Affordable Michelin Star Restaurants Worldwide
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Many people want to enjoy great dining at a restaurant with a Michelin star, but the price often puts them off. Despite what many people think, enjoying food worthy of a Michelin star doesn’t have to be expensive.
Discover some of the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide, whether you’re travelling the world or just exploring locally in the United States.
The Origins of Michelin Stars
Michelin stars have their roots in France and date back to the 1900 release of the “Michelin Guides,” which set standards for restaurant kitchens and provided cooks with culinary advice. The three-star rating system replaced the original 1926 system, which gave one star for a “very good restaurant,” two stars for “excellent cooking,” and three stars for “exceptional cuisine.”
Michelin Star Eateries Across the Globe
Hawker Chan, Street Stall, Singapore
Renowned chef Chan Hong Meng, often known as ‘Hawk Chan’, was awarded a Michelin star in 2016 for his street stall ‘Liao Fan Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle’, which is conveniently located close to Singapore’s main attractions and offers dishes as low as $1.50, making it the world’s cheapest Michelin star site.
Tim Ho Wan, Hong Kong
With servings starting at $1.90, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong’s Tim Ho Wan has maintained its status as a dim sum sanctuary for those on a tight budget ever since it was awarded a Michelin star in 2010.
Kam’s Roast Goose, Hong Kong
The Kam family’s roast goose, which ranges in price from $9 to $38, has thrilled diners in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, for more than 70 years.
Tsuta Japanese Soba Noodles, Tokyo
The first Michelin-starred ramen restaurant in Tokyo, Chef Yuki Onishi’s establishment offers MSG-free meals for $9.49 to $14 with a handy ticketing system to cut down on wait times.
Saneh Jaan, Bangkok
Tucked away in the Pathum Wan neighbourhood of Bangkok, Saneh Jaan serves up traditional royal Thai food, specialising in grilled pig red curry, with prices ranging from $10 to $70.
Balwoo Gongyang, Seoul
For vegan dining rooted in Korean Buddhist traditions, Balwoo Gongyang in Seoul is the first temple food restaurant to receive a Michelin star. Lunch prices start at $28, while supper can range from $42 to $95.
Barrafina, London
Modern tapas at Barrafina in Soho, London, range in price from $25 to $60 and provide a delicious selection of Spanish cuisine, making it an affordable Michelin star alternative in the city.
Meadowsweet, New York
Meadowsweet in New York serves American-Mediterranean food, with lunch specials ranging from $14 to $16 and supper options from $24 to $42.
State Bird Provisions, San Francisco
Though reservations are difficult to come by, State Bird Provisions in San Francisco serves Californian food in the style of Dim Sum, with prices starting at $5 and served on rolling carts.
Esquina Mocoto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Established in the 1960s and currently under Rodrigo Oliveira’s management, Sao Paulo’s Esquina Mocoto serves northeastern Brazilian specialties with prices ranging from $27 to $41.
Dispelling the myth that Michelin-starred restaurants are unaffordable, these places provide superb food experiences that are within the reach of all budgets, demonstrating that exquisite eating transcends all income levels.
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