The star means both of the street food stalls offer high-quality cooking and are perceived as very good in their respective category. It is the first time the Michelin Guide has awarded stars to informal eateries in Singapore.

“It signifies that these hawkers have managed to hit the ball out of the park,” Michelin Guide international director Michael Ellis told Channel News Asia. “In terms of the quality of ingredients, flavors, cooking techniques, and in terms of just the general emotions, they are able to put in their dishes. And that is something that I think is really unique to Singapore.”

Both of the hawker stalls offer affordable meals, with the price for one portion of chicken rice from Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle starting from  S$2, while a portion of mincemeat noodles from Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle costs around S$4.

Prior to the award, Michelin Guide also granted Bib Gourmand awards to 34 selected eating destinations; 17 of them are located in food markets, while three are classified as street food.

Singapore is currently holding a food festival, set to run until July 31.