Who would have thought that one of the world’s most prestigious restaurant rating systems began with… tires? You read that right!
As my father-in-law casually mentioned during a family hangout, Michelin Stars were originally part of a guidebook aimed at helping early car owners find reliable spots along their journeys. His revelation piqued my curiosity, leading me down an intriguing culinary rabbit hole. I began by learning about Michelin’s history and searching for other Michelin-starred restaurants in Singapore.
THE ORIGIN STORY
The Michelin Star rating system, known today for honoring culinary excellence, has a surprising origin tied to the automotive industry. In 1900, André and Édouard Michelin, founders of the Michelin tire company, launched the Michelin Guide. Their goal? To encourage more people to drive and use their tires. The guide provided essential travel information, such as maps, gas stations, mechanics, and most notably, hotel and restaurant recommendations.
As the guide evolved, so did its culinary focus. By 1926, it began awarding stars to recognize the quality of food at various establishments. A single star indicated “a very good restaurant,” and by 1931, a three-star system was introduced to reward the best of the best. Today, Michelin Stars are synonymous with the pinnacle of fine dining, with restaurants worldwide vying for recognition.
MECHANICS OF MICHELIN STARS
Michelin inspectors remain anonymous, visiting selected restaurants multiple times throughout the year. They assess various aspects, including food quality, creativity, consistency, and presentation. Restaurants can receive up to three stars:
1 Star – Very good restaurant in its category
2 Stars – Excellent cooking, worth a detour
3 Stars – Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey
In addition to the famed stars, the Michelin Guide also includes the Bib Gourmand award, celebrating high-quality food at reasonable prices, and the Michelin Green Star, honoring sustainability efforts.
Image Credits: unsplash.com
MICHELIN STARS IN SINGAPORE
The Lion City’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide in 2016 marked a new era for our culinary scene. At the time, Singapore became the first country in Southeast Asia to have Michelin-starred restaurants and stalls, a milestone that firmly established the country as a gastronomic hub. From hawkers to fine dining, our eclectic food culture became a hotspot for Michelin-starred cuisine.
On that note, below are Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand recommendations you must try today.
1. Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle (1 Star, Crawford Lane)
A Michelin-starred hawker stall, renowned since 2016 for its flavorful and comforting bak chor mee.
2. Meta (2 Stars, Chinatown)
Headed by Chef Sun Kim, Meta blends French techniques with Asian influences. Signature dishes include steamed Jeju abalone and Korean-inspired courses.
3. Candlenut (1 Star, Tanglin)
As the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut offers a contemporary twist on traditional Straits-Chinese dishes.
4. Alma by Juan Amador (1 Star, Orchard)
Offering a fusion of Spanish-European cuisine with Asian influences, Alma’s tasting menus highlight exquisite ingredients such as Arctic char and caviar.
5. Thevar (2 Stars, Chinatown)
Chef Thevar’s creative take on South Asian cuisine is heavily inspired by his Penang roots, offering an Indian fusion tasting menu in a modern setting.
6. Les Amis (3 Stars, Orchard)
A pinnacle of French fine dining, Les Amis is known for its impeccable service and classic dishes, offering a truly sophisticated experience.
7. Art di Daniele Sperindio (1 Star, City Hall)
This elegant Italian dining establishment focuses on Ligurian roots, presenting thoughtfully curated tasting menus that blend tradition with innovation.
8. Born (1 Star, Tanjong Pagar)
Chef Zor Tan fuses French and Chinese gastronomy, creating an unforgettable nine-course dining experience with flavors that cross borders.
9. Araya (1 Star, Tanjong Pagar)
Specializing in South American cuisine, Araya highlights native crops like corn and Chilean berries, paired with Japanese proteins for a fusion of flavors.
10. Bedok Chwee Kueh (Bib Gourmand Winner, Bedok Interchange)
It is well-known for serving steamed rice cakes topped with savory preserved radish, a beloved local dish.
Image Credits: danielfooddiary.com
With such a dynamic food scene, it’s no wonder Singapore continues to rise as a gastronomic hotspot. Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or simply love trying new dishes, these Michelin-recommended restaurants are sure to impress!