As part of the SG60 List, we celebrate moments that show how far Singapore has come—not just in skyscrapers or systems, but in everyday wonders. One such moment: two hawker stalls earning Michelin stars, proving our street food is truly top tier.
A World First: Michelin Stars for Hawker Stalls
In 2016, the Michelin Guide broke convention by recognising two Singapore hawker stalls with one-star awards:
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Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle (Hawker Chan) in Chinatown became the world’s first Michelin-starred street-food stall, offering its signature chicken rice for under S$2.
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Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, famed for its bak chor mee, was awarded a star the same year—and continues to hold it today.
This extraordinary achievement placed Singapore hawker cuisine on the global map.
Hawker Chan: Humble Roots, Global Recognition
Hawker Chan began in 2009 at Chinatown Complex. Awarded its Michelin star in 2016, it earned fame for offering the “world’s cheapest Michelin-star meal.”
Even after losing its star in 2021, Chan remained committed: “the old hawker stall will stay… and the prices will remain the same,” regardless of acclaim.
Hill Street Tai Hwa: A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in the 1930s and now run by Tang Chay Seng, Hill Street Tai Hwa has kept its Michelin star since 2016—making it the only hawker stall in Singapore still holding one.
Its bak chor mee is celebrated for its layered flavours and authenticity—an everyday bowl elevated to world-class levels.
Why This Matters for SG60
Hawker culture is woven into Singapore’s spirit. From its early days as a British trading post to its 2020 UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage listing, our street-food heritage reflects our multicultural roots.
That two Michelin-starred hawker stalls—serving affordable, delicious food—come from humble street corners shows how far we’ve come as a nation. It signals that top-tier excellence can start with simple tradition.
Every Plate Tells a Story
These awards aren’t just accolades. They represent skill, consistency, affordability, and legacy—qualities that define Singapore. Each steaming bowl, each roast chicken, is part of our shared heritage and journey.
Because here in Singapore, excellence is no accident—it’s crafted, one hawker stall at a time.
