The guide is finally out. Find out what our society friends think of the establishments that earned their one, two and three Michelin stars.
It was an epic moment last night as the Michelin Guide Singapore finally unveiled the Singapore restaurants which earned the coveted Michelin stars. The star-studded gala and awarding ceremony, which took place at Resorts World Sentosa and was open to the public (a first for the Michelin group), was attended by the industry’s top restaurateurs, chefs, gourmands and of course—some of our society friends.
Also present at the event was Michelin Guide’s international director, Michael Ellis, who welcomed Singapore to the ‘Guide family’ and mentioned that this has put the international spotlight in the country’s stellar and diverse food scene. Lionel Yeo, Singapore Tourism Board’s chief executive, also said that “we’ve always been a nation of foodies” and that we have great food choices with prices ranging from $5 to $500.
Still reeling from last night’s big event, we asked our society friends what they thought of the Michelin Guide finally coming to Singapore, as well as their two cents on the restaurants which earned one, two and three stars.
Tjin Lee
John Lim and Tjin Lee (Photo: Tjin Lee)
What’s your take on the Michelin guide finally coming to Singapore?
“I think it’s exciting to have the Michelin Guide in Singapore. Hopefully, it will continue to recognise the chefs who are already excellent, and spur others to work harder and reach greater heights.”
Which dining spots do you think deserves to be included next year?
"Definitely Wild Rocket (Willin Low) and Burnt Ends."
Loh Lik Peng
What do you think of the winners list?
“I think the One Star list had the most surprises for sure. Some inclusions and some omissions were unexpected to say the least. I think the two- and three stars list were mostly spot on — no real surprises there. Overall, I think it’s a decent start to the (Michelin) Guide.”
How do you think it will affect our food scene?
It’s inevitable that this list will garner attention and increase awareness for the Singapore food scene globally; and I think amongst the awardees, there will be a renewed push for improvement and progress. This can only benefit Singapore as a foodie destination.
Trina Liang-Lin
Edmund Lin and Trina Liang-Lin (Photo: Trina Liang-Lin)
What's your favourite restaurant and dish from the list?
“Waku Ghin, and without a doubt, it’s the uni with caviar and shrimp in uni shell that keeps me coming back for more.”
How will the list affect your dining habits?
"What one person or Michelin inspector may appreciate is not universal. My advice is not to be a slave to the Guide. Enjoy Singapore's food scene — it is complex, diverse and there is so much to explore!
Lynn Yeow De Vito
Lynn Yeow De Vito and chef Joel Robuchon (Photo: Lynn Yeow De Vito)
How will the Guide change your dining habits?
“I have my favourites and will stick to them, but I will use the Guide as a reference.”
Do you have any favourite restaurants from the list?
Waku Ghin and Joël Robuchon, for sure. But I can’t pick a favourite dish from each because they are both consistently amazing regardless of the season.
Marilyn Lum and Tan Min-Li
Tan Min-Li, chef Ivan Brehm and Marilyn Lum (Photo: Marilyn Lum)
What is your favourite restaurant from the list and one dish to try from there?
Marilyn Lum: “One obvious choice is Bacchanalia for its confit egg yolk, buckwheat and chocolate pasta. The other is Tai Hwa for its minced pork noodles with an extra serving of liver, which I always request for every time I’m there.”
Tan Min-Li: “My favourite restaurant, of course, is Bacchanalia, for its chocolate uni pasta! Another would be Les Amis for its cold angel hair kombu pasta.”
Which dining establishments do you hope to see on next year’s list?
Marilyn Lum: "Hashida because of its exquisite sushi and dining experience, and Wild Rocket because of chef Willin Low’s creative interpretations of modern Singaporean dishes."
Tan Min-Li: “I’m hoping to see Yazawa, Super Peking Duck and Cure, which are all excellent.”
Here’s the full list of Singapore’s Michelin-starred restaurants
Three Stars
Joël Robuchon
Two Stars
André
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
Les Amis
Odette
Shisen Hanten
Shoukouwa
One Star
Alma
The Kitchen at Bacchanalia
Béni
Candlenut
Corner House
Crystal Jade Golden Palace
Cut
Forest
Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle
Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle
Jaan
Lei Garden
Osia
Putien (Kitchener Road)
Rhubarb
Shinji (Beach Road)
Shinji (Tanglin Road)
Summer Pavillion
Sushi Ichi
Terra
The Song of India
Waku Ghin