Singapore is known as a foodie haven, and in recent years, many local restaurants and eateries have been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand, which spotlights places that offer excellent food at an affordable price. Unlike the Michelin star ratings, Bib Gourmand is given to food establishments that offer traditional or local cuisine, with a maximum set price determined by the Michelin Guide.
Residents staying in the west would be happy to know that two long-standing hawker stalls have been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand last year.
1. Du Du Shou Shi
This stall, located in Jurong West 505 Market & Food Centre, has earned the prestigious award for its outstanding culinary offerings. Known for its handmade tutu kueh, what makes it special is the meticulous preparation of its dishes, where traditional recipes and cooking methods are combined with the freshest ingredients.
According to owner Mr Tan Kim Hui, 76, who has been selling tutu kueh for more than 60 years, the rice flour that’s used to make the kueh is freshly grind at his stall, unlike those found at night bazaars, where most of the flour used is sourced from food suppliers. “We also buy our own coconut and peanuts, and cook them from scratch to make the filling,” said Mr Tan, who started his business as a street vendor in Bugis and Chinatown.
Even though his entire kueh-making process involves a lot of hard work, he has kept the price affordable at $3 for five pieces. He also makes extra-large tutu kueh, which costs $1.20 each. To speed up his kueh-making process, he designed his own mould so that he can steam three pieces at once. Today, the stall is run by him, his son and an assistant.
Ms Teo Lee Yen, 55, who has been a regular customer for 20 years, said she would buy 20 pieces of peanut and 20 pieces of coconut tutu kueh for her family each time she comes to patronise the stall. “Their peanut filling is very fragrant and moist, and their tutu kueh has a nice pandan taste,” she said. “I used to come here every week when I was doing my sales job, but since I moved to Tampines, I will drive up here only once a month.”
2. Tai Seng Fish Soup
This stall, located in Taman Jurong Food Centre, is another gem honoured with the Michelin Bib Gourmand award. It stands out for its mastery in crafting exceptional fish soup, a beloved dish in Singaporean cuisine. What sets it apart is its dedication to using fresh, high-quality fish and ingredients in its preparation.
The signature dish’s broth is carefully simmered to perfection, extracting rich flavours from the fish. Four types of fish soup are sold here: Sliced Fish Soup, Fried Fish Soup, Mixed Fish Soup and Fish Head Soup. Customers who want extra ingredients can add fried egg, vegetables, fish roe, beancurd and extra fish slices.
Third-generation hawker Mr Nick Cheong currently helms the stall. His grandmother started the business over 50 years ago, operating a street stall in Old Jurong Road.
Popular with diners from all walks of life, Tai Seng Fish Soup exemplifies the Bib Gourmand ethos of providing excellent food without compromising value.
