32 restaurants writeups in 2024, across 6 cities, 29 Michelin stars, and many of Asia’s top restaurants. Not bad for starting in mid-August.
The Single Best Meal in 2024
Very close tie between Les Amis and Gaggan. Ultimately, I went with Les Amis.
While I thought the experience of Gaggan was unforgettable, the food itself was neat, but not particularly memorable. I felt like a second trip to Gaggan may lose its magic. Les Amis was all about the food, experience was great, but almost secondary. The focus was purely on French ingredients, following the French seasons, using French techniques and the results were amazing. The intricacy and the attention to detail were unmatched. The souffle was one of many I had in the year, and I still remember it being the very best I had this entire year. I’ve been looking for an excuse to return to Singapore, just to drop by for another souffle.
The Roundup
I’m usually pretty positive on most places I visit, but when we’re forced to stack rank every restaurant against each other, the knives come out. There’s very little objectivity in my ranking, and happiness is often the gap between expectations and reality.
Being in D tier, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s terrible restaurant - it may have had an off day, or wasn’t as great in comparison to the many other great restaurants I went to. I could be just an “Eh. Let’s try somewhere else next time” and a shrug.
S Tier
Wow! Mind Blown. Would go back to the city just to revisit.
A Tier
Really, really solid and a great experience. Wouldn’t necessarily go to that city to repeat, but would definitely visit if I’m in town.
B Tier
Interesting, well executed. Above Expectations.
C Tier
Kind neat. Wasn’t bad. Around where I had expectations. Would go back, just not in a hurry.
D Tier
Shrugs. Maybe some redeeming dishes, but wouldn’t return.