Chan Hon Meng, chef-owner of the world's first Michelin-starred street food stall, was surprised when he received an invite to the Michelin Guide Singapore Gala Dinner last month. He even wondered if it was a joke.
But it was all very real — his Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle hawker stall in Chinatown was awarded one Michelin star, giving him recognition for his years of hard work. Not one to rest on his laurels, the humble chef was back at work the very next day, serving long queues of customers curious to try his dishes.
Originally from Ipoh, Malaysia, Chan grew up with an interest in food, dropping out of school at age 15 to start working. His first choice was to be a chef, and that passion has stuck with him ever since.