If you’re surprised that Singapore doesn’t already have a Michelin Guide to call its own, you wouldn’t be alone. The city-state is a hotspot for foodies, and travelers visit from all over the world to dine on its array of Asian-influenced cuisines. On July 21, however, the destination will finally get its own Michelin Guide.
A week prior to its ratings, Michelin released the names of 34 restaurants and street food venues as their Bib Gourmand selections. These establishments are characterized as restaurants offering a high quality menu at a reasonable price. Among those, 17 hawker stalls (tiny establishments specializing in just a single dish) were recognized as the best in the region.
Established in the ‘50s, hawker stalls are renowned for being the go-to spot for locals and visitors hoping for top-notch street food. While many are excited about the guide, locals are worried about the “Michelin curse,” which may mean longer lines at stalls and lowered food standards. No matter how you look at it though, the recongnition was long overdue for this gourmand city-state. Singapore will join Hong Kong, Macau and five cities in Japan as Asia's only destinations with Michelin Guides.
