultural landscape. Chef Stephan shared how living in this country had sometimes made him feel torn when dining out, unable to decide whether he should go for a European meal or a Japanese one. Chef’s Tavern is his solution, saying: "Why choose when you can have the best of both worlds?" He also shared that having a European-Japanese concept combines the things he personally loves and puts to use the techniques and recipes he has learned over time.

“If I had to put it into an analogy, European cuisine is my assigned family. It’s where I come from. Japanese cuisine is my chosen family, the one I discovered, connected with, and embraced. Both are close to my heart, and at Chef’s Tavern, I bring these two loves of mine together.”

Chef’s Tavern offers a more casual dining experience, which is quite different from Chef’s Table which is a fine-dining concept. However, they do have some similarities such as the use of fresh produce and the application of creativity and freedom of expression through the dishes they serve. 

“While Chef’s Tavern has a fixed menu, that same spirit of creativity and creative freedom is alive, just expressed differently in how we treat ingredients and innovate the dishes. It now lies in refinement and evolution. We’re constantly looking at how to elevate each dish, adding various Japanese elements, improving techniques, and finding new ways to surprise customers, and even adjusting ingredients based on what’s seasonal, especially through our Tavern Style Teishoku lunch set,” he told The Beat Asia. 

“That said, our creativity will shine through with our Signature Fusion Omakase, which recently launched on Apr. 28. This concept, similar to Chef’s Table, allows even more room for experimentation, but in a more relaxed, sharing-style. The menu evolves daily, using the freshest, seasonal ingredients.”

If you’re curious about what Chef’s Tavern has to offer, you can check out the menu on their website, which is comprised of delightful lunch sets, a la carte items, and a wide beverage selection. We asked Chef Stephan about the ones that are highly recommended to try when you dine at his restaurant. 

“Definitely the Cold Kombu Angel Hair Pasta – and for good reason. It’s one of those dishes that surprises people. The pasta is served chilled and dressed in a rich, creamy lobster bisque sauce, with a hint of tang and umami from a light tom kha foam. On top are warm Argentinian prawns, crispy artichoke chips, and it is finished with aromatics like kombu, lemongrass, and chili. The combination of different temperatures, textures, and bold flavors makes this dish a unique and flavorful standout."

"The Schnitzel ‘Wiener Art’ is a deeply personal dish for me as it takes me right back to my childhood in Innsbruck. We prepare it the traditional way, coating pork loin in authentic Kaisersemmel breadcrumbs flown in from Austria, which gives it that perfect golden crispness. It’s served with classic accompaniments: a crisp butterhead salad, tangy cranberry jam, anchovy brown butter, and fried capers. It’s comfort food at its finest, and a little taste of home that I’m proud to share. We’ve even had Austrian diners share that the schnitzel brings back nostalgic memories of home."

"To complement the food, our bartender also crafted some outstanding cocktails, including 'Umami Drift,' which starts with a base of gin that is fat-washed with miso butter, layered with a ginger honey reduction, and brightened with a touch of lime juice for a unique, smooth, balanced taste. If you prefer the classics, we have Japanese beer pints, whiskey highballs, and house pours at just S$9.90 during our incredible Happy Hour.”

The Chef also highlighted some menu items that are making a comeback from Chef’s Table, reimagined with new ingredients and added with a Japanese flair. Some of the fan-favorite menu items include the Alaskan Black Cod, Cold Kombu Angel Hair Pasta, and the delectable Dark Chocolate Gateau for dessert. Additionally, they will be offering seasonal specials to highlight different ingredients throughout the year, and will feature an evolving beverage menu with new cocktail fusions being born whenever a new dessert or main dish is launched.  

“Our bar team is always experimenting with new infusions and seasonal pairings, and our Barkeeper Rai is especially innovative and creative,” Chef Stephan added. “One of his most exciting creations is the house-made Sour Apple Boba. It’s made with sour apple liquor and agar agar (plant-based gelatin), and is a topping that adds a fresh twist to the cocktail experience.”

Chef has also brought in his entire team from his previous restaurant, which means customers can experience the same fine-dining quality and attentive service. 

At Chef’s Tavern, guests are guaranteed to have a good time with its refined food selection drawing from European and Japanese influences. More than that, these dishes are made from fresh and raw produce, which the chef strongly upholds as a core of his kitchen. But beyond that, they have also applied techniques that enhance flavors, such as pickling, which adds a distinct dimension and complements various dishes. 

The kitchen is also constantly experimenting, making sure customers have something new to come back to again and again. They’re also weaving Southeast Asian flavors into some of their signature dishes, which reflects Chef’s deep appreciation for cuisines across the region and his curiosity and eagerness to learn more about them. 

“At Chef’s Tavern, we want guests to feel like they’re treating themselves, without needing a special occasion to do it. Beyond the food, we wanted to create a place where guests feel comfortable coming back again and again, whether it’s a celebration or a casual dinner with friends. It’s warm, relaxed, and it’s where great food and drinks, great company, and exceptional service come together effortlessly.”

For more delicious updates, follow Chef’s Tavern on Facebook and Instagram. 

Location: Chef's Tavern, 20 Craig Road, #01-02 Craig Place, Singapore 089692 

Operation hours: Open Mondays to Saturdays, 12 NN to 12 AM

• Lunch: 12 NN to 2:30 PM (last order)
• Dinner: 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM (last order)
• Bar: 12 NN to 11:30 PM (last order)
• Happy Hour: 12 NN to 7 PM 

Raffles Sentosa Singapore, the country’s first all-villa resort, sets a new standard of destination dining on Sentosa Island. Nestled within 100,000 square meters of lush tropical gardens atop a hill, the resort is now home to five distinctive dining venues, each helmed by chefs with Michelin credentials and elevated by the legendary Raffles service. 

“We’ve crafted every dining moment to be an experience of discovery and delight,” said Bjoern Alexander, Cluster Director of Culinary at Raffles Sentosa Singapore and Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa. “Our aim is to blend the Raffles legacy with contemporary dining excellence, offering guests not only exceptional cuisine but also a personal connection to every meal.” 

Empire Grill

Helmed by Michelin-starred talent and anchored by Raffles’ legendary hospitality, Raffles Sentosa Singapore’s crown jewel is Empire Grill, a modern Italian restaurant that reimagines classic Italian dishes with a refined, contemporary touch inspired by the rustic warmth of Tuscan cuisine and complemented by a fine selection of premium wines.

Evoking a sense of laid-back elegance, wood-fired meats and seafood sizzle beside tableside theatrics, offering an intimate and interactive dining experience. 

“Empire Grill is about more than just flavor — it’s about connection,” said Chef Bjoern. “We bring a sense of theatre back to the table, with dishes prepared or finished right before our guests’ eyes. It’s a personal experience, and one that celebrates the timeless art of hospitality.” 

Royal China

Chef Ling Heng Yao elevates Cantonese classics with precision and quiet creativity at Royal China. 

Known for his meticulous technique and deep understanding of Cantonese culinary philosophy, Chef Ling believes that great cuisine begins with the ingredients. 

“Cantonese cooking is about balance and restraint,” he said. “It’s about understanding the feel of each ingredient, how it transforms with heat, and how every element plays its part in harmony. While I honor tradition, I also like to introduce moments of surprise — just enough creativity to let the ingredients shine.”

His menu reflects this philosophy — from delicate dim sum to signature dishes like Peking Duck and double-boiled soups, each plate is a celebration of depth, texture, and purity of flavour. The restaurant features locally and sustainably sourced produce, continuing the resort’s commitment to conscious dining. These are also complemented by a fine selection of premium wines and specialty teas that were curated to pair with the food. 

IYASAKA by Hashida

IYASAKA by Hashida, led by famed Chef Kenjiro “Hatch” Hashida — offers a refined omakase experience inspired by the spirited cheer heard at festive gatherings in Japan. This restaurant is a toast to joy, prosperity, and the enduring art of Japanese dining. 

Seating only 12 people at a time, the restaurant offers an exceptionally intimate setting, one that celebrates culture, craftsmanship, tradition, and connection; It is also one of the most exclusive Japanese dining experiences on Sentosa Island. 

Raffles Room

Situated within the resort’s arrivals hall, Raffles Room offers an inviting space for guests to enjoy the signature Raffles Afternoon Tea. Bathed in natural light and overlooking a magnificent heritage ficus tree, it also reflects the Raffles heritage of elegant gatherings. 

The Chairman’s Room is not to be missed — a hidden speakeasy-style lounge with a refined collection of rare whiskies, aged cognacs, and fine wines — alongside the Sentosa Sling, the resort’s sustainable reimagination of the original Singapore Sling made with upcycled watermelon skins and lemon leaves from the resort’s garden. 

In-Villa and Private Dining

Private In-Villa Dining is one of the resort’s most decadent culinary experiences. Each private dining occasion is custom-curated by the resort’s culinary team with around-the-clock service that is steeped in quiet luxury. 

Within two months of its official opening, Raffles Sentosa Singapore didn’t just set the table — it set the tone for a new era of destination dining in Southeast Asia. 

For more information and/or reservations, visit the Raffles Sentosa Singapore website, and follow the Raffles Hotels on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram. 

Singapore’s pizza scene is heating up with the exciting arrival of Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated Pizza Studio Tamaki (PST). 

Set to open on June 10, 2025, in Tanjong Pagar, this restaurant brings the delicious world of Tokyo Neapolitan-style pizza to Singapore. 

Heading the Singapore outlet is Chef Ryosuke Tanahara, who spent three years learning the art of pizza-making directly under the guidance of founder Tsubasa Tamaki. 

PST's dough is fermented for over 30 hours and cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven from the renowned Stefane Ferrara Forni in Bologna, ensuring the pizzas have a perfectly chewy crust and thin center. 

Their signature creations are priced from S$22 to S$34 and include Tamaki, topped with fresh cherry tomatoes and smoked mozzarella; the classic Margherita with buffalo mozzarella; Romana with olives, anchovies, and Aomori garlic; and the spicy Diavola, featuring house-made pork sausage, olives, and basil. 

If you’re a fan of cheese, don’t miss their cheese-based pizzas like the Nduja, which brings the heat with spicy Calabrian sausage; the 5 Formaggi, boasting five types of cheese including gorgonzola; and the indulgent Oltrana, with mozzarella, mascarpone, Pecorino Romano, and sweet cherry tomatoes.

This Singapore branch is the brand's fifth location, complementing the two Tokyo outlets in Roppongi and Higashiazabu, as well as those in Okinawa and Bangkok, the latter being their first overseas restaurant.

Bookings will be available at a later time, so stay tuned on PST's Instagram. 

Location: 8 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 

Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays from 11 AM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 11 PM, Saturdays & Sundays from 11 AM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 12 AM. 

Mother’s Day is just a month away, but it’s not too bad to start planning your Mother’s Day celebrations! 

Celebrate your mom this Mother’s Day with a wonderful and unique selection of dining experiences from the Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed family setting or an elegant and elevated set menu for a different feel, there’s a dining experience just for you and the special woman in your life. 

Fairmont Singapore

“La Mamma” Family Sharing Menu at Prego

Prego’s Mother’s Day “La Mamma” menu is made to be shared by the whole family. Featuring authentic Italian flavors reimagined through Chef Davide Bizzarri’s gastronomic skills, the experience is quintessential Italian hospitality — think welcoming, warm, and rooted in la dolce vita: a life of pleasure, comfort, enjoyment, good company, beautiful surroundings, and a carefree spirit.

Prego invites its guests and diners to slow down and enjoy life through great food, meaningful conversations, and cherished moments with loved ones. 

Start your meal with an abundant antipasti, including an air-flown Puglian burrata served with heirloom tomatoes, Prego’s signature Tuscan kale pesto made with kale from the hotel’s rooftop aquaponics farm, Leccino olives, and aquaponic salad; Zuppetta d’Astice, rich lobster bisque with snow crab meat and paprika; and Polpo featuring Fremantle octopus with piquillo peppers, cannellini beans, and rucola. 

Inspired by his Tuscan heritage, Chef Davide blends authenticity with creativity, presenting handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and secondis that reflect time-honored recipes. Mains include Conchiglie al Ragù di Mamma Silva, a homemade shell pasta in a rich beef and pork sausage ragu with shaved parmesan — a beloved recipe from Chef Davide’s mother that he grew up enjoying and shared with his daughters. Other highlights include Pizza della Mamma, topped with mozzarella, crushed potatoes, ricotta mousse, tomberries, and caviar, as well as Cacciucco, a Tuscan-style seafood stew with Boston lobster, white clams, Sicilian mussels, baby squid, cod, scallops, and prawns, served with toasted homemade ciabatta. 

To finish your meal, have a taste of a playful and contemporary take on classic desserts — from Sweet Pasta with vanilla mascarpone, compressed strawberries, and basil, or a Trio Cheesecake with Parmesan crumble and mascarpone cream cheese. For a refreshing end, house-made gelato in Raspberry Rose adds a pleasant touch. 

Prego’s La Mamma Family Sharing Menu is priced at S$368++ for four diners and is available exclusively on May 11, 2025, from 12 PM to 2:30 PM. Complete your experience with a bottle of San Martino Pinot Grigio or San Martino Pinot Nero for an additional SGD$48++. 

View the full menu here. 

Swissôtel The Stamford

Elevate Your Mother’s Day at SKAI

Mother’s Day at SKAI is where contemporary flavors meet sky-high elegance. 

This year, Executive Chef Seumas Smith presents a refined four-course menu made to enchant your senses, starting with the Bluefin Tuna “Flower,” delicately paired with kabu, shiso, and tomato ponzu. The experience continues with King Crab, complemented by Nashi pear, and finger lime for a fresh and indulgent combination. 

For the main course, guests can savor the rich and tender Omi A5 Sirloin, served with heirloom baby carrots, mushrooms, and red wine jus, or the Miso Black Cod, topped off with citrus beurre blanc and ikura. End your meal on a sweet note with Chamomile Panna Cotta, elegantly paired with strawberry consommé, citrus, and Madagascar vanilla ice cream. 

SKAI’s Mother’s Day Menu is priced at S$188++ per person, inclusive of a glass of Domaine Siebert, Rosé Crémant d’Alsace, France 2022, and is exclusively available on May 10 and 11, 2025. 

View the full menu here. 

A Feast of Fresh Flavors at CLOVE

Call on your loved ones! An abundant spread of vibrant dishes awaits at CLOVE’s international buffet for Mother’s Day!

Start your meal at the Vitality Salad Bar, where farm-to-table greens from the hotel’s aquaponics farm are paired with wholesome sides like hummus, Baba Ghanoush, and quinoa. Freshly prepared salads bring a burst of flavor with combinations like Heirloom Tomato with mozzarella and yuzu chocolate vinaigrette, Omni Tuna with cucumber and mint yogurt, and Smoked Duck with celeriac walnuts. 

The Seafood on Ice section is popular for a reason; offering an array of fresh oysters, Boston lobsters, cooked prawns, black mussels, and scallops, accompanied by an assortment of sashimi, sushi, and maki. And once you pair them with zesty condiments like cocktail sauce, mignonette, or lemon wedges? You’re bound to have a refreshing start to your meal!

The buffet’s live stations highlight local favorites, including Laksa with a prawn mousse, coconut foam, and laksa gel, as well as Kopitiam Style Chilli Crayfish served with fried mantou. At the Beauty Noodle Station, create your own bowl with a choice of collagen tonkotsu or shoyu broth, complemented by toppings like fish roe balls, Japanese fish cake, pork chashu, and quail eggs. 

At the carving station, Pineapple Glazed Gammon Ham is served with mustard cream, Slow Roasted OP Rib comes with port wine jus and Yorkshire pudding, and Herb Crusted Baked salmon is paired with rose champagne and ruby chocolate sauce. 

The buffet also features a wide selection of local, Indian, and international mains if you’re looking to try something else! 

To conclude on a sweet note, CLOVE presents a spread of sweet treats, including Nitrogen Coconut Rose Milk, a selection of ice creams and sorbets, and handcrafted pastries such as Brilliant Rose Choux Puff, Strawberry Pistachio Shortcake, and the signature Swiss Warm Chocolate Cake with vanilla sauce. 

CLOVE’s Mother’s Day Buffet is priced at S$108++ per adult and S$54++ per child. Add on S$38++ for free-flowing Ruffino Prosecco, Terre Forti Rosso d’Italia NV (Red Wine), and soft drinks. This buffet is available for lunch (12:30 PM to 3 PM) and dinner (6 PM to 10 PM) from May 10 and 11, 2025.

See the full details on CLOVE’s Mother’s Day Buffet here.

KFC Singapore’s serving up some real exciting things soon! 

Have you heard the news yet? KFC Singapore and Live Nation Singapore are partnering up for some unforgettable concert experiences every month! Starting April 15, 2025, KFC customers who spend at least S$15 per purchase can enter an instant draw to win concert tickets, exclusive merch, KFC vouchers, and unique fan experiences! 

To join, interested customers must scan a QR code and enter their receipt number for a chance to win instantly! Each receipt is eligible for one chance to join the lucky draw. 

KFC Singapore and Live Nation Singapore will be releasing a new batch of unique fan experiences such as backstage tours, VIP suite access, soundcheck passes, early entry passes, and other exclusive concert experiences every month. 

The names of the artists lined up to hold concerts in Singapore have not been revealed as part of the artists’ rights management.

But, according to their first KFC Concert Nation post on social media, the first will be the hottest concert in May! Any guesses?

Winners need to claim their prizes from KFC within seven working days after being told in person or by a representative. Prize collection is time-sensitive because of fixed concert dates, so any delay may result in the forfeiture of the prize, so keep a keen eye out!

Participants and customers also get a chance to win KFC vouchers worth S$30 e-voucher with a minimum S$60 purchase, S$20 e-voucher with a minimum S$40 spent, and S$10 e-voucher with a minimum S$10 purchase. 

Waiting for a chance to get some exclusive concert experiences and a sign to eat more KFC? Why not try your luck at any KFC store, on the KFC app, or website? 

For more information, visit KFC Singapore’s website, KFC x Live Nation website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.