Singapore's Bib Gourmand list has 11 new entries
The list, released on July 17 by the Michelin Guide Singapore, highlights hawker establishments and casual eateries - picked by Michelin inspectors - that offer diners value for money.
Most notably, three re-entries are returning stalwarts at Old Airport Road Food Centre - Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow, Nam Sing Hokkien Fried Mee and To-Ricos Kway Chap.
They were not in the 2024 list as the hawker centre was closed for upgrading works from June 1 to Sept 30, 2024.
Another two new entrants, previously listed under the Michelin Selected category, have been promoted to Bib Gourmand status. Michelin Selected eateries are recognised by the Michelin Guide for their quality, but do not qualify for a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand title.
They are chicken rice institution Boon Tong Kee's original branch in Balestier Road, established since 1983; and Ji Ji Noodle House at Hong Lim Market & Food Centre, serving its signature wanton noodles since 1965.
Three newly-minted restaurants on the list are Kitchenman Nasi Lemak at CT Hub in Kallang; Thai grill and bar Jungle in Ann Siang; and Kotuwa, a Sri Lankan restaurant. Kotuwa, a former Bib Gourmand recipient, is considered a new entry, as it had moved in 2024 to lifestyle cluster New Bahru.
On making the list, Kitchenman Nasi Lemak's Ipoh-born co-owner and chef Cheow Kah King, 38, says: "We're super grateful to be on the Bib Gourmand list this year. It's great to know that people appreciate what we're doing - offering good value and good food made with heart. We'll keep pushing to do even better."
Others making their debut are Sin Heng Claypot Bak Koot Teh in Joo Chiat, Song Kee Teochew Fish Porridge at Newton Food Centre, and Wok Hei Hor Fun at Redhill Food Centre.
Three have dropped off the list. They include famed nasi padang establishment Hjh Maimunah in Jalan Pisang. Two others have closed: Fool wine bar in Boon Tat Street and Shi Hui Yuan Hor Fun Specialty in Queenstown.
Mr Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, notes that more than 70 per cent of this year's selection features street food stalls. This "stands as a strong testament to Singapore's unwavering commitment to preserving its hawker culture amidst an evolving culinary landscape", she says.
Following this Bib Gourmand announcement, Singapore's Michelin-starred restaurants for 2025 will be unveiled on July 24 at a ceremony at Marina Bay Sands.
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