REACH FOR THE STARS

Jimmy Lim, whose father ran a zi char restaurant, helms the first-ever Singaporean restaurant to be recognised with the Michelin Guide's highest honour

- Jessica Lin

When Jimmy Lim’s JL Studio was awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide for Taiwan in August, the Singaporean not only achieved a lifelong personal dream but also ignited the dreams of many others striving to find their way in the culinary world.

The son of a zi char chef, food has always been a passion for Lim. As a student he chose to study home economics in school purely for the fact that he “loved the idea of cooking”. Little did he know that by the age of 41, he would reach a milestone beyond his wildest dreams, cementing his place among the world’s greatest culinary masters.

The reveal in August not only marked the first time in history a Singaporean earned the guide’s top honour, it also propelled Singaporean cuisine onto the global stage, with JL Studio being the first and only Singapore cuisine restaurant with three stars. As one of just 140 three-starred restaurants worldwide in 2023, Michelin Guide’s recognition was the long-awaited proof of Lim’s firm belief that laksa and chilli crab belong among the world’s most illustrious cuisines.

“My relentless dedication has always been fuelled by the belief that Singaporean cuisine can shine on the international stage, transcending its reputation as mere hawker fare or street food,” Lim says.

As high an honour as it is, Lim, who also founded casual Singaporean eatery Chope Chope in Taipei, does not see the achievement as a “pinnacle”. Rather, he says, it is an “invaluable ticket” for Singapore cuisine to shine on a global stage. “All the years of unwavering effort have led us to this moment, a chance to step into the spotlight and showcase the essence of Singaporean cuisine.”

FROM FATHER TO SON