10 world’s most affordable Michelin-star restaurants and eateries

The Michelin guide may be oft associated with fine dining and gourmet meals. But there are some affordable meals to be relished too; especially after two hawker stalls have been added to Michelin Singapore’s list for 2016. Here’s a look at some of the most affordable meals at Michelin-starred restaurants and eateries around the world.

Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle (Singapore)

Where: 335 Smith Street, Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre, #02-126

Image: @vvveeemob/ Instagram

At the price of just S$2 for a plate of soya sauce chicken rice, this hawker stall offers undoubtedly the cheapest meal you can find in any Michelin guide. It was given one Michelin star as part of the first ever Michelin Singapore guide in July, in recognition of its Cantonese-style soya sauce chicken and barbeque pork. But be prepared to spend a few hours in the queue to get to sample this famed dish; assuming that it’s not sold out by the time it’s your turn in line.

Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle (Singapore)

Where: 466 Crawford Lane, #01-12

Image: @huiyihwee/ Instagram

As the only other hawker stall on this list, this eatery comes in second for the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal. Expect to spend between S$5 to S$10 depending on your portion size and choice of ingredients for your minced pork noodle, which is known colloquially as bak chor mee. These noodles are tossed with vinegar, chili, minced pork and paired with pork slices and pork liver, as well as dumplings and sole fish.

Tim Ho Wan (Hong Kong)

Where: 9-11 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po and 2-8 Wharf Road, North Point

Image: @chenhuiiuhnehc/ Instagram

Before the inclusion of the aforementioned hawker stalls, this dim sum chain reigned as the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant in the world. Known for its baked pork buns and other value-for-money dim sum, Tim Ho Wan started as a hole-in-the-wall eatery in Mongkok before expanding to outlets in other parts of Hong Kong and in cities abroad such as Singapore, Melbourne and Bangkok. Prices range from HKD$40 to $120 (S$ 6.94 to S$20.83) per diner.

Ho Hung Kee (Hong Kong)

Where: 500 Hennessy Road, Hysan Place, 12th floor, Causeway Bay

Image: @j55y25n/ Instagram

The humble wanton (dumpling) noodle gets elevated to Michelin-starred fare at this foodie spot. Previously located at Sharp Street East, the restaurant has since moved to swankier premises at Hysan Place after a rental hike. Besides its famous wanton noodle, other noteworthy items include fish congee, beef hor fun (fried rice noodles) and chee cheong fun (rice noodle rolls). The final bill won’t empty your wallet either; most diners spend around HKD 100 (S$17.36) each.

Kam’s Roast Goose (Hong Kong)

Where: 226 Hennessy Road, Po Wah Commercial Centre, Wan Chai

Image: @karensiy/ Instagram

After a dispute over ownership of famed roast goose restaurant Yung Kee, one of its successors set up Kam’s Roast Goose to continue the family legacy and earned a Michelin-star rating just a year after the restaurant was opened. The must-try is the titular crispy roast goose, which is served with rice and popular appetisers such as preserved egg. Other notable dishes include the suckling pig and roast pork. Prices range from HKD 50 to HKD 150 (S$8.66 to S$25.98).

Lei Garden (Hong Kong)

Where: Multiple locations at Mong Kok, Kowloon Bay, IFC, Sha Tin, Wan Chai and North Point

Image: @isabellejiatian/ Instagram

This popular Cantonese restaurant chain received the one-Michelin star distinction just last year, and is known for dishes such as its deep-fried lotus root with minced pork, crispy roasted baby duck, as well as the braised spare ribs with sweet and sour sauce. You can eat cheaply or feast like a king, depending on what you order; meals at Lei Garden cost anywhere between HKD 100 to HKD 750 (S$17.32 to S$129.89).

Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima (Japan)

Where: 3 32-5 Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo Prefecture

Image: @lloydtaganahan/ Instagram

Visit this restaurant at lunchtime for a taste of its specialty sardine dishes. At 800 yen (S$10.64), this lunch set is a steal. Choose between one of four main dishes featuring fresh sardines — sardines deep fried with breadcrumbs, served sashimi style, simmered in dashi stock or cooked in a egg casserole. Each main is accompanied with rice, Japanese pickles and miso soup. Be there just before opening time at 11.30am to up your chances of getting a seat.

Tsuta (Japan)

Where: 1-14-1 Sugamo, Toshima, Tokyo Prefecture

Image: @jjchoi613/ Instagram

Head to this 9-seater ramen shop for a comforting bowl of shoyu soba (soy sauce ramen); it’s currently the first and only Michelin-starred ramen restaurant in the world. Priced at ¥1,100 (S$14.62), the noodles are served with sliced pork, bamboo shoots and soaked in a signature chicken and seafood broth that’s laced with soy sauce and black truffle oil. A tip: go early to get your meal ticket and return later at the indicated time for your bowl of ramen.

Barrafina (United Kingdom)

Where: 54 Frith Street, Soho, London

Image: Barrafina/ Facebook

See the chefs at work at this no-frills, bar-seats-only tapas bar. Dishes are prepared and served in front of you, so that you really get to see, smell and hear the kitchen bustle from the open-concept kitchen. This tapas bar has been around since 2007 and its first outlet at Frith Street has retained its one-Michelin star rating for two years running. Expect to spend around £11 to £29 (S$19.09 to S$50.34) per diner; most dishes cost less than £15.

The Spotted Pig (United States)

Where: 314 W. 11th St., New York 10014

Image: @thespottedpig/ Instagram

This one Michelin-starred gastropub and restaurant in New York has kept its star rating for eight years running. It’s also a reputedly popular hotspot for celebrity sightings; stars the likes of Kanye West and Kirsten Dunst. The restaurant’s most popular order: the chargrilled burger with Roquefort cheese and shoestring fries, which is priced at US$25 (S$33.59).