Wild Mushroom, Gyoza Skin, Pickled Shallots, Smoked Chestnut Purée, Brie, Wild Mushroom Milk. From the new ChiChi House at Amoy Street, a new establishment opened by the very same folks behind Nesuto and now-defunct 52 Sandwich Shack, serving up Modern Japanese cuisine.

Being an item offered in both their ala-carte menu and set menu for dinner, the Smoked Chestnut & Truffle Gyoza is probably one of the more inventive items listed on their menu with a contemporary touch. Giving the classic Gyoza with their very own twist, the Gyoza here comes shaped looking like raviolis; patrons are encouraged to have all elements at one go to enjoy this dish as intended to be. We liked how the Gyoza here seems to be pretty well-sized; one could enjoy the Gyoza in a single mouthful, while the fillings within provided a hint of earthiness that is also enhanced by a whiff of truffle. The skin of the Gyoza is neither too thin nor too thick; good enough to hold the fillings within without breaking apart too easily, whilst not being too stiff — the Brie helped add a slight hint of cheesiness that provides yet another savoury note for some contrast. The pickled shallots helped to add a slight zing and a crunch, while the smoked chestnut purée helps to add a smoky sweetness that helps to cut through the savoury notes in an attempt to provide yet another dimension of flavour to the dish, with the Wild Mushroom Milk further supporting the flavours of the Gyoza. Some may argue that the plates here are seemingly more “contemporary” than actually Modern Japanese — though some dishes are albeit on the safer and conventional side, this item stands out for its thoughtful approach, being given a unique twist by ChiChi House. Really liked how ChiChi House provides for that casual dining experience with its dim lighting with a strong spotlights throwing the emphasis on what is to be served up at the table, as well as how the staff taking the time to explain every single element going on in the dish — an affordable casual dining concept in the heart of the Central Business District with quite a bit of potential here.