The MICHELIN Guide Singapore is back this 2022, celebrating its sixth anniversary. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, border restrictions and social distancing have been gradually lifted in Singapore since the beginning of the year. Singapore is under a healthy recovery in its economic activities and daily life.
In the MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2022 Star selection, seven new restaurants have been awarded with One MICHELIN Star. Spanning a myriad of cultural, creative, and heritage cuisines, these locations are recognised for their masterful culinary techniques and vibrant flavour combinations. Coupled with the multicultural background of Singapore and its cultural diversity, this has enriched the Lion City’s unique gastronomic landscape. Read on to find out what wowed the MICHELIN Guide inspectors.
4 New Restaurants Receive One MICHELIN Star for the First Time
HAMAMOTO
58 Tras Street, Singapore 078997
What The Inspectors Say: Sourcing the finest ingredients is something of an obsession for Kyoto-born Kazuhiro Hamamoto. And it’s not just his nigiri; even his nodoguro or chutoro show his care and craftsmanship — the dishes served before it, like spiny lobster with uni, or smoked meji-makuro, prove just as memorable. There is only one seating at lunch and dinner at the handsome, curved counter, so you’ll need patience and perseverance when trying to secure a booking.
MARGUERITE
Flower Dome, #01-09, Gardens by The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
What The Inspectors Say: Dining in the Flower Dome makes for a back-to-nature moment and chef Michael Wilson does it with a touch of class. In his tasting menu, gracefully presented courses are underpinned by solid techniques, packed with oomph and flavours bold enough to match the showy, colourful blooms. The wine list showcases some rare labels, including bottles from Lebanon and Morocco, while the temperance pairing is also interesting. Service is seamless and personable.
NAE:UM
161 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068615
What The Inspectors Say: The bright room is furnished in a cream and birch colour scheme, imparting calmness and warmth. The Korean chef Louis Han named his restaurant Nae:um, meaning a fragrance that evokes memories. Food culture and recollections of his home country are at the core of his episodic menu that changes with the seasons. Innovative courses are precisely executed and presented in an ethereal, refreshing manner, but have inklings of their Korean roots.
RÊVE
39 Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 089002
What The Inspectors Say: The minimalist room with dramatic lighting and backlit wooden wall art exudes subtle Japanese chic. All seats at the black marble counter promise good views of the kitchen theatre. The set menu brings out the best in the Japanese ingredients with classic French techniques and contemporary plating. The fish course is a highlight that never disappoints; house-made soba in duck consommé is not to be missed.
1 Restaurant Gains One MICHELIN Star for Its New Opening
Australian barbecue spot Burnt Ends is re-selected in the MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2022 edition, reaffirming its continued efforts to provide high levels of gastronomic excellence.
BURNT ENDS
#01-04, 7 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249671
What The Inspectors Say: Years ago, the Aussie owner-chef David Pynt opened a pop-up in London called Burnt Enz to great acclaim. Then, his refined barbecue food cooked in a wood-fire brick kiln was taken up a notch with Burnt Ends in Singapore. In 2021, it moved to a new location in Dempsey, twice as big as its previous space. The small but interesting snack menu is worth exploring. Meats and fish are well complemented by the Australian wines on offer. Book ahead to secure a table.
2 Restaurants Promoted to One MICHELIN Star from Plate
EUPHORIA
76 Tras Street, Singapore 079015
What The Inspectors Say: The head chef once found onion repulsive, but then — by chance — discovered his love for the pungent bulb and went on to be obsessed with it. The allium is hard-wired in Euphoria’s DNA — from the décor and tableware, to the sauces and dishes. His Oignon Jamboree, which makes an appearance in the lunch and dinner prix-fixe, elevates the onion from a supporting role to a leading cast — different varieties of onions cooked five ways are topped with caviar.
LA DAME DE PIC
Raffles Hotel, Grand Lobby, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
What The Inspectors Say: Renowned chef Anne-Sophie Pic and celebrated hotel Raffles make a fine match, as the smoothly run, bright and comfortable dining room provides a worthy canvas for her culinary vision. You’ll find a number of her celebrated specialities here, like Berlingots and the White Mille-feuille dessert. Much of the produce is from France, such as John Dory from Brittany and pigeon from Bresse, but her accomplished kitchen cleverly adds some local touches and flavours.
All photos are from the restaurants.
