Michelin Guide Singapore 2026: A night of surprises with Seroja and 1887 by Andre receiving two stars, 6 new one-starred restaurants

After last year’s humdrum results, the Michelin Guide injected a wave of excitement into the local dining scene with the results of this year’s Singapore edition.

Two restaurants made their debut on the two-starred list - they are 1887 by Andre by Taiwanese celebrity chef Andre Chiang, which opened at Raffles Hotel Singapore less than five months ago and Seroja, a contemporary restaurant with heavy Southeast Asian influences. The latter, helmed by chef-owner Kevin Wong, was promoted to the two-starred rating after retaining its one star for the past three years.

Six restaurants were new additions to the one-starred list. Chinese fine-dining restaurants made their presence felt in the local dining scene, with Yong Fu, Jin Ting Wan in Marina Bay Sands and Cherry Garden by Chef Fei in Mandarin Oriental Singapore receiving their first stars. All three restaurants opened within the past year. Rounding up the one-starred list are Loca Niru, Tenshima and Sushi Kimura +.

Speaking to The Peak, 1887 by Andre’s head chef Ben Wang, who was visibly moved, says in Mandarin: “This two-star accolade was really unexpected for the team, which was mainly focused on getting through with the opening of the restaurant over the past couple of months. I am thankful for chef Andre’s guidance and my team’s support. Receiving Michelin stars is the dream of every chef and this accolade is a seal of approval towards our efforts.”

1887 by Andre also received the Opening of the Year award, a newly-introduced category this year.

Another double-winner was modern Japanese-French restaurant Loca Niru, which opened late last year at the House of Tan Yeok Nee. Its executive chef Shusuke Kubota also won the Young Chef Award. Kubota says: “I am happy and content as receiving a Michelin star is a long-time dream come through. I believe that one of the reasons that Loca Niru stood out was that it brings a new element to the dining experience, while respecting our heritage. I hope to continue making good food and making customers happy, and I hope to work hard to receive two stars next.”

Contemporary restaurant Seroja, which is heavily influenced by South-east Asian flavours scored a rare promotion to two stars. The restaurant also retained its Green Star rating, which recognizes sustainability efforts. Chef-owner Kevin Wong says: “I had a flashback when the results were announced. My head chef, Andrew and I had this goal when we were 18 and today, the dream finally came true. I hope I don’t wake up from this dream.”

The results were announced at a glitzy ceremony held at Raffles Sentosa Singapore on August 4. More than 200 chefs, restaurateurs, food and beverage industry professionals and media attended the event. 2026 marks 10 years since the Guide expanded its footprint to Singapore, which was also its first stop in Southeast Asia.

The most coveted three-starred category, which lauds ‘exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey’, has not seen much action in 2021 when contemporary Nordic restaurant Restaurant Zen was promoted to three stars. The restaurant re-opens later this month after it was closed for two months in June for renovation. Zen, alongside French restaurant Les Amis and Odette, retained their three stars.

Seroja and 1887 by Andre join seven two-starred restaurants from last year’s edition that retained their positions — Sushi Sakuta, Cloudstreet, Jaan by Kirk Westaway, Meta, Saint Pierre, Shoukouwa, and Thevar.

A decade in Singapore

In 2016, the guide’s debut Singapore results got the island’s legions of foodies talking - mostly on how two hawker stalls were lauded with stars. They were Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle at Crawford Lane and Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle in Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre.

A decade later, Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, has retained its star and continues to operate in the same coffee shop in Crawford Lane (albeit with an expanded unit).

On the other hand, Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle parnered food and beverage company, Hersing and expanded its business into a global chain. The brand was later renamed to Liao Fan Hawker Chan, and has outlets in Taiwan, Malaysia, the UAE and even in Kazakhstan. In 2021, the original hawker stall lost its one-star accolade, while the Chinatown outlet of the Hawker Chan chain lost its Bib Gourmand status a year later.

Peranakan cuisine was also recognised for the first time by the Michelin Guide. Candlenut, a modern Peranakan restaurant by chef Malcolm Lee, received a star and has retained over the past decade. In 2024, Lee’s other restaurant, Pangium, which focuses on Straits Cuisine, also received a star.

Out of the 29 restaurants that received one, two and three stars in the debut edition of Michelin Guide Singapore in 2016, 14 restaurants have since shuttered.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide says: “Singapore’s culinary scene remains dynamic and resilient. We recognize the challenges being faced by the restaurants, including higher operating costs and changing consumer expectations. At the same time, our inspectors continue to see new concepts, talents and restaurants adapting shorter menus, à la carte options and more casual formats.”

“The Michelin Guide supports the industry through independent recognition and international visibility. Our role is not to advise restaurants on their business models, but to identify and recommend establishments offering outstanding cooking,” he adds.

Poullennec shares that the Guide’s universal methodology and independent evaluation by anonymous inspectors “do not favor long tasting menus, formal service or luxury settings — an establishment can be recognized regardless of its format or price point.”

Bib bib hurray

This year’s Bib Gourmand selection, which was announced on July 28, saw the addition of 10 dining establishments. The list recognises “establishments that offer high-quality food at exceptional value.”

They include Rajarani Thosai, King of Laksa, Tian Nan Xing Minced Pork Noodle and Boon Keng Road Fish Head Bee Hoon.

A total of 97 establishments, mostly hawker stalls, are on this year’s Bib Gourmand list. Of which, 17 of them have retained the status over the past decade.

The full list of this year’s recipients can be viewed here.