I've eaten at three of the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. Here's how they rank, from best to worst value for money.

Marielle DescalsotaMar 15, 2023, 12:21 IST

Food and how much they cost at the cheapest Michelin-starred eateries in the world.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

The Michelin Guide first awarded stars to street food stalls in 2016.
The cheapest Michelin-starred eateries are located in Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia.

As Insider's food reporter in Singapore, I've eaten at several Michelin-starred restaurants — including three of the cheapest in the world.

The author dining at Jay Fai.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

3. Jay Fai (Bangkok, Thailand)

Chef Jay Fai.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

Jay Fai is worth a visit, but with over 320,000 restaurants in Bangkok, there are other eateries that serve better — and cheaper — food.

The restaurant and the inside of the crab.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

2. Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle (Kallang, Singapore)

Chef Cheng.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

Bak chor mee is one of my favorite dishes, so I eat it often. Tai Hwa's rendition was less spicy than what I'm used to, but that's not a bad thing — the springiness of the noodles and the tangy sauce made up for it.

The kopitiam and the bak chor mee.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

Bak chor mee is one of my favorite dishes, so I eat it often. Tai Hwa's rendition was less spicy than what I'm used to, but that's not a bad thing — the springiness of the noodles and the tangy sauce made up for it.

1. Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery (Penang, Malaysia)

Auntie Lean Gaik is an eclectic character who's fiery and full of personality.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

I ordered an entire spread, per Adrian's recommendation. The standouts were the Baba delight, curry kapitan, and sambal brinjal — but nearly every dish was delicious.

The restaurant and the spread of Peranakan food.Marielle Descalsota/Insider

I ordered an entire spread, per Adrian's recommendation. The standouts were the Baba delight, curry kapitan, and sambal brinjal — but nearly every dish was delicious.

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I've eaten at three of the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. Here's how they rank, from best to worst value for money.

As Insider's food reporter in Singapore, I've eaten at several Michelin-starred restaurants — including three of the cheapest in the world.

3. Jay Fai (Bangkok, Thailand)

Jay Fai is worth a visit, but with over 320,000 restaurants in Bangkok, there are other eateries that serve better — and cheaper — food.

2. Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle (Kallang, Singapore)

Bak chor mee is one of my favorite dishes, so I eat it often. Tai Hwa's rendition was less spicy than what I'm used to, but that's not a bad thing — the springiness of the noodles and the tangy sauce made up for it.

1. Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery (Penang, Malaysia)

I ordered an entire spread, per Adrian's recommendation. The standouts were the Baba delight, curry kapitan, and sambal brinjal — but nearly every dish was delicious.