Singapore gets its first three Michelin-starred restaurants

Singapore’s wait for a three Michelin-starred restaurant is over with no less than two venues getting the coveted three pips in the latest edition of the city’s Michelin Guide.

The long-awaited 2019 edition for Singapore was finally announced earlier this month.

It marks an exciting milestone for the industry as two restaurants, Odette and Les Amis, were honoured with three stars for the first time since the launch of the Singapore guide in 2016.

“Getting a three star is always a singular moment in a chef’s life and I am convinced that’s the same feeling for a city or a country.

“With this historic first, which completes an already extensive culinary scene, Singapore enters a new dimension to the eyes and palate of food lovers,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides.

Both Odette and Les Amis are contemporary French fine dining restaurants.

Helmed by chef Julien Royer, the news of Odette topping the ranking is hardly surprising if we consider its recent accolades – being voted as the best restaurant in Asia this year.

As for Les Amis, the restaurant was a trend setter for fine dining in the city-state when it opened in 1994. Executive chef is Sebastien Lepinoy who spent a total of 17 years with Joël Robuchon before he joined the Les Amis group. Ranked no. 33 in Asia’s 50 best list recently, the set menus offer French classics with the occasional Asian influence, and the stunning wine list is one of the best in Asia.

Les Amis

A total of five restaurants were given two stars. Alongside Shisen Hanten, Shoukouwa and Waku Ghin, which were already honoured at this level last year, two restaurants were promoted for the first time. Saint Pierre earned an extra star with its high quality dishes, while Zén shot straight in with two stars off the bat thanks to a modern take on Nordic and Asian flavours.

Zen

Finally, 37 restaurants in Singapore were awarded one star. Seven of them are new entrants in the Guide. Basque Kitchen by Aitor, Jag, Lerouy, Table65 and Vianney Massot, all of European inspiration, as well as Cheek Bistro and Meta with their Australian origins, join the Michelin circle. Two of the numerous establishments awarded with a Plate (“Assiette”) Michelin last year were promoted to one star in this 2019 edition: Buona Terra, where Italian tradition reigns, and Terra.