Singapore Bib Gourmand: Beyond the stars
The globally renowned Michelin stars require no introduction, but for the many (myself included) who can't simply waltz into the Joël Robuchon's of the world without worrying for the wallet, the annual Michelin Guide also has a separate Bib Gourmand category that recognizes establishments dishing out quality cuisine at approachable prices.
The Bib Gourmand distinction—image of Bibendum, aka Michelin Man, licking his lips--is awarded only to dining spots serving quality cuisine at affordable prices—"which today stands at about €36 in most European cities, US$40 in American cities, HK300 in Hong Kong and Y5,000 in Tokyo".
The inaugural 2016 Michelin Guide Singapore has today just released the list of Singapore Bib Gourmand awardees, a varied collection of 34 restaurants and street food outlets that offer a "good value meal for under S$45".
Of the 34 that made the list, 17 can be found in traditional food centres—an undoubted, commendatory nod to our rich street food heritage.
This then brings up another burning question: do we really have so few restaurants that can serve up good food at pocket-friendly prices?
SINGAPORE BIB GOURMAND AWARDEES: Bib Gourmand Restaurants Alaturka, Bussorah St Hjh Maimunah, Jalan Pisang 11-15 Ka Soh, College Rd Kok Sen, Keong Saik Rd Lagnaa, Little India New Ubin, Sin Ming Road Peony Jade at Keppel Club, Bukit Chermin Rd Shish Mahal, Albert St Song Fa, New Bridge Rd 328 Katong Laksa, Coast Rd True Blue Cuisine, Armenien St Whole Earth, Peck St Yhingthai Palace, Purvis St Zaffron Kitchen, East Coast Rd
Bib Gourmand Establishments Bismallah Biryani, 50 Dunlop Road JB Ah Meng Kitchen, 2 Lorong 23 Geylang Road Sin Huat Eating House, 659 Lorong 35 Geylang Road Alexandra Village Food Centre - Claypot Laska Amoy Street Food Centre - A Noodle Story Amoy Street Food Centre - Famous Crispy Curry Puff Amoy Street Food Centre - Hong Kee Beef Noodle Amoy Street Food Centre - Hoo Kee Rice Dumpling Golden Mile Food Centre - Wedang Hong Lim Market & Food Centre - Famous Sungei Road Trishaw 115 Bukit Merah View Market & Food Centre - Na Na Curry 127 Toa Payoh West M&F Centre - Chey Sua Carrot Cake Maxwell Food Centre - Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice Mei Ling Market & Food Centre - Shi Hui Yuan Newton Food Centre - Alliance Seafood Timbre+ in One-North - The Fishball Story Tiong Bahru Market - Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice Tiong Bahru Market - Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee Whampoa Market Place - Balestier Road Hoover Rojak Whampoa Market Place - Liang Zhao Ji
For more information, please visit guide.michelin.sg/bibgourmand2016.
Photo courtesy of Michelin Guide Singapore