Step into Singapore, where every meal is a celebration. This city isn’t just a place to eat — it’s where food tells stories, and each plate brings you closer to its beating heart.
Walk through bustling hawker centers. The scent of spice fills the air. Here, old family recipes live on — each dish made with care and pride.
Turn a corner, and you’ll find sleek restaurants led by world-famous chefs. Their bold ideas turn fresh local flavors into art, shining with skill and passion.
With 288 Michelin-recognized spots serving 40 unique cuisines, there’s something new at every table. Each bite connects you to cultures from all over the world.
Singapore’s magic is in how it blends tradition with daring. It’s a place where food isn’t just eaten, but experienced.
Let your taste buds wander. Taste the future. Discover why so many call this the food capital of Asia.
Come hungry — and leave inspired.
The Foundation: UNESCO-Recognized Hawker Culture
At the heart of Singapore’s food identity lies its hawker tradition, which received UNESCO recognition for Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020. This honor acknowledges not just the food itself, but the cultural significance of these communal dining spaces that have evolved from scattered street stalls into over 120 centralized hawker centers.
These hawker centers function as much more than mere food courts—they serve as community gathering places where different immigrant groups have shared their distinctive culinary traditions for generations. The democratic nature of these spaces, where a bowl of noodles costs just a few dollars and sits alongside Michelin-recognized establishments, exemplifies Singapore’s unique approach to food culture.
The Michelin Recognition: A Testament to Culinary Excellence
The 2024 Michelin Guide Singapore expansion, which added 36 new restaurants in July alone, brings the total number of recognized establishments to an impressive 288. This selection includes:
- 3 Three-Michelin-Star Restaurants: Les Amis, Odette, and Zen
- 7 Two-Michelin-Star Establishments
- 32 One-Michelin-Star Venues
- 89 Bib Gourmand Recipients (including many hawker stalls)
- 157 Michelin-Selected Addresses
This distribution demonstrates Michelin’s recognition of quality across all price points, from haute cuisine to street food—a philosophy that perfectly aligns with Singapore’s inclusive food culture.
Fine Dining Excellence: The Three-Star Experience
Les Amis: French Perfection in the Tropics
Address: Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road, #01-16, Singapore 228208
Since opening in 1994, Les Amis has maintained its position as Singapore’s flagship French restaurant, earning and retaining three Michelin stars through unwavering commitment to authenticity. Under the direction of chef Sebastien Lepinoy, the restaurant sources ingredients directly from France—from seasonal vegetables to the onions used in their sauces.
Ambience: The restaurant exudes understated elegance with its intimate 60-seat dining room featuring warm lighting, crisp white tablecloths, and contemporary French artwork. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook bustling Orchard Road, creating an oasis of refinement above the urban energy below.
Signature Dishes:
- Cold angel hair pasta with kombu, caviar, and black truffle
- Caviar served on petals of roseval potatoes with crème fraîche
- Pan-seared foie gras with Sauternes reduction
- Roasted pigeon with braised cabbage and juniper jus
- Brittany langoustine with cauliflower purée and caviar beurre blanc
The restaurant’s 1,800-bottle wine collection, with 90% French selections focusing on Bordeaux and Burgundy, complements a seasonal menu that changes every few months. The tasting menu ranges from 4 to 8 courses (S$188-S$388), with wine pairings available.
Mid-Tier Excellence: Innovation and Heritage
Candlenut: Celebrating Peranakan Heritage
Address: 17A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
As the world’s first Peranakan restaurant to receive a Michelin star, Candlenut represents a significant milestone in recognizing Southeast Asian cuisine on the global stage. Chef-owner Malcolm Lee’s family-style tasting menu celebrates the complex fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian culinary traditions that define Peranakan cuisine.
Ambience: Housed in a charming colonial black-and-white bungalow in the lush Dempsey Hill enclave, Candlenut features warm wood furnishings, vintage Peranakan tiles, and nostalgic family photographs that create an intimate, homey atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Peranakan home.
Signature Dishes:
- Wing bean salad with baby red radish, lemongrass, prawns, cashews, and anchovies
- Chef’s Mum’s Chicken Curry with potato and kaffir lime leaf (heirloom family recipe)
- Aunt Caroline’s Babi Buah Keluak featuring slow-cooked Iberico pork jowl with aromatic black nut
- Blue swimmer crab curry with coconut milk and Vietnamese mint
- Lor bak (five-spice pork roll) with water chestnut and prawns
The restaurant offers a 7-course tasting menu (S$148++) served family-style, encouraging sharing and conversation. Wine pairings featuring both Old World and regional selections are available for S$88++.
Meta: Korean-Influenced Innovation
Address: Keong Saik Road, 9 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089117
Meta’s journey from opening in 2015 to earning its second Michelin star in 2024 showcases Singapore’s dynamic culinary evolution. Chef-owner Sun Kim’s Korean heritage influences a seasonal menu that prominently features fresh seafood, creating sophisticated fusion cuisine that respects both tradition and innovation.
Ambience: Located in a beautifully restored shophouse in trendy Keong Saik Road, Meta features a minimalist interior with exposed brick walls, dark wood furnishings, and subtle Korean design elements. The intimate 28-seat space creates an exclusive dining experience with an open kitchen that allows guests to observe the culinary artistry.
Signature Dishes:
- Jeju abalone with kamtae, lily bulb, and juk (rice porridge)
- Sea urchin with fermented rice and Korean pear
- Amadai (tilefish) with Korean chili and chrysanthemum
- Dry-aged beef with doenjang (fermented soybean paste) and perilla
- House-made tofu with truffle and soy milk foam
The restaurant offers an 8-course tasting menu (S$228++) that changes seasonally to showcase the finest ingredients. Wine pairings curated to complement Korean flavors are available for S$128++, featuring both international and Korean natural wines.
Street Food Royalty: Michelin-Recognized Hawker Stalls
Perhaps most remarkable about Singapore’s Michelin scene is the recognition of hawker stalls—humble establishments that serve traditional comfort foods at accessible prices while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
Hong Lim Market and Food Centre
Address: 531A Upper Cross Street, Hong Lim Complex, Singapore 051531
This Chinatown institution houses several Bib Gourmand recipients in a bustling, no-frills hawker center environment where plastic stools and marble-topped tables create an authentically local dining experience.
Ambience: A traditional hawker center atmosphere with fluorescent lighting, open-air seating, and the aromatic symphony of wok hei (breath of the wok) filling the air. The controlled chaos of busy stalls and the chatter of diners in multiple languages creates an energetic, communal dining environment.
Notable Stalls:
Tai Wah Pork Noodle (Stall #01-213)
- Signature: Bak chor mee (minced pork noodles) – S$4-S$6
- Family recipe since the 1930s featuring springy noodles, minced pork, fish cake, and wontons
- Available dry (tossed in sauce) or with soup
Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee (Stall #01-127)
- Signature: Char kway teow – S$4-S$8
- Dark, smoky stir-fried rice noodles with prawns, Chinese sausage, and egg
- Cooked in small batches over intense heat for maximum wok hei
Ji Ji Noodle House (Stall #01-75)
- Specialties: Char siu wonton noodles – S$5-S$7
- Handmade wontons and springy egg noodles with barbecued pork
- Available with clear broth or dry-tossed with oyster sauce
Amoy Street Food Centre
Address: 7 Maxwell Road, Singapore 069111
This business district favorite becomes a bustling lunch destination, housed in a heritage Art Deco building that combines historical architecture with the vibrant energy of a modern food court.
Ambience: Located in a beautifully preserved 1950s building, the food center features high ceilings, original terrazzo floors, and large windows that flood the space with natural light. During lunch hours, the center buzzes with office workers, creating a lively atmosphere that embodies Singapore’s fast-paced urban dining culture.
Featured Stalls:
Han Kee Fish Soup (Stall #01-49)
- Signature: Batang fish soup with rice or bee hoon – S$4-S$8
- Crystal-clear broth simmered for hours with fresh batang fish slices
- Served with either white rice or thin rice noodles, garnished with fried garlic and cilantro
A Noodle Story (Stall #01-39)
- Signature: Singapore-style truffle ramen – S$8-S$12
- Innovative fusion featuring Japanese ramen techniques with local flavors
- Sous-vide pork belly, homemade sambal chili, and imported truffle oil
- Topped with fresh prawns and soft-boiled egg
Ah Ter Authentic Teochew Fish Ball Noodles (Stall #01-51)
- Specialties: Teochew fish ball noodles – S$4-S$7
- Three generations of handmade fish balls and fish cake
- Choice of pork rib broth or dry-tossed with traditional chile sauce
- Includes fish balls, fish cake, minced pork, and choice of noodles
J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff (Stall #01-18)
- Signature: Curry puffs in various flavors – S$1.50-S$2.50 each
- Flaky, buttery pastry with innovative fillings
- Popular varieties: black pepper chicken, sweet taro, traditional potato curry
- Best enjoyed fresh and warm from the fryer
The Singapore Advantage: Accessibility and Quality
What sets Singapore’s food scene apart is its remarkable accessibility. Unlike many global food capitals where Michelin-starred dining requires significant financial investment, Singapore offers world-class culinary experiences across all price points. A diner can enjoy a Michelin-recognized meal at a hawker stall for under $5, then experience three-star French cuisine the same day.
This democratization of quality dining reflects Singapore’s multicultural society, where culinary excellence is celebrated regardless of its origins or price point. The hawker centers serve as equalizing spaces where office workers, tourists, and food enthusiasts gather around shared tables, creating a communal dining experience rarely found in other major cities.
Additional Michelin-Starred Gems Worth Exploring
Odette (Three Michelin Stars)
Address: National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, #01-04, Singapore 178957
Ambience: Housed within the stunning National Gallery, this elegant restaurant features soaring ceilings, contemporary art installations, and panoramic views of the Singapore River.
Signature Dishes: Modern French cuisine with Asian influences, including Hokkaido sea urchin with cauliflower and caviar, and roasted pigeon with black truffle.
Zen (Three Michelin Stars)
Address: Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, 190 Orchard Boulevard, Level 2, Singapore 248646
Ambience: A serene, minimalist space inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics, featuring natural wood elements and subtle lighting.
Signature Dishes: Contemporary Nordic cuisine with Japanese techniques, such as langoustine with fermented garlic and aged beef with bone marrow.
Practical Dining Tips
Reservations: Fine dining establishments like Les Amis, Meta, and Candlenut require reservations well in advance, especially for weekend dining. Book 2-4 weeks ahead.
Hawker Center Etiquette: At hawker centers, secure a table first by placing a packet of tissues (known locally as “choping”), then order from multiple stalls. Payment is typically cash-only.
Peak Hours: Hawker centers are busiest during lunch (11:30 AM – 2:30 PM) and dinner (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM). Visit slightly earlier or later to avoid queues.
Dress Codes: Fine dining restaurants typically require smart casual attire, while hawker centers have no dress requirements.
The UNESCO recognition of Singapore’s hawker culture, combined with its impressive Michelin representation, positions the city-state as a unique culinary destination. The preservation of traditional cooking methods alongside innovative fine dining approaches demonstrates how heritage and modernity can coexist successfully.
The 40 different cuisines represented in the Michelin guide reflect Singapore’s position as a cultural crossroads, where Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan, French, Korean, and numerous other culinary traditions have found expression and excellence.
Looking Forward: A Model for Culinary Diversity
Singapore’s food scene represents more than just exceptional restaurants—it’s a model for how cities can celebrate culinary diversity while maintaining quality standards across all price points. The Michelin recognition validates what locals have known for generations: that exceptional food experiences aren’t limited to expensive establishments.
As Singapore continues to evolve as a global culinary destination, its commitment to preserving hawker culture while fostering fine dining innovation ensures that the city will remain a paradise for food lovers of all backgrounds and budgets. The Lion City has proven that the most memorable culinary experiences often come not from choosing between street food and haute cuisine, but from embracing both as equally valid expressions of culinary artistry.
In Singapore, every meal is an opportunity to experience the intersection of tradition and innovation, accessibility and excellence—making it a truly unique destination in the global culinary landscape.
- Limited Information: Most establishments appear to be dine-in focused
- Takeaway Available: Several hawker stalls and coffee shops
- No Delivery Mentioned: For most locations
Tourist Accessibility:
- Highest Value: Maxwell Food Centre, Tong Ah Eating House, Original Katong Laksa, Atlas Bar
- Moderate Accessibility: Most hawker centres and established restaurants
- Advance Planning Required: The Ampang Kitchen, Burnt Ends reservations
Cultural Significance:
- Historical: Tong Ah (1939), Singapore Zam Zam (1908), Song Fa (1969)
- Heritage Preservation : Kim Choo Kueh Chang, Tan’s Tu Tu Coconut Cake
- Modern Innovation: Burnt Ends, Cloudstreet, % Arabica
Cooking Techniques Highlighted:
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