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.