Singapore is, without a doubt, a food paradise. Uniting both locals and foreigners, the Lion City’s food scene is filled with endless gastronomical options that range from upscale restaurants to humble hawkers. So how should foodies establish if a particular food item is worth the queues and long wait? By using the Michelin guide stamp of approval, of course.
Based on five key criteria – technique, quality of ingredients, consistency, value for money and chef’s personality – the list of Michelin star restaurants have made a name for themselves, collecting fan frenzy and snaking lines in the process. Renowned eateries that have earned the coveted star overseas have also opened their branches here in Singapore, adding to the Michelin-starred choices for foodies. Even those with the Bib Gourmand rating are a must-try, especially if you’re looking for exceptional food at moderate prices.
But before you jump on the bandwagon and think you have to fork out a fortune just to try award-winning Michelin star dishes, check out our list of affordable one Michelin star restaurants.
Putien
127 Kitchener Rd • #02-249 Jewel Changi Airport • #04-12, ION Orchard • #02-34 Jurong Point • #02-205 Marina Square • #02-18/19 Nex • #02-42/43/44 Northpoint City • #02-13/13A Parkway Parade • #02-18 Raffles City Shopping Centre • #01-203/204 The Forum at Resorts World Sentosa • #B1-01/27 Tampines Mall • 02-149/150/151 Great World • #01-05 Marina Bay Sands • #03-08 Westgate • #05-09 Causeway Point • #B1-21 Waterway Point
Since earning its first Michelin star in 2016, Putien has kept up its consistency to bag a Michelin star every year, thanks to its Kitchener Road outlet.
Renowned for its impeccable service and authentic Fujian cuisine, Putien started as a humble coffee shop eatery before evolving into the beloved brand it is today.
Photo: Putien
Must-orders include Claypot Yellow Croaker Soup, Sweet & Sour Pork with Lychees, Deep-Fried Pig’s Trotter with Salt and Pepper, and Steamed Duotou Clam with Minced Garlic. While all these dishes might sound mouthwatering, health-conscious folks would also be relieved to know that every single dish at Putien is MSG-free!
With prices per person ranging between $20 to $50, depending on portions, Putien is definitely worth a visit to see what the fuss is all about.
Kam’s Roast
#02-210 Jewel Changi Airport
Turn anywhere in Singapore and you’re likely to find a chicken rice stall. But to savour some of the best roast meats in a Michelin guide-approved eatery, a visit to Kam’s Roast is a must.
Photo: Kam’s Roast
Hailing from Hong Kong where the restaurant was awarded the Michelin star consecutively since 2015, Kam’s Roast serves up roast duck, suckling pig and charcoal-roasted char siew, prepared fresh daily and at affordable prices.
Noodle fans will definitely want a taste of its Singapore-exclusive Wonton Noodles which feature noodles that are air-flown from Hong Kong daily for maximum freshness.
Candlenut
Block 17A Dempsey Road
Helmed by Singaporean Peranakan Chef Malcolm Lee, Candlenut is the first Peranakan restaurant in the world to win a Michelin star.
Photo: Candlenut
Greatly inspired by his grandmother’s traditional Peranakan cooking, Chef Lee serves traditional Straits-Chinese fare with a modern flair. Signature dishes include Chap Chye, Assam Sotong, Blue Swimmer Crab Curry and Buah Keluak Fried Rice.
To sample a variety of chef specialities in small portions, go for the Taste of Candlenut tasting menu, available for lunch and dinner.
Shiki Hototogisu Ramen
#B1-300 Jewel Changi Airport • #01-01 100AM • #01-07 Chijmes • #01-143 Great World • #B1-47 Paragon • #01-111 Tanglin Mall • #01-65 Waterway Point
If you’re craving for a bowl of hot piping ramen, try the signature ramens at Shiki Hototogisu Ramen. The Sobahouse Kiniro Hototogisu (the parent shop from Tokyo which received the Michelin star) was the third ramen shop in the world to earn the honours, a testament to the dedication of the chefs to delight patrons with this signature Japanese dish.
Photo: Konjiki Hototogisu Singapore
Choose from four signature ramen dishes featuring seasonal ingredients, namely Cherry blossom (spring), young bitter gourd and bamboo shoot (summer), mushrooms and porcini (autumn), and salmon (winter).
End your meal on a sweet note with its matcha desserts and Frozen Smores, courtesy of popular matcha brand Kagurazaka Saryo.
Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle
Our list of affordable one Michelin star eateries wouldn’t be complete without including Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, well-loved for its bak chor mee (minced pork noodles). The stall clinched a Michelin star in 2016 and has netted a star every year since then.
Photo: Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle
A bowl of noodles from Tai Hwa starts from $6, one of the cheapest one Michelin-starred finds in the world! Although its noodles are a tad more expensive than those from other hawker stalls, they come packed with generous portions of minced pork, sliced lean pork, meatballs, liver and wontons.
This stall is a crowd favourite among locals and travellers alike, so visit during off-peak hours or be prepared to queue for at least 30 minutes.
This article has been adapted from Now Boarding by Changi Airport’s “5 affordable One Michelin Star restaurants in Singapore worth the hype”
