When Was the First Michelin Star Awarded to a Hawker Stall in Singapore?

The first Michelin star award was awarded to a hawker stall in Singapore in 2016. The award-winning stall is named Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle and is owned by the late Chan Hon Meng. Chan passed away in 2019, but his legacy lives on through his stall and the recognition it received from the Michelin guide.

The award was a huge achievement for both Singapore’s hawker culture and Michelin as it was the first time that a hawker stall had been given a star from the esteemed guide. It put Singapore on the world food map and served to prove that one does not have to be a fine dining establishment to be recognized for quality cuisine.

Chan’s stall was chosen for its exemplary preparation of soya sauce chicken rice, which is a dish that has been enjoyed by locals for decades. The dish consists of poached chicken served over fragrant rice cooked with soya sauce and garlic, accompanied by traditional condiments such as chilli, dark soy sauce, ginger paste and coriander.

In addition to receiving the star, Chan’s stall also received praise from celebrity chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain who both visited the humble establishment to try out Chan’s famous dish. This recognition further cemented Singapore’s place on the world food map.

Conclusion:

The first Michelin star awarded to a hawker stall in Singapore went to Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle owned by late Chan Hon Meng in 2016, making it an important part of both Singapore’s food culture and Michelin’s history. Chan’s legacy lives on through his stall which has now become synonymous with quality cuisine.