The Michelin Guide has awarded 38 restaurants in Singapore this year, up from 29 last year. The three- and two-starred restaurants remain the same, except that Waku Ghin, which had one star last year, has upgraded to two now.
The major changes occur in the one star category:
1. Two restaurants, Forest and Terra, lost their star this year.
2. There are 11 new restaurants. Out of the 11 restaurants, Australian cuisine gets two spots, one occupied by Whitegrass, which I predicted would receive a star. Both Whitegrass and Meta are on my Best Restaurant 2016 list, and Meta also received a star.
3. The stalwarts of Singapore fine-dining get a nod too: Garibaldi, Iggy’s, and Saint Pierre.
4. And there is more appreciation for local chefs as Labyrinth, which serves mod sin, gets a spot.
5. There are also more Chinese restaurants added to the list. I’m surprised to see Chef Kang’s gaining entry since I’ve not heard of the Chinese restaurant before.
The problem with this year’s list is a continuation of last year’s issue. Last year, people complained that because Michelin Guide is sponsored by Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the first time ever that Michelin receives sponsorship, the results might not be fair. For example, given how STB champions our street food heritage, people questioned why hawkers are on the list. Everyone is elated for the hawkers, but the Guide takes into account ambience and service and a food centre doesn’t score well in those categories.
This year, I see another problem. Liao Fan Soya Chicken, which retains its Michelin star, has also a Bib Gourmand entry this year for its outlet. Most chains have a central kitchen which prepares the food and send the food to all outlets. For Liao Fan, both outlets serve the same food and should have similar standard. But why does the hawker stall get a star but the restaurant a Bib Gourmand? This is a happy problem for Liao Fan but it is a conundrum that The Michelin Guide should resolve.
Here’s the full list of the Michelin star winners. Congrats!
THREE STARS
Joël Robuchon – French contemporary
TWO STARS
André – Innovative
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon – French contemporary
Les Amis – French – Reservation
Odette – French contemporary
Shisen Hanten – Sichuan contemporary – Reservation
Shoukouwa – Sushi – Reservation
Waku Ghin – Japanese contemporary 时尚日本菜
ONE STAR
Alma – European contemporary – Reservation
Béni – French contemporary
Braci – Italian contemporary – Reservation (NEW)
Candlenut – Peranakan
Cheek by Jowl – Australian contemporary – Reservation (NEW)
Chef Kang’s – Cantonese (NEW)
Corner House – Innovative – Reservation
Crystal Jade Golden Palace – Chinese – Reservation
Cut – Steakhouse
Garibaldi – Italian – Reservation (NEW)
Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle – Street Food
Iggy’s – European contemporary (NEW)
Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine – Teochew (NEW)
Jaan – French contemporary
Labyrinth – Innovative – Reservation (NEW)
Lei Garden – Cantonese
Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle – Street Food
Meta – Innovative – Reservation (NEW)
Osia – Australian contemporary – Reservation
Putien (Kitchener Road) – Fujian
Rhubarb – French contemporary
Saint Pierre – French contemporary – Reservation (NEW)
Shinji (Bras Basah Road) – Sushi
Shinji (Tanglin Road) – Sushi
Summer Palace – Cantonese – Reservation (NEW)
Summer Pavilion – Cantonese – Reservation
Sushi Ichi – Sushi
The Kitchen at Bacchanalia – Innovative – Reservation
The Song of India – Indian – Reservation
Whitegrass – Australian contemporary – Reservation (NEW)
You may be interested in…
–Michelin Stars Restaurants in Singapore 2016
–Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore 2017
Written by A. Nathanael Ho.
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