Hawker Chan Singapore: A Guide to the World’s Cheapest Michelin-Starred Meal

If you’re a foodie travelling to Singapore, you’ll want to add Hawker Chan to your list of must-visit places. Located at 78 Smith Street in the heart of Chinatown, this restaurant has become a sensation in the culinary world. It’s famous for serving the cheapest Michelin-starred meal in the world, which has made it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Hawker Chan is owned by Chan Hon Meng, a humble hawker stall owner and award-winning chef with over 30 years of experience. His dishes have become so popular that he has expanded his stall into a chain called Hawker Chan, which now has 36 outlets in Singapore and overseas like China, Dubai, and even Kazakhstan. Despite the expansion, the original Hawker Chan in Singapore remains a favourite among food enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways

• Hawker Chan is a Singaporean restaurant that has become famous for serving the cheapest Michelin-starred meal in the world.
• The restaurant is owned by Chan Hon Meng, a humble hawker stall owner and award-winning chef with over 30 years of experience.
• Despite expanding into a chain with 36 outlets, the original Hawker Chan in Singapore remains a favourite among food enthusiasts.

The Rise of Hawker Chan

Chef Chan Hon Meng’s Journey

You may have heard of Chef Chan Hon Meng, the man behind the famous Soya Sauce Chicken dish that has taken the world by storm. But do you know how he got to where he is today?

Born in Ipoh, Malaysia, Chef Chan started his culinary journey at a young age, working in his family’s food stall. He honed his skills over the years and eventually moved to Singapore, where he started his own hawker stall, Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle.

Despite facing numerous challenges, Chef Chan’s dedication and hard work paid off. His stall gained a reputation for its delicious food, and soon enough, he caught the attention of the Michelin Guide.

Michelin Recognition and Global Fame

In 2016, Chef Chan’s stall became the first hawker stall in the world to receive a Michelin star, propelling him to global fame. The recognition not only put his dish on the world map but also brought attention to the hawker culture in Singapore.

Since then, Chef Chan has expanded his business, opening new outlets in Singapore and overseas. He has also collaborated with other renowned chefs, further cementing his status as a culinary icon.

Today, Chef Chan’s Soya Sauce Chicken dish continues to draw crowds from all over the world, with people lining up for hours just to get a taste. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

In conclusion, Chef Chan Hon Meng’s journey from a hawker stall owner to a Michelin-starred chef is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. His success has not only put Singapore’s hawker culture on the map but has also inspired countless others to pursue their dreams.

Experience at Hawker Chan

If you’re looking for an authentic street food experience in Singapore, Hawker Chan is a must-visit. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning your visit.

Savouring the Signature Soya Sauce Chicken Rice

Hawker Chan is most famous for its signature dish: soya sauce chicken rice. This dish has won numerous awards and accolades, including a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the rice is cooked to perfection. The soya sauce adds a savoury flavour that complements the dish perfectly.

When you visit Hawker Chan, expect to queue for a while. The popularity of the restaurant means that there is almost always a queue, but it’s worth the wait. Once you get to the front of the queue, you’ll be able to order your food and find a seat.

Exploring the Menu Beyond Chicken Rice

While the soya sauce chicken rice is the star of the show, there are plenty of other dishes to try at Hawker Chan. The restaurant offers a range of roasted meats, such as char siew (barbecued pork) and siew yoke (roast pork belly). There are also noodle dishes and vegetable dishes available.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try some of the lesser-known dishes on the menu. For example, the braised tofu with mushrooms is a vegetarian dish that is packed with flavour.

Visiting the Original Stall at Chinatown Complex

Hawker Chan started as a small food stall in the Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre. The original stall is still there today, and it’s worth a visit if you want to experience the restaurant’s humble beginnings.

In addition to the original stall, Hawker Chan has expanded to multiple locations across Singapore and even has branches in Hong Kong, China, and Dubai. The restaurant also has a central kitchen where the food is prepared before being sent out to the various locations.

Overall, Hawker Chan is a great place to experience authentic Singaporean street food. Whether you’re a fan of soya sauce chicken rice or want to try something new, there’s something for everyone on the menu. Just be prepared to queue and savour the delicious food when you get to the front.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prices like at Hawker Chan?

Hawker Chan is known for offering affordable prices for its Michelin-starred dishes. Prices for its signature dish, the Soya Sauce Chicken Rice, start at £3.50. Other dishes on the menu are also reasonably priced, with most dishes costing around £5-£6.

Could you tell me about the menu offerings at Hawker Chan?

Hawker Chan’s menu is focused on traditional Singaporean dishes, with a particular emphasis on chicken rice. Alongside the famous Soya Sauce Chicken Rice, the menu includes other chicken dishes, such as roasted chicken and chicken noodles. There are also vegetarian options available, such as the Tofu with Vegetables.

Has Hawker Chan retained its Michelin star status?

Hawker Chan lost its Michelin star in 2021, but this has not diminished its popularity as a food destination. The restaurant continues to attract long queues of customers eager to try its delicious food.

Are there any recipes available from Hawker Chan?

Hawker Chan has not released any official recipes, but there are many recipes available online that claim to replicate the taste of its famous Soya Sauce Chicken Rice.

Is the menu at Hawker Chan considered halal?

Hawker Chan’s menu is not certified halal, but it does not contain any pork or lard. The restaurant is popular with Muslim customers, but it is up to individual diners to decide whether the food meets their dietary requirements.

What do the reviews say about Hawker Chan’s chicken rice?

Reviews of Hawker Chan’s chicken rice are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the tender and flavourful chicken and the fragrant rice. Some reviewers have noted that the restaurant can be busy and crowded, but most agree that the food is worth the wait.