The cheapest Michelin-starred meals around the world
Editor’s note: The team at The Points Guy loves to travel, but now is not the time for unnecessary trips. Health officials note that the fastest way to return to normalcy is to stop coming in contact with others. That includes ceasing travel. We are publishing some travel guides because we should all use this time to think about and plan our next adventures.
When you conjure up images of a Michelin-starred restaurant, what comes to mind? White tablecloths? Bow-tied waiters? Four-figure price tags? However, not all Michelin-starred restaurants are reserved for elite diners or special occasions. Many Michelin-rated venues around the world cost little more than your daily coffee.
The cheapest Michelin-starred meal is the notorious Liao Fan Hawker Chan in Singapore, which will run you about $2, but you don’t necessarily have to book a flight to Southeast Asia for top-tier, low-cost fare. We’ve listed some of the highest-rated meals around the globe, from Singapore and Hong Kong to Spain and Hungary -- and they’re all comfortably under $30.
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Liao Fan Hawker Chan in Singapore
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Hawker centers may have made their way into the North American zeitgeist after that mouthwatering scene in "Crazy Rich Asians," but the outdoor dining halls have been a staple in Singapore forever — and for good reason. Liao Fan Hawker Chan, a Hong Kong-style street food stall at the Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre, is the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world. The house specialty, Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle, will run you about $2.20 (or 3 Singapore dollars)
Tim Ho Wan in Hong Kong
This Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant boasts more than 46 restaurants in seven countries around the world, but your best bet is still the original location in Mong Kok. Incredibly, two of its satellite restaurants in other districts of the city, Sham Shui Po and Tai Kok Tsui, have each received their own Michelin stars. Dubbed “the world's cheapest Michelin-starred dim sum.” each item from the à la carte menu will run you about $3.80 (or 30 Hong Kong dollars).
Hamo in Seoul, South Korea
Modern décor and thoughtful presentation await you at this authentic Jinju-style spot in Seoul. Hamo (which means "of course" in the Gyeongsang province dialect) honors traditional Jinju cuisine, like Jinju bibimbap with seasoned raw beef and house-made fermented condiments, while remaining humble and unpretentious. The à la carte menu starts at about $7 (or 8,000 South Korean won).
Chugokusai S.Sawada in Osaka, Japan
With its one Michelin star in food-loving Osaka, Chugokusai S.Sawada boasts a Chinese set-lunch menu for just $9.70 (or 1,080 Japanese yen). Although the Michelin guide Kyoto Osaka includes an eye-popping total of 40 two-star restaurants and 139 one-star restaurants, this elegant Hong Kong-inspired venue combines Chinese flavor and Japanese finesse while serving up everything from shirako mapo tofu to grilled Chinese mitten crab dumplings.
Jay Fai in Bangkok, Thailand
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This humble street-food eatery in Bangkok serves up an à la carte Thai meal for around $12 (or 400 Thai baht). The first-ever Michelin-starred restaurant in Thailand is well known for its khai jeaw poo (crab omelet), and poo phad phong karee (stir-fried crab made with curry), and although it may have experienced a largely unwanted surge in popularity, the quality of the cuisine remains top-notch. According to an Eater report, the neighborhood restaurant would have preferred to remain low-key.
Ginza Ibuki in Tokyo, Japan
Despite its location in one of the most notoriously expensive Tokyo neighborhoods, this Japanese eatery specializes in set kaiseki lunches for just $12.25 (or 1,300 Japanese yen). The menu features flame-seared bonito straight from Shikoku and Ichiban salt from the Goto Islands. This Michelin-starred venue offers some of the highest quality ingredients available.
L'Antic Moli in El Castell, Spain
Tucked into a former flour mill in the middle of the Spanish countryside, this modern Spanish set lunch will run you about $16.60 (or 14.50 euros). This contemporary restaurant, which offers tapas and dishes from a tasting menu, is a great option for family-style sharing lunches and day dates. We recommend opting for the house specialty: Alcachofas y langostinos flambeadas al ron (artichokes and prawns flambéed with rum).
Al's Place in San Francisco
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Plant-based eaters will particularly appreciate this modern American spot in San Francisco, where fruit and vegetables reign supreme. Helmed by chef/owner Aaron London (hence the name), Al’s Place is well-loved for its locally-sourced, seasonal dishes, including blistered squash with pickled kohlrabi, brine-pickled French fries, and even grits topped with goat’s milk curds, Brussels sprouts, chanterelles and yuzu. À la carte dishes start at around $18. Al’s Place also boasts a great by-the-glass wine list, from $14-$20.
The Coach in Marlow, United Kingdom
This Michelin-starred pub in Marlow, located about 33 miles west of London, will make you question everything you know about fine dining — in a very good way. Here, you’ll be greeted with the same brick walls, dim lighting and bar seats you’d find at your local watering hole — and your favorite comfort food all grown up. We’re particularly keen on the burgers, Scotch eggs and fish fritters, which cost around $17.75 (or 14.50 euros).
Tuju in São Paolo, Brazil
Local ingredients from small producers are featured items on the menu at this two-Michelin-starred spot. Tuju is headed by local chef Ian Ralston, a young chef who highlights the very best that São Paolo has to offer while showcasing his technical skill and finesse. Seasonal specialties include the Alcachofra de primavera, caldo de queijo tulha, ervilhas e mostarda (locally-sourced artichoke on a bed of peas and mustard), which costs about $22.40 (or 85 Brazilian real). We highly recommend saving room for dessert: the creamy Panna cotta with Santa Isabel grape syrup is to die for.
Fritz's Frau Franzi in Düsseldorf, Germany
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This modern German eatery boasts a set-lunch menu for about $29.60 (or 26.50 euros). The menu changes with the season and Fritz's Frau Franzi is best known for its sophisticated fusion plates, including Bavarian prawns with wild mushrooms and bok choy and lasagna with oxtail ragout and Belper Knolle cheese. Note that set lunch at the bar is only available Thursdays to Saturdays.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.