The food scene is still buzzing over the 38 Singaporean restaurants and hawkers that made this prestigious list – here are our favourites!
Not sure what all the Michelin Bib Gourmand hubbub is about? Well then, you’re certainly in need of a culinary roadmap to Singapore’s foodie greats. We’ve put together a list of seven of our favourite, tried-and-tested Bib Gourmand favourites. Plates at the ready, foodies!
A Noodle Story
Ramen – Japanese in this case – is (still) big in Singapore, and this hot bowl, served with sous vide char siew, lava egg, and potato-wrapped prawn, pretty much encapsulates our love for the springy Japanese noodles and wanton mee – all in a single dish for an affordable price. No surprises why this humble hawker stall caught the attention of the Michelin Bib Gourmand awards.
A Noodle Story, #01-39 Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069111, p. 9027 6289.
Ka Soh
It’s thumbs up for Swee Kee Fish Head Noodle House (affectionately known as Ka Soh) since it had a major renovation. Now sporting a more contemporary and sleeker look, the Michelin Bib Gourmand-affiliated restaurant is now known as Swee Kee Eating House and will continue to serve old favourites. Loyal patrons can expect Ka Soh classics like the milky fish head and fish slices noodles, spare pork ribs, fried seafood tofu, and of course, its signature har cheong gai (prawn paste chicken).
Ka Soh, 96 Amoy Street, Singapore 069916, p. 6224 9920. Open daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30pm-10pm.
Tsuta Ramen Singapore
Just like how the Michelin Guide made history in Singapore with the reveal of the world’s first Michelin-starred hawker stalls, it also awarded the chef-coveted accolade to Tsuta in Tokyo – the first Japanese ramen eatery to join the ranks among the best restaurants in the world. On the menu are three types of soup bases: the shoyu (featuring a decadent and unconventional black truffle sauce), the shio (a chicken-seafood blend with fragrant hints of red wine and rosemary), and the miso (a more traditional recipe for ramen purists).
Tsuta Ramen Singapore, #01-01/02/03 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road, Singapore 228210
Liao Fan Hawker Chan
After winning one Michelin star for his famous Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle in Chinatown Food Complex, it was only natural for Chef Chan to expand his franchise. Having opened on Smith Street, Hawker Chan is a Quick Service Restaurant (just across the road from his original stall). Air-conditioned with a spruced up façade, this extension rolls out the usual signatures while keeping them at affordable prices that’ll dispel any “sell-out” complaints. The chicken here is definitely the highlight – tender, not too fatty, and juicy thanks to the addictive sweet and salty soya sauce that it absorbs.
Hawker Chan, 78 Smith Street, Singapore 059872.
New Ubin Seafood
This unassuming Chinese restaurant boasts a heritage that goes all the way back to 1986. Once a small kampung-style seafood restaurant from Pulau Ubin, New Ubin Seafood has made its way to the mainland. While the restaurant’s roots remain firmly in zi char territory, the current owners have expanded the menu to include non-traditional offerings like the carabinero prawn sashimi and their signature Boss Bee Hoon. Arguably the restaurant’s most famous dish is the US Black Angus rib eye steak served with rice fried in the beef drippings.
New Ubin Seafood, 63 Hillview Avenue, Level 6 (Canteen), Singapore 669569. p. 6466 9558. Open Tue-Sun 11am-2.30pm, 5.30pm-10pm; Monday 5.30pm-10pm.
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh
We love Song Fa for their tender pork ribs; the meat falls right off the bone when you pick it up! The soup is a little on the sweet side and it’s mildly peppery, so you get that balance of savoury-sweet flavours. If you like, order some of their braised dishes to go with your bak kut teh, like the decadent pig’s trotter.
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, #01-01, 11 New Bridge Road, Singapore 059383, p. 6533 6128.
The Blue Ginger
Perfect for either a business lunch or a fun dinner in Tanjong Pagar, The Blue Ginger specialises in traditional dishes like ayam buah keluak, babi pong tay, ngoh hiang and more comforting Peranakan cuisine classics. For our full review (by our resident Peranakan food expert no less) read our Hot 50 Tables review of Blue Ginger.
The Blue Ginger, 97 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088518, p. 6222 3928. Open daily 12pm-3pm, 6.30pm-10.30pm.
Need a more comprehensive primer on Singapore’s food scene? Read our guide to 50 local foods and where to find them.
