A Singapore Michelin Guide has been confirmed and will launch on July 21, making it the first country in Southeast Asia to have a dedicated edition.

Anonymous Michelin inspectors last year visited Singapore restaurants to make their ratings, following five criteria – quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques and flavours, projection of the chef’s personality in the cuisine, and value for money and consistency, both over time and across the entire menu. Factors such as location, decor, service and amenities were not considered.

Everything that can be categorised as food and beverage was considered for the guide, including hawkers, reports TTG Asia.

An awards ceremony will be held at Resorts World Sentosa on July 21, at which stars will be presented to restaurants. The event will be attended by Michelin Guides international director Michael Ellis.

It will be the first time the awards ceremony has been held in conjunction with a gala dinner, and also the first time the event is open to the public. Organised by Robert Parker Wine Advocate (RPWA), the dinner menu will be prepared by Joël Robuchon with a few Singaporean chefs who have earned a mention in the guide.

Michelin Guide SIngapore program director Michelle Ling has refused to say how many inspectors were involved in the new guide, nor how many eateries were reviewed.

A web portal has been launched by the 100-year-old brand in collaboration with RPWA and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Other post-launch activities include the world’s first trade seminar hosted by Ellis, for 100 Singapore-based chefs, restaurateurs and hoteliers, on July 22, plus an International Chef Showcase and a Local Chef Showcase.