Winners of Michelin Bib Gourmand in Singapore: What do patrons really think about them?

It’s no secret that foodies in Singapore are fussy, fussy eaters that are notoriously hard to please.

And in July, 50 eateries have been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, with 12 more entrants compared to 2017. The Michelin Bib Gourmand (not to be confused with the Michelin Stars) is given to eateries that offer “exceptionally good food at moderate prices”. In Singapore, these winners should offer menu items priced below S$45. Unsurprisingly, we have many hawker stalls in the mix.

But just how good do local palates enjoy these Michelin Bib Gourmand eateries? We scour online reviews to find out if they are worth the award and queue.

1. A Noodle Story

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Source: danielfooddiary.com

Based on the idea of Singaporean-styled ramen, and inspired by both European techniques and Asian flavours, a hearty (but pretty!) bowl of Ramen goes for SGD7 for a small portion, and SGD9 for a bigger portion.

The verdict? Praised to the heavens by Seth Lui, DanielFoodDiary, as completely worthy of their Michelin Bib Gourmand status (they have been in the list for three years consecutively, since 2016!), and receiving a full five stars from patrons on HungryGoWhere, who praised their hearty flavours and bouncy noodles.

Address: 7 Maxwell Road, #01-39, Singapore 069111

Opening hours: Monday to Friday (11.15pm to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 7.30pm), Saturday (10.30am to 1.30pm), closed on Sunday and public holidays

2. Alliance Seafood

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Source: singaporebestfoods.com

A store that has been around for more than 30 years now, the hawkers pride themselves on only using live, and the freshest Sri Lankan crabs for drool-worthy, wallet-friendly chili crabs (seasonal price).

The verdict? Food reviewer Seth Lui praised the Chili Crab as sweet, tender, and coming easily off the shell, albeit with a rather mild sauce, with a hint of sweetness.

For those who just can’t usually take spicy food – this may be within your spice threshold!

P.S. They’re also halal-certified, which is good news for Muslim readers reading this.

Address: 500 Clemenceau Avenue, #01-27, Newton Food Centre, Singapore 229495

Opening hours:  Thursday to Tuesday (11.30am to 11pm), closed on Wednesday

3. Ah Er Soup

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Source: misstamchiak.com

A rather humble-looking store with an equally humble-sounding name, Ah Er Soup specialises in Cantonese style herbal soups, including “luxury” soups like Buddha Jumps Over The Wall (SGD6.50) that are usually served in high-end restaurants and more homely soups like Water Cress Pork Ribs Soup (SGD3.50).

Food reviewers like DanielFoodDiary praised the Buddha Jumps Over The Wall as flavourful, but calming and soothing, perfect for a cold, rainy day.

With nothing above SGD6.50, there’s really nothing to lose. Sit down for a nice, calming bowl of pocket-friendly double-boiled soup.

P.S. You might be happy to also know that there is no MSG in the soup, and reviewers backed it up by saying they did not feel thirsty after drinking the soup.

Address: 3 Yuan Ching Road, #01-143, Singapore 618642

Opening hours: Daily (11am to 9pm)

4. Balestier Road Hoover Rojak

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Source: ieatandeat.com

This stall has a perpetual long, snaking queue, from when it opens at 3.30pm. Balestier Road Hoover Rojak is known by Rojak-junkies as one of THE best in Singapore.

Adorned with bean sprouts, cucumber, guava, jelly fish, lettuce, mango, pineapple, turnip, taupok, and youtiao drizzled with a generous serving of their delicious sauce, a small plate goes for SGD4.

The verdict? Food reviewers say that despite being around for a long time, the standard has remained more or less the same, and that it’s worth the long queue.

Address: Block 90 Whampoa Drive, #01-06, Whampoa Makan Place, Singapore 320090

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday (10.30am to 4pm), closed on Monday and Tuesday

5. Chai Chuan Tou Yang Rou Tang (New Entry)

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Source: straitstimes.com

A new entry in the fray of 50 Michelin Bib Gourmand food places, Chai Chuan Tou Yang Rou Tang often sees long queues where patrons have to wait up to 30 minutes (if lucky!) to an hour, and it specialises in Mutton Soup.

The verdict? Patrons praised it for its succulent, tender lamb meat, and in lacking the typical “smelly” scent and taste typical of lamb, while they simply said the soup was “shiok”.

Address: 115 Bukit Merah View, #01-51, Singapore 151115

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday (11am to 1.30pm), closed on Sunday

6. Chey Sua Carrot Cake

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Source: singaporebestfoods.com

A carrot cake store tucked away in the housing estate of Toa Payoh, this stall, like many others on the list, sees long queues that can go up from 45 minutes to one and a half hours.

Is it worth the wait? Seems like reviewers on HungryGoWhere were undecided, with one very angry reviewer saying that it was most certainly not worth the wait, and that the carrot cake was “ordinary”. However, many others gave it a full five-star rating, saying it was the “best carrot cake” they’ve had, with the radish “steamed super-smooth” and a to-die for “melt-in-the-mouth texture”, with shredded carrots for unique touch.

Address: Blk 127, Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #02-30, Singapore 310127

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday (6am to 1pm), closed on Monday

7. Chuan Kee Boneless Braised Duck (New Entry)

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Source: straitstimes.com

One of the only Duck Rice stores which features flavoured, dark sauce drenched rice, tender, boneless duck, and a rich herbal soup, it is no wonder Chuan Kee Boneless Braised Duck made it into the list of Michelin Bib Gourmand hawkers this year.

The overall verdict? At SGD3 for Duck Rice, Noodles, or Porridge, many reviewers more or less arrived to the same consensus: that they serve one mean plate of Duck-ilicious plate of food.

Address: 20 Ghim Moh Road, #01-161, Singapore 270020

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday (10am to 8pm)

8. Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Claypot Laksa

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Source: straitstimes.com

With a warning sign up in the front that explicitly warns patrons of its spicy gravy, you know you’re already going to be in for a good time.

Combining two of Singaporeans’ favourite things – our love for laksa, an iconic dish, and dishes in clay pots, Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei attracts long queues made up mostly from the office crowd in the nearby area, who queue up diligently for their piping hot bowl of spicy, spicy laksa.

While many reviewers loved its thick, spicy, and flavoursome broth, they also bemoaned the rather small portions (SGD4), which only filled half the clay pot, and certainly not as spicy as the usual laksa you get at hawker centres.

Address: Block 119, Bukit Merah Lane 1, #01-75, Alexandra Village, Singapore151120

Opening hours:  Monday to Saturday (9am to 4pm), closed on Sunday

9. Famous Sungei Road Trishaw Laksa

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Source: sgfoodonfoot.com

Specialising in both its Mee Siam and Laksa, it boasts of unique, one-of-a-kind flavour blends like Fruit Juice Crayfish Mee Siam (SGD6), with a fresher, and more citrusy taste (hence fruit juice), and Asia Delight Laksa with Crayfish (SGD5.50), featuring a thinner, chicken broth-like texture, as opposed to the more lemak, creamy texture we’re used to in a typical Singaporean laksa.

The verdict? Reviewers online praised it for its flavoursome punch, despite the thinner broth, saying that it was a good ‘guilt-free’ indulgence. Ingredients used, they said, tasted fresh, with the owners personable and friendly, unlike many popular hawker stores.

Address: Block 513A Upper Cross Street, #02-66, Hong Lim Market & Food Centre, Singapore 051531

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday (11.30am to 5pm), closed on Sunday

10. Fresh Taste Big Prawn Noodle (New Entry)

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Source: burpple.com

Featuring humongous prawns with an option of either dry or soup base (SGD8), topped with spicy chili powder, and yellow noodles, this has won its way into the growing number of Michelin Bib Gourmand hawkers.

The verdict? According to reviewers, the giant prawns are served pretty generously, and fresh, with an “awesome”, complex soup base. The only complaint was the price at SGD8, which is more expensive than the usual hawker fare we’re used to seeing. Hasn’t stopped people coming back for more, though, it seems!

Address: 56 Zion Road, #04-55, Singapore 247792

Opening hours: Monday to Friday (6pm to 11.30pm), Satuday and Sunday (12pm to 1am)

11. Heng Carrot Cake (New Entry)

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Source: straitstimes.com

Another eatery in the ever popular Newton Food Centre, what makes Heng Carrot Cake special is its moist and fluffy radishes, coated with a crispy, slightly charred exterior on the outside, a generous helping of egg, without being too oily, which reviewers raved about endlessly.

At SGD4 and such generous praise, we certainly think this is worth a try. (Yes, even for the health-conscious!)

Address: 500 Clemenceau Avenue North, #01-28, Singapore 229495

Opening hours: Daily (5pm to 1am)

12. Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee

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Source: misstamchiak.com

Serving up Hokkien Mee, Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee was praised by the Michelin Guide Inspectors as “cooked-to-order, the noodles stir-fried with sliced fish, squid and prawn and served with homemade chilli sauce is a favourite”.

It seems to have a rather mixed bag of reviews – while some reviews say that they have had better Hokkien Mee elsewhere, and not enough Wok-Hei, others praised Hong Heng’s Hokkien Mee for its flavourful gravy, and generous portions of seafood.

Prices have also been kept affordably at SGD3, for the smallest portion.

Address: 30 Seng Poh Road, #02-01, Tiong Bahru Market, Singapore 168898

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday (11am to 8pm), closed on Mondays

13. Hong Kong Yummy Soup

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Source: misstamchiak.com

Offering a wide variety of cheap, yummy, and health-boosting Cantonese-style herbal soups, such as their Spareribs Soup with Lotus Root and Dry Octopus (SGD3), Spareribs Soup with Winter Melon (SGD3), Herbal Soup with Chicken (SGD3.50), Spareribs Soup with Mushrooms (SGD3), Cordyceps flowers Soup with Chicken (SGD4) and Night-blooming Cereus Spareribs Soup (SGD3.50), you’ll never run out of new things to try.

The verdict? Piping hot soups chock-full of flavour, with the Lotus Root lending a sweet, mellow taste that warms the heart. (and stomach!) Supposedly beneficial to your health (improving blood circulation around the heart, and lungs) and devoid of MSG, truly, the definition of a guilt-free, healthy indulgence.

Address: 7 Maxwell Road, #01-18, Amoy Street Food Centre, Singapore 150120

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday (10am to 4pm), closed on Sunday and public holidays

14. Hong Kee Beef Noodle

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Source: straitstimes.com

Attracting moderately long queues from the office crowd in the nearby CBD area, Hong Kee Beef Noodles attracts patrons with its flavourful, but light beef broth, at only SGD4 for a small portion.

The verdict? While some liked the lighter, clearer broth, which left them feeling ‘healthy’ but satisfied, coupled with succulent, tender beef, while other reviewers prefer the standard thick, heavier beef broth served in other hawkers. 

Well, we’d say this may probably be a matter of preference!

Address: 7 Maxwell Road, #01-42, Amoy Street Food Centre, Singapore 069111

Opening hours: Monday to Friday (11am to 7.30pm); Saturday & Sunday (9am to 2.30pm)

15. Hoo Kee Bak Chang

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Source: straitstimes.com

Another eatery at the famous Amoy Street Food Centre, Hoo Kee’s Bak Chang is a notch above the other hawkers selling Bak Chang because of its use of lean meat, as opposed to the usual unhealthy fatty meats, combined with sweet and soft, crumbly chestnuts.

Portions, according to reviewers, are also pretty generous.

Coming in three flavours – the traditional Pork Dumpling with Chestnut (SGD2.80), Pork Dumpling with Chestnut and Mushrooms (SGD3.60), and Pork Dumpling with Chestnut and Salted Egg Yolk (SGD3.60), with its generous portions and affordable pricing, it is no surprise that these dumplings are often snapped out by the end of the day.

Address:  7 Maxwell Road, #01-18, Amoy Street Food Centre, Singapore 069111

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday (10am to 4pm), closed on Sunday and public holidays

16. J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff

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Source: danielfooddiary.com

Layered with a flaky pastry, it is not surprise that one of the local-favourites – the humble curry puff – is on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list.

It comes with four different types of filling to have with that oh-so-delectable pastry – Spicy Potato, Black Pepper Chicken, Sardine, and Yam Paste, all sold at a super affordable price of SGD1.20. (Yes, cheaper than your local Old Chang Kee!)

According to reviewers, this is a ‘must-try’, with many citing that they simply love that it’s handmade, and always served fresh and hot, right out from the deep fryer, with a strong, but delectable flavour of curry leaf in its curry puffs.

Address: 7 Maxwell Road, #01-21, Amoy Street Food Centre, Singapore 069111

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday (8am to 4pm), closed on Sundays and public holidays

Psst, check out more Amoy Street Food Centre fare in another article we’ve written!

17. Lao Fu Zi Fried Kway Teow (New Entry)

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Source: flickr.com

A kway teow stall with a perpetually long queue, you’ll be relieved to know that the queue moves relatively fast, with a tag team of husband and wife being super efficient in cooking and taking orders respectively.

A place with rather mixed reviews, some may not like it as the stall does not use lard, unless specifically requested, hence why some reviewers feel it lacking a certain ‘oomph’. However, other reviewers liked that it was both flavourful yet not too oily. Each plate is priced at SGD4.

Address: 51 Old Airport Road, #01-12, Singapore 390051

Opening hours:  Monday to Friday, and every alternate Saturday (11am to 10pm), closed on Sunday

18. Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice (New Entry)

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Source: misstamchiak.com

With each portion of Claypot Rice lovingly made from scratch, expect the waiting time to be pretty long, but definitely expect some quality food.

Each portion is heaped with a generous helping of ingredients like Chinese Sausage, juicy chicken, veggies, slivers of salted fish with fluffy chicken rice, and drizzled with sweet soya sauce to finish it off, from SGD5 to SGD20.

While reviewers thought of it as a simple, all-in-one but satisfying treat, they bemoan the long waiting time and suggest calling in to place your order ahead of time to avoid the long, agonising wait.

Address: 335 Smith Street, #02-197/198/199, Singapore 050335

Telephone: 6227 2470

Opening hours: Friday to Wednesday (4.30pm to 10pm), closed on Tuesday

19. Na Na Homemade Curry

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Source: misstamchiak.com

Offering a rather huge array of Peranakan-style curries – from fish (SGD4), to chicken (SGD3.50), to pork rib (SGD4) to mutton (SGD4) to vegetable (SGD3), Na Na Homemade Curry caters to all types of meat eaters (and vegetarians too!) looking for a spicy punch.

The verdict? The single portioned curries didn’t fare that great, as the meats weren’t very tender, but the absolute star of the show would be their signature Fish Head Curry (SGD20), as it contains generous portions of ingredients like the entire fish head, which is fresh and tender, pieces of crispy tau kee soaked in the fiery sauce, yam, and tau pok, according to other reviewers.

That being said, its spice-level is certainly not for the faint-hearted!

Address: 115 Bukit Merah View, #01-47, Singapore 151115

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday (11am to 7pm), closed on Sunday.

20. New Lucky Claypot Rice

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Source: danielfooddiary.com

A claypot rice stall, it serves the usual fare of Claypot Chicken Rice which goes for SGD10/15 for two pax, SGD15/20 for three pax, and SGD20/25 for four pax.

Despite the long waiting time of around 20 minutes, patrons on its Facebook page praised the store for having juicy, tender chicken meat and salted fish slices, a generous helping of Chinese Sausage, and a good balance of sweet soy sauce and oil to complement the dish.

Address: 44 Holland Drive, #02-19, Holland Drive Market & Food Centre, Singapore 270044

Opening hours: 11am to 1pm, 5pm to 8pm, closed on Wednesdays

21. Outram Park Fried Kway Teow Mee

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Source: hungrygowhere.com

Boasting of long queues long before its Michelin Bib Gourmand days, that only the most eager patrons are willing to wait out, the wait averages from 15 minutes, to up to an hour, just to get a plate of Kway Teow (SGD4), with an additional SGD2 for cockles.

So is it worth the queue? According to many char kway teow connoisseurs – yes, because the Char Kway Teow served at this particular store is different from others due to the hawker’s unique way of cooking the eggs first, resulting in a creamier texture, topped off with crispy lard bits that, while unhealthy, is what makes it a huge fan-favourite of Singaporeans.

Address: 531A Upper Cross Street, #02-17, Singapore 051531

Opening hours: Open daily (7am to 9pm)

22. Rolina Traditional Hainanese Curry Puff (New Entry)

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Source: singaporebestfoods.com

Sticking to true traditions, Rolina Traditional Hainanese Curry Puff is manned by a 76-year-old stall owner who insists on making each and every curry puff by hand, and in only using the freshest ingredients.

Only two traditional flavours are available – Chicken & Egg (SGD1.50), and Sardine (SGD1.50).

The verdict? Food reviewers like Miss Tam Chiak raved about its spicy and fragrant curry on the inside, coupled, and the general freshness of the puffs itself. However, many reviewers on the Facebook page said that it tasted ‘ordinary’ and that sizes of the puffs have been ‘shrinking’ over time.

Address: 6 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, #02-15, Tanjong Pagar Plaza Market and Food Centre, Singapore 081006

Opening hours: Open daily (9am to 2pm)

23. Shi Hui Yuan Hor Fun Specialty

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Source: danielfooddiary.com

Located in the rather remote and hard-to-reach Mei Ling Market & Food Centre lies a hidden treasure – Shi Hui Yuan, a hawker stall that serves Ipoh style hor fun.

Serving its Ipoh Hor Fun (from SGD4) with a variety of choice sides, along with its tasty, viscous sauce, it attracts long queues despite being in a rather remote area.

The verdict? Touted by DanielFoodDiary as an old-school, classic tasting Ipoh Hor Fun with plenty of umami in its gravy – coating both ingredients and rice noodles – and as a must-try for people keen on Ipoh Hor Fun.

Be warned though, that it apparently sells out rather quickly, and closes early!

Address: 159 Mei Chin Road, #02-33, Singapore 140159

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday (7.30am to 2pm), closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

24. Shi Wei Da (New Entry)

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Source: danielfooddiary.com

A stall that specialises in tasty, tantalising Satay Beehoon with peanut sauce, it is another new entrant in Michelin Bib Gourmand list.

The verdict? Despite its rather messy appearance, reviewers praised it as being a very tasty plate of food, with fresh ingredients, and bee hoon that soaked up the thick, peanut, richly savoury sauce.

However, they did bemoan the long waiting time and described the queue as moving at a “snails’ pace”. We’d say if you have the patience and live in the East (where it’s located) – go for it!

Address: Block 85 Bedok North Street 4, #01-41, Fengshan Market and Food Centre, Singapore 460085

Opening hours: Open daily from 5pm till midnight

25. Tai Wah Pork Noodle (New Entry)

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Source: danielfooddiary.com

A stall that only sells Bak Chor Mee, it apparently attracts queues that has patrons waiting for up to an hour, which is touted by Bak Chor Mee fans for its strong vinegary flavours, use of fresh ingredients, and its springy noodles.

However, many reviewers online complained of that the small portions did not justify the price, at SGD6, and although it serves a decent bowl of Bak Chor Mee, it was rather ordinary tasting. On the other hand, others loved the strong vinegar flavours and attest to the quality of food.

Address: 531A Upper Cross Street, #02-16, Singapore 051531

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday (9.30am to 7.30pm), closed on Monday

26. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice

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Source: straitstimes.com

A pretty renowned name by now, Tian Tian Chicken Rice is a hawker stall that almost always attracts super long queues that only the most dedicated chicken rice fan would patiently wait for. It goes for SGD3 for the smallest portion.

The verdict? Many agreed that while it was a pretty decent plate of chicken rice, the service at Tian Tian Chicken Rice was not too great. One customer even said they were ‘swatted away like flies’. Otherwise, many agreed that while the chicken was smooth and tender, it leaned towards the oily side, and that there were ‘better chicken rice out there’.

Address: 1 Kadayanallur Street, #01-10/11, Maxwell Food Centre, Singapore 069184

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday (10am to 8pm), closed on Mondays

27. Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice

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Source: misstamchiak.com

From this list, it’s only too easy to tell that Singaporeans absolutely love their chicken rice, judging by the number of chicken rice on the list.

While some reviewers liked the more ‘subtle-taste’ and less greasy chicken rice that Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice (SGD3) puts out, calling it the ‘best chicken rice out there’, others felt that the chicken was not as ‘plump’ as they would’ve liked, and that ‘‘it could have more depth in flavours’.

As usual, a matter of personal preference – for those who prefer cleaner tasting dishes or home cooked meals, perhaps this might be more your cup of tea!

Address: 30 Seng Poh Road, #02-82, Tiong Bahru Market, Singapore 058961

Opening hours: Open daily from 10.30am to 9pm

28. Tiong Bahru Yi Sheng Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee (New Entry)

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Source: singaporebestfoods.com

No stranger to long, long queues, many loyal patrons come to this humble little store at ABC Market just to get themselves a nice, plate of delicious, slurp-worthy Hokkien Mee (SGD4)

But are the one-hour queues worth the wait? According to many on Burpple – yes! Many reviewers mentioned that while they were initially reluctant to join in the hour-long, snaking queues, they were rewarded by ‘one of the best Hokkien Mees’ they’ve ever tasted, attributing the deep flavours from the noodles simmering in the prawn broth per batch.

A big fan of Hokkien Mee? Give Tiong Bahru Yi Sheng Fried Hokkien Prawn Mee a whirl.

Address: 6 Jalan Bukit Merah, #01-13, Singapore 150006

Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday (3pm to 10.45pm), closed on Tuesday

29. Bar-roque Grill

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Source: sethlui.com

Located in Amara Hotel in an open-concept kitchen where patrons can view the skewering of the meats from their table, its French-style grilled meats are the signature of the restaurant, true to its name as a grill.

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Source: hungrygowhere.com

Must-tries would be the grilled meats – a patron said that his Wagyu Hanger Steak and Lamb was ‘perfectly grilled’, and that even the sides like the salad, and the mashed potatoes were ‘surprisingly good’. Other worthy mentions would be its Wild Ravioli Royan with Wild Mushrooms, Garlic & Chives (SGD32), which got similar praise by multiple reviewers, described as ‘small little pockets of flavourful cheese filling accentuated by the mushrooms’.

Address: 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, #01-00, Singapore 088539

Telephone: 6444 9672 / 9115 6686

Opening hours: Monday to Friday (12pm to 10.30pm); Saturday (6pm to 10.30pm); Closed on Sunday

30. Ka-Soh Seafood Restaurant

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Source: danielfooddiary.com
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Source: guide.michelin.com

With its interior looking a little bit dated and straight from the 80s, Ka-Soh Restaurant is a zi-char style restaurant that serves up local delights like its signature, its Sliced Fish Noodle Soup (SGD7.50), and other eats such as Deep Fried Frog with Ginger (SGD22), and its Prawn Paste Chicken (SGD15.50).

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Source: pinkypiggu.com

While reviewers rated the Sliced Fish Noodle Soup badly, complaining that ingredients used didn’t taste very fresh and complained about the poor service, many praised the other dishes like the Deep Fried Frog, and the Prawn Paste Chicken, which a reviewer said was one of the best Har Cheong Gai they’ve tasted.

Address: 2 College Road, Alumni Medical Centre, Singapore 169850

Telephone: 6473 6686

Opening hours: Opens daily (11.45am to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 10.45pm)

31. Kok Sen Restaurant

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Source: pinkypiggu.com

Another zi-char style restaurant, Kok Sen Restaurant is famous for its Big Prawn Bee Hoon (SGD16/32/48), its Cereal Butter Squid (SGD14/21/28), its Crispy Noodles with Shrimp Omelette (SGD12/18/36), and many more.

Although prices are rather hefty – especially for a zi-char in a coffeeshop setting – patrons say that the portions more than make up for it, and even recommend that you share the bowl.

The overall verdict? Patrons loved the Big Prawn Bee Hoon Soup, and said that they would drink ‘every last drop of soup’, of the delicious, spicy prawn-flavoured soup-base. That being said, older patrons feel that the standards of Kok Sen has dropped since, with its dishes not as ‘magical’ as they used to be.

We’ll leave you to try it out for yourself, to decide if it’s truly changed for the better, or the worse.

Address: 30 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089137

Telephone: 6223 2005

Opening hours: Opens daily (11.30am to 2pm, 5pm to 11pm)

32. Lagnaa

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Source: straitstimes.com

Specialising in Indian cuisine, Lagnaa is famous for three things – its tantalising, authentic Indian curries, its concept of bare-foot dining so diners feel truly at home, and thirdly, the ability to request for the spice level, from the mild, barely-there 1 to a tongue-searing 10.

However, it seems that reviewers were disappointed and said that while the food like their Chicken Tikka (SGD12) and Naan (SGD3) were decent, they were not ‘wow-ed’. Many also complained of the small portions they were given, which they felt was not proportional to the price they paid, as well as the poor service they received. But reviewers on TripAdvisor were more positive, and said they liked that they could ‘test their spice tolerance’ at Lagnaa.

Address: 6 Upper Dickson Road, Singapore 207466

Telephone: 6296 1215

Opening hours: Opens daily (11.30am to midnight)

33. Liao Fan Hawker Chan

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Source: misstamchiak.com

Specialising in roast meats (duh), and its Soya Sauce Chicken with Rice or Noodles (SGD4.50), you might recognise this place as it was the very first hawker in Singapore that won a Michelin star.

It has since become something of an international franchise, with outlets opening in Taipei and Bangkok, and has been converted into a restaurant establishment.

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Source: danielfooddiary.com

The verdict? While food reviewers said that it is not as good as it previously was in its heyday (pre-Michelin Star days), they still like the thin glossy skin of the meats, alongside the springy noodles and slightly sweet sauce, which is ‘almost as good as it used to be’, although the meats seemed to have lost its tender, slipperiness of yesteryear.

Address: 78 Smith Street, Singapore 058972

Opening hours: Opens daily (10am to 8pm), closed on Wednesdays

34. Man Man

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Source: fundamentally-flawed.blogspot.com

The first Japanese eatery on our list, Man Man specialises in grilled unagi, or eel, which is said to be imported live, and straight from Japan to ensure its freshness. Prices start at SGD18.60 for an Unagi Donburi set, and attracts long from the office crowd nearby.

The verdict? While food reviewers felt that the grilled unagi don was tasty, warm and comforting, with a nicely crisp exterior and caramelisation from the sauce, they felt that it was most certainly not worth the 30 minutes to 2-hour wait.

Address: 1 Keong Saik Road, #01-01, Singapore 089109

Telephone: 6222 0678

Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays (11.30am to 3pm, last order at 2.30pm), (6pm to 10.30pm, last order at 10pm); closed on Sundays

35. Muthu’s Curry (New Entry)

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Source: theculturetrip.com

Established in 1969, Muthu’s Curry has been around for a long, long time.

Offering its patrons authentic traditional Chettinad-style dishes, a small, Tamil-speaking region in India, with interesting eats like their Vazhakkai Varruval – which is fried, unripened bananas fried like potato wedges, a traditional eat in typical Chettinad households, as well as their signature Fish Curry (SGD22), which has earned praises from patrons of being an absolute must-try and what ‘real curry is all about’.

Address: 138 Race Course Road, #01-01, Singapore 218591

Telephone: 6392 1722

Opening hours: Opens daily (10.30am to 10.30pm)

36. New Ubin Seafood

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Source: sethlui.com

New Ubin Seafood is a unique restaurant on the Michelin Bib Gourmand as it is a zi-char restaurant with dishes that you don’t typically see in zi-char menu, such as US Ribeye, Chocolate Alexander, Fish Roe Masala, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Satay Foie Gras, and BBQ Pork Collar.

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Source: danielfooddiary.com

So, the verdict? Considered to be a ‘gem’ or a ‘rare-find’ due to their many one-of-a-kind Western dishes with a zi-char twist, many patrons said they would be sure to come back for more of its flavourful dishes, albeit a little on the pricey side.

Address: 63 Hillview Avenue, Level 6, Singapore 669569

Telephone: 6466 9558

Opening hours: Open daily (11am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 10pm)

37. Sik Bao Sin Eating House (Desmond’s Creation)

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Source: singaporebestfoods.com

At an air-conditioned setting, this zi-char place with only 13 items on its menu. Favourites include their Sweet & Sour Pork, Bittergourd Pork Ribs, Kangkong Belacan, as well as Watercress Soup.

The verdict? People absolutely loved the wok-hei flavours present in the dishes, with special mentions to their ‘addictive’ Sweet & Sour Pork, and classic, homely Cantonese-style dishes.

Address: 592 Geylang Road, Singapore 389531

Telephone: 6744 3757

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday (11.45am to 2.30pm, 5.45pm to 9.30pm), closed on Monday

38. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh

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Source: danielfooddiary.com
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Source: danielfooddiary.com

Known for its peppery, Teochew-style Bak Kut Teh, flanked with tender, and generous portions of pork meat, at only SGD6.50 a bowl, this store attracts both eager tourists and locals alike.

Receiving almost a full five stars from many patrons on its TripAdvisor page, praising it for its hearty, authentic taste, whereas few reviewers said that there were better Bak Kut Teh elsewhere.

Have a tourist friend and want to show what Singaporean food is all about? We’d say this place would be a great place to show that – it’s also has an air-conditioned area, if your foreigner friend is already melting in the heat.

Address: 11 New Bridge Road, Singapore 059383

Telephone: 6438 2858

Opening hours: Open daily (11am to 10pm)

39. The Blue Ginger

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Source: theblueginger.com

Decked out in bright traditional Peranakan-style décor, The Blue Ginger is a restaurant that serves an array of authentic Peranakan-style food.

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Source: thehoneycombers.com

Serving classics like Ngoh Hiang, Kuih Pie Tee, and Ayam Panggang, its signature dish, one patron even called the experience ‘amazing’ and ‘gastronomical’, with many also concurring that they would definitely be back for a repeat visit.

Address: 97 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088518

Telephone: 6222 3928

Opening hours: Mondays to Sundays, 12pm to 3pm (last order 2.15pm), 6.30pm to 10.30pm (last order 9.45pm)

40. The Coconut Club (New Entry)

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Source: straitstimes.com

At SGD12.80 for a plate of Nasi Lemak, most people would already be shaking their heads, and scuttling to their favourite hawkers for the same thing at more than half the price.

Yet, The Coconut Club has made it into the Michelin Bib Gourmand 2018, despite its rather hefty price tag, and is almost always packed to the brim with eager and hungry customers.

But apparently, what makes this Nasi Lemak so special is the rice used (old crop Thai Jasmine Rice, which is more fragrant), in addition to in-house squeezed coconut milk to soak the rice in, for a creamier, richer texture.

The verdict? Food reviewer, DanielFoodDiary said that the rice was ‘lovely and fluffy, with that undemanding aroma that didn’t overwhelm’, and that he finished his plate of food, which he said is untypical of him when it comes to Nasi Lemak.

From how this place is always packed, we’d say the other patrons agree too!

Address: 6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069787

Telephone: 6635 2999

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday (11am to 3pm, 6pm to 9.30pm), Sunday (11am to 3pm)

41. Shirokane Tori-Tama

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Source: machohigh.blogspot.com

An assorted yaki-tori place serving all sorts of skewers you can think of – yes, even innards like the heart, this restaurant seats you right in front of the chefs, so you can see skewering the meats right in front of you.

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Source: sg.asia-city.com

While many reviewers were all in agreement that Shirokane Tori-Tama serves some pretty darn good meat skewers – special mention goes to the chicken meatball skewers, which reviewers said was juicy, and tender – patrons were not so thrilled about the service they received.

Of course, it’s up to you on whether you prioritise food over mediocre service.

Address: 11 Unity Street, #01-02, Robertson Walk, Singapore 237995

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday (6pm to 11pm), closed on Sunday

42. True Blue Cuisine

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Source: misstamchiak.com

This Peranakan-styled restaurant is adorned with paintings that are apparently heirlooms passed down from generation to generation! True Blue Cuisine is dedicated to serving authentic Peranakan cuisine.

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Source: misstamchiak.com

While many patrons found their dishes tasty – such as their Buah Paya Titek, a spicy papaya soup, which was praised for its ‘amazing flavour’, and tasting a little bit like a sweet daikon. Another highly praised dish was their Ayam Buah Keluak, which is chicken with black nuts, which many patrons said was their ‘best dish’.

However, many gave low ratings on online websites like HungryGoWhere because of the poor and rude service, as well as the rather small portions.

Address: 49 Armenian Street, Singapore 179937

Telephone: 6440 0449

Opening hours: 11.30am to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm

43. Whole Earth

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Source: wholeearth.com
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Source: wholeearth.com

A rather unusual restaurant on the list, Whole Earth is a restaurant that specialises in Peranakan cuisine plant-based cooking, because who says vegetarians have to miss out on all the food goodness out there?

Crowd favourites include their Penang Nyonya Rendang, Golden Oats Tofu, and Sweet and Sour Delight.

The verdict? Many reviewers were rave with compliments, with some even saying it was the ‘best vegetarian’ dishes they’ve tasted, and others going even further by saying that it was the ‘best version of the dish they’ve tasted’ – including both meat and vegetarian renditions.

Address: 76 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079331

Telephone: 6323 3308

Opening hours: 11.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 10pm

44. Yhingthai Palace

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Source: chope.co

Serving up a mix of authentic Thai-Chinese dishes in a beautifully done up restaurant that borders on palace-like, signature eats would include its Boneless Chicken Wings, its Spicy Mixed Seafood Mousse – a twist on the usual Thai Fishcake, its Khao Klook Ka Pi – prawn paste fried rice, and its Yam Woosen, a Thai noodle salad with fresh shrimp and squid.

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Source: yhingthai.com

The verdict? Reviewers absolutely loved the Boneless Chicken Wings, with one reviewer saying it was the ‘best boneless chicken wing’ they’d ever had, while others had effusive praise for the extremely clear Tom Yam Goong for its pure, flavoursome broth.

Be warned though, reviewers state that the Tom Yam Goong, despite being a favourite of theirs, was extremely spicy.

Address: 36 Purvis Street, #01-04Singapore 188613

Telephone: 6337 1161

Opening hours: 11.30am to 2pm, 6pm to 10pm

45. Zaffron Kitchen

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Source: fuchsia.com

This restaurant specialises in Northern Indian cuisine, and it is speckled with all sorts of quirky, punny Indian spice slogans like “the devil wears prata,” “your food is cumin,” “thyme for curry,” and “I clove Indian food” that might tickle you.

The verdict? Reviewers raved about the quirky, but chic ambience of the restaurant, as well as the Tandoori Chicken Butter Curry, which the reviewer said was the ‘best’ they’d ever had. Another favourite is their Dum Chicken Biryani, which is Biryani sealed with a thin, crisp layer of dough, which won points with reviewers for its innovativeness.

Address: 2 outlets, including 135/137 East Coast Road, Singapore 428822

Telephone: 6440 6786

Opening hours: 11.30am to 10pm daily

46. Bismillah Biryani

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Source: guide.michelin.com

Known for their signature Biryanis, this has been widely praised for its flavourful, complex taste, despite the lack of the usual dollop of curry sauce you would typically see in a typical Biryani.

This is because Bismillah Biryani wants to offer customers a healthier, but still tasty variant of Biryanis, in contrast to the usual oil-laden ones.

Their Biryanis come in many different variants, from the classic Chicken Dum Biryani (SGD8.50), Fish Biryani (SGD12), Double Chicken Biryani (SGD13), Pure Vegetable Biryani (SGD8), Kid Goat Biryani (SGD15), and their Lamb Shank Biryani (SGD20).

Reviewers absolutely loved how tender the chicken meat was – as it fell right off the bone – and despite the rather steep price of SGD8.50, were more than willing to come back for more, touting it to be the ‘best Biryani in Singapore’.

Address: 50 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209379

Telephone: 9382 7937

Opening hours: 11.30am to 9.30pm (Wednesday to Monday, closed on Tuesdays)

47. Eminent Frog Porridge & Seafood (New Entry)

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Source: burpple.com

A favourite haunt for supper, Eminent Frog Porridge & Seafood has won more than just its many patrons’ hearts, but also the Michelin people’s hearts, to be awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand this year.

Coming in a choice of dried chili, spring onion, chicken essence, Chinese herbs, or white pepper to go with your hearty frog porridge (SGD8), frog lovers will be spoilt for choice.

The verdict? While many loved that the porridge went smooth down the throat, and the frog meat tender, many also voiced that the service was not that great, as the staff were rude and pushed them to make orders they did not want.

Address: 323 Geylang Road, Singapore 389359

Telephone: 9842 2941

Opening hours: Open daily (4pm to 4am)

48. Sin Huat Eating House

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Source: pinkypiggu.com

A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant with a rather nasty online reputation, Sin Huat Eating House is infamous for its exorbitant prices, its ‘Food Nazi’ chef, and just all around, rude service, when an angry customer’s total bill came up to a whopping SGD200 for the famed Crab Beehoon.

However, if you’re a foodie through and through (and prioritise food over all else), then you’ll be pleased to hear that Sin Huat Eating House serves a pretty mean plate of Crab Bee Hoon.

Skeptical? It was even named as one of the 13 Places To Eat Before You Die by the late Anthony Bourdain, testament to how good the food is.

Described by reviewers as ‘magical’, ‘out-of-the-world’ and exceeding their expectations, they loved the fresh and sweet taste of the crabs, which were abundant with luscious roe, as well as the springy bite of the bee hoon, infused with loads of flavours.

That being said, tread carefully, and make sure you know what you’re paying for before placing the order!

Address: 659/661 Lorong 35 Geylang, Singapore 389589

Telephone: 6744 9755

Opening hours: Open daily (6.30pm to 1am)

49. Sin Kee Famous Cantonese Chicken Rice (New Entry)

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Source: misstamchiak.com

Previously just a humble hawker in Bedok, Sin Kee Famous Cantonese Chicken Rice has upgraded to an air-conditioned eatery, but with still affordable prices, at SGD4.30 per plate.

Coming with tender, poached chicken, and fluffy, fragrant rice – without being too overpowering! – most patrons online say that standards haven’t changed since it has started, although the staff who tended to them were rather rude.

Address: 40 Holland Drive, Singapore 270040

Telephone: 8428 7865

Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday (11am to 4pm), closed on Monday

50. Zai Shun Curry Fish Head

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Source: danielfooddiary.com

Boasting of a special method of steaming the fish first – then cooking the curry, so that flavours come out cleaner, with the fish remaining tender and sweet, something often overlooked in fish curry, where the fish is often tough and overcooked. This is what patrons come back for, again and again.

Besides just the Fish Curry, Zai Shun Curry Fish Head is no one-trick-pony, as it also has other restaurant-style dishes and prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients.

Apart from the sweet, tender flesh of the fish, reviewers also liked the generous portions of the fish head, but lamented the rather disorganised system especially during the hectic lunch hours.

Address: 253 Jurong East Street 24, #01-205, Singapore 600253

Telephone: 6560 8594

Opening hours: Open daily (7am to 3pm), closed on Wednesdays.