
Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle, an unassuming street vendor in a Singapore open-air food court, has officially been crowned the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant.
Chan Hon Meng, the Malaysian operator of a chicken rice and chicken noodle street vendor in Singapore, clearly had no idea his tiny, no-frills stall, serving out of the corner of a typical open-air food court in Singapore, would ever be considered for a Michelin star.
In the video below, Hon Meng seems adorably awestruck and disoriented as he attends the 2016 Michelin Guide Singapore Gala dinner and award ceremony, asking a guide if his was the only Chinese restaurant in the guide. At one point, he says he even asked a Michelin Guide representative if the news of his Michelin star was a joke.
Probably, the owner and chef’s initial incredulity is due to the fact that Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle – a mouthful of a name, to be sure – cranks out dishes for massive lines of hungry diners at prices that clock in even cheaper than a fast food burger set. In fact, Hon Meng’s stall’s cheapest item comes in at just US$1.50, making it the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world.
Admittedly, 10 years ago it would have been unthinkable for a restaurant like Hon Meng’s humble stall to land a spot on the venerated Michelin Guide, but it seems in recent years the guide’s operators have been attempting to shed their stuffy, old-money image (a somewhat incongruous one, considering the guide’s mascot is a giant marshmallow man made of old tires). The guide is famous for featuring highfalutin venues requiring reservations months in advance and dress codes that we’re sure necessitate at least one monocle; but this year’s Singapore guide actually features not just one, but two street stalls.
Still, Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle handily beats out Singapore’s other Micheline-starred stall, Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, as the cheapest Michelin Guide restaurant in the world.
We’d love to go give it a try, but waits at Chan Hon Meng’s establishment were reportedly thirty minutes or longer even before the Michelin star announcement, and have swelled to multiple hours now. At least you’ll have Pokémon Go to keep you occupied if you do decide to brave the daunting lines.
Source: Michelin Guide Singapore
Feature Image: YouTube/Michelin Guide Singapore
Insert Image: Uncle_sim123/Tripadvisor


Second ramen restaurant in Tokyo receives Michelin star for 2017
A visit to the back-alley Tokyo ramen restaurant listed in the Michelin dining guide
This Tokyo ramen restaurant is the first to ever receive a Michelin dining guide star
Tokyo’s biggest ramen secret? This restaurant just might be the next Michelin star winner
These nine Kyoto restaurants are the newest to receive Michelin guide recommendations
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Abandoned pirate pleasure ship sinking south of Tokyo Bay, city orders destruction
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
World’s only Michelin-starred ramen is getting an instant noodle convenience store version
Mister Donut teams up with Michelin-listed ramen restaurant for surprising new noodle range
We try a dish from Japan’s Michelin-starred ramen restaurant…at the convenience store!
Ramen restaurant earns Michelin Guide approval even while outside bright lights of the big city
These nine Osaka restaurants are the newest to receive Michelin guide recommendations
No need to wait in line for Michelin-starred ramen – Tokyo restaurant starts reservation system
Michelin star-winning ramen can now be bought nationwide in cup noodle form
How good is the world’s first Michelin-ranked ramen restaurant? We find out! 【Taste test】
Tokyo’s Michelin star-winning ramen restaurant is closing its sister eatery, might be moving too
Kyoto yakitori restaurant earns Michelin rating with one of the best value-for-money deals in Japan
Michelin-approved Motenashi Kuroki in Akihabara serves salt soba that stuns and satisfies
Silky golden ramen recommended by Michelin Guide is so good, we felt like royalty eating it
We pig out at Aizuya, the Michelin Guide-featured takoyaki shop
Michelin-listed ramen restaurant will turn you into a tiger with a single bite
7-Eleven releases collaboration snack from Michelin-starred ramen restaurant and Baby Star Ramen