PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release

“A DASH OF SZECHWAN” BY CHEN KENTARO LAUDED AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST COOKBOOKS IN THE 24TH GOURMAND WORLD COOKBOOK AWARDS

The limited, hardcover edition of A Dash of Szechwan (photo credit: @elpluswr)

Singapore, 11 July 2019— A Dash of Szechwan by Executive Chef Chen Kentaro of two-Michelin starred Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro placed second in the category for “Best Cookbook by a Restaurant Chef” at the 24th Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.

Founded in 1995 by Edouard Cointreau, the highly coveted Gourmand World Cookbook Awards recognises global excellence in food and wine writing, with entries from more than 200 countries every year. This year saw over 600 more entrees compared to previous years, and awards were given across various categories highlighting the best writers, publishers, and tourism promoters and providers in the food industry worldwide.

Level 35, Orchard Wing Mandarin Orchard Singapore 333 Orchard Road Singapore 238867

TEL 6831 6262 / 6831 6266 EMAIL shisenhanten.orchard@ meritushotels.com

A Dash of Szechwan was shortlisted alongside seven other cookbooks by other notable chefs from across Europe, and shares runner-up position with the cookbook written by Argentinian Chef Mauro Colagreco about his restaurant, Mirazur, which ranked first in the 2019 list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Containing a collection of 50 recipes, some of them never before shared, A Dash of Szechwan features Chef Kentaro’s own take on family recipes and Shisen Hanten signature dishes. Also included are recipes originally developed by his grandfather, —lauded as the “Father of Szechwan cuisine” in , and his father, Chen Kenichi—the renowned “Szechwan Sage” and longest-running Chinese.

Each mouth-watering recipe is accompanied by stunning food photography and personal anecdotes from Chef Kentaro. Also included within the book are recipes for stocks, sauces, and marinades that can be used for a great variety of dishes, and useful tips and visual step-by-step guides on Chef Kentaro’s very own cooking and preparation techniques. Readers can also refer to a dedicated pictured glossary for easier reference of some of the more essential and commonly mistaken ingredients featured in the cookbook.

“I started this cookbook project with the intention of promoting a greater appreciation for Szechwan flavours to an international audience through my family’s recipes,” says Chef Kentaro. “Getting recognised by the esteemed Gourmand International alongside the most celebrated names in the food industry is indeed a huge honour, for which I am most humbled and grateful. I share this accolade with the teams at Shisen Hanten and Mandarin Orchard Singapore who helped make this cookbook possible, and offer my congratulations to all nominees and winners of this year’s World Gourmand Cookbook Awards.”

The limited, hardcover edition of A Dash of Szechwan is exclusively available for purchase at Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro at Mandarin Orchard Singapore, and each copy is personally signed by Chef Kentaro. Alternatively, the trade edition of the cookbook is available for purchase from major bookstores across South East Asia and online on Amazon and Book Depository.

T: +65 6831 6288/6262 E: [email protected]

-ENDS-

Level 35, Orchard Wing Mandarin Orchard Singapore 333 Orchard Road Singapore 238867

TEL 6831 6262 / 6831 6266 EMAIL shisenhanten.orchard@ meritushotels.com

Press Contact:

Janice Azupardo Regional Vice President, Branding & Communications Meritus Hotels & Resorts [email protected]

Tiffany Gunawan Assistant Manager, Branding & Communications Meritus Hotels & Resorts [email protected]

Note to Editors:

About Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro

Launched in 2014 at Mandarin Orchard Singapore, Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro is the international debut of Japan’s famed Shisen Hanten chain of Szechwan restaurants. The restaurant is the product of a proud culinary legacy that began with the founding of Japan’s first Szechwan restaurant in 1958 by Chen Kenmin who is regarded as the “Father of Szechwan cuisine in Japan”.

Executive Chef Chen Kentaro, grandson of Chen Kenmin and son of celebrity Iron Chef Chen Kenichi who is nicknamed “The Szechwan Sage,” now brings to fruition his grandfather’s vision of contributing to a greater appreciation of Szechwan cuisine through Shisen Hanten’s signature dishes.

Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro celebrates the seven flavours of Szechwan cuisine: sour, pungent, hot, sweet, bitter, aromatic, and salty. Signature favourites not to be missed include Chen’s Mapo Doufu, Chen’s Original Spicy Noodle Soup, Stewed Fish Fillet in Spicy Szechwan Chilli Pepper, and Deep-fried Chicken in Spicy Szechwan Chilli Pepper. To suit the milder palate, the level of spiciness of signature Szechwan dishes at Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro may be adjusted upon request. Also available on the menu is a delicious selection of Cantonese classics, alongside recently introduced specialty dishes.

Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro was awarded two stars in the Michelin Guide Singapore 2016, 2017, and 2018, making it the highest Michelin-rated Chinese restaurant in the country to date.

For more information, visit shisenhanten.com.sg.

Level 35, Orchard Wing Mandarin Orchard Singapore 333 Orchard Road Singapore 238867

TEL 6831 6262 / 6831 6266 EMAIL shisenhanten.orchard@ meritushotels.com