A new restaurant, SENRON (千龍), has opened in Nishi-Shinjuku, introducing what it calls a "NEO-CHINESE" dining experience — authentic Chinese culinary techniques served in a relaxed, small-plate style alongside an extensive rosé wine selection.
Concept
The idea behind SENRON is to make authentic Chinese food more accessible and enjoyable. The kitchen uses high-intensity heat to produce the bold flavors characteristic of traditional Chinese cooking, while offering dishes in small-plate portions that guests can freely combine. Pairing this food with wine — rosé in particular — forms the core of its distinctive identity, positioned as something beyond both a conventional Chinese restaurant and a casual Chinese bar.
A Restaurant Born from a Chef's Vision
SENRON was created as a stage for head chef Tatsunori Chiba to showcase his culinary skills. Chiba has five years of experience in Chinese cuisine and fifteen years in Japanese izakaya-style dining, most recently serving as head chef and product development lead at the seafood izakaya "Ore no Sakana wo Kutte Miro" in Nishi-Shinjuku, operated by ao Co., Ltd.
The project was launched under the company's philosophy of helping team members bring their own ideas to life, building on a similar approach that was taken for the January opening of "Tachinomi Hotaru" in Kanda.
Signature Dishes
Two-Day Prep, Five-Hour-Steamed Imperial Braised Pork Belly (Dongpo Pork)
The standout dish at SENRON is a braised pork belly with skin, prepared using the traditional Dongpo Pork (宮廷トンポーロー) method more commonly found at upscale Chinese restaurants in areas like Ginza. The preparation takes two full days, followed by approximately five hours of steaming, resulting in pork so tender it falls apart with chopsticks. The gelatin from the skin and the savory richness of the fat meld together into a dish that is both deep in flavor and refined in sweetness.
Handmade Dumplings with House-Made Wrappers
The handmade dumplings — both pan-fried and boiled — are wrapped in house-made skins, demonstrating classic Chinese technique in a straightforward dish. Starting from 380 yen per plate, they are available as an everyday staple.
Glass Noodle Tantanmen — A Light Finish
Using glass noodles instead of wheat noodles, this tantanmen offers a lighter finish while still delivering the richness of sesame, the tingle of Sichuan pepper, and the heat of chili. It is positioned as a refreshing way to close out a meal.
Small-Plate Style, Starting from 380 Yen
Food is priced from 380 yen, covering everything from dim sum to full-on Chinese dishes that guests can mix and match freely in small-plate portions.
Drinks: A New Way to Enjoy Chinese Food
SENRON's drink menu features original creations such as a "Blue Lemon Sour," a Shaoxing wine sangria, and the "SENRON High," alongside a wine list centered on rosé. Shaoxing wine and sake are also available. The pairing of Chinese food with rosé wine — light and fragrant against hearty, bold dishes — is a key element of the SENRON experience, intended to present Chinese dining in a new light.
Space: A Chinese Restaurant You Want to Walk Into
The entrance features a striking neon sign, designed to present a fresh image of what a Chinese restaurant can look and feel like.
Restaurant Details
- Name: SENRON (千龍)
- Style: NEO-CHINESE
- Price Range: Food from 380 yen / Drinks from 530 yen
- Address: Hakuzo Building 2F, 1-15-6 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Grand Opening: March 25
