What you need to know about Singapore's Michelin web portal, and the real meaning of the stars

You've probably already heard about the impending debut of Michelin guide Singapore 2016 later this year, and there's already a stellar line-up of events to mark its debut.

But here's something else you need to know: Michelin has launched its gourmet lifestyle portal in Singapore - first in Asia - offering gourmands an insider's perspective on the Michelin-star restaurants, award-winning international celebrity chefs and also a channel to make reservations at some of the most sought after tables.

The star ratings by Michelin are both a source of information as well as an enigma.

This is what every gourmand should know about the rating system:

1 star: good to try if you're in the neighbourhood

2 stars: if you're in the country, try to go

3 stars: you should make it a point to travel there to eat!

The gourmet lifestyle content on the interactive platform will be categorised into news, features, people, dining in and dining out. Besides getting first-hand updates on global Michelin guide announcements, gastronomes can also enjoy recipes and opinion pieces by Michelin-star chefs.

You could even send in your questions to be answered by renowned chefs, or submit your own masterpiece to the crowd-sourced recipe collection.

Michelin has also teamed up with Singapore-based Chope Group to provide a seamless online reservation experience to book a spot at the coveted tables. Diners can make a reservation at these prestigious culinary establishments from anywhere in the world and at anytime, thereby keeping the dining experience fuss-free from beginning to end. We're already tripping over ourselves with excitement.

The first 50 users who pre-order four copies of the Michelin guide Singapore 2016 via www.guide.michelin.sg with a complimentary ticket (worth $280++) to a four-course lunch session at Art at Curate on May 4, 2016.

This article was first published in Singapore Airlines’ travel magazine, SilverKris. Go to silverkris.com for more travel stories.