Araya: Singapore’s 2024 Michelin-Starred Gem Showcasing South American Cuisine
An Epicurean Adventure Through Chile and the Lives of the Chefs
Araya proudly holds the title of the first fine-dining South American restaurant in Singapore and globally to earn a Michelin star in the 2024 Michelin Guide.
At Araya, Chefs Francisco Araya and Fernanda Guerrero share their rich heritage and culinary journeys through Chile, the South Pacific, and Japan. Each dish reflects their passion and commitment to showcasing seasonal ingredients and cultural provenance, blending South American and Japanese flavors with exceptional culinary techniques.
The cuisine crafted by Chefs Francisco and Fernanda is built upon the highest-quality ingredients sourced from their homeland of Chile and beyond. Every dish embodies their philosophy of celebrating life’s joys, honoring fine produce, and maintaining a rigorous focus on technique and finesse.
Discover the Talents of Chef Francisco Araya and Chef Fernanda Guerrero
Chef Francisco, 40, began his culinary career at Alma in Santiago, before advancing to Andoni Luis Aduriz’s renowned Mugaritz in Spain. He has held significant roles, including Head Chef and Creative Director at Borago in Santiago, and he later returned to Spain to join the legendary elBulli in 2008. In 2012, he opened 81 Restaurant in Tokyo, a space dedicated to seasonal Japanese ingredients infused with South American flair. Remarkably, this intimate eight-seat restaurant earned its first Michelin star in 2013 when Chef Francisco was only 29.
Chef Fernanda Guerrero, 36, complements Francisco’s culinary vision as the Pastry Chef. A talented pastry artist, she excels in creating exquisite breads and pastries with a unique sense of place. Her impressive background includes working at celebrated establishments like Alegre, awarded Best Restaurant in Chile (2013-2014), and NAPA Wine Bar & Kitchen, recognized as one of Shanghai’s top restaurants by Tatler in 2017. Fernanda’s passion for cooking began in her family’s restaurant in Chile, where she learned the craft from her parents, who ran the establishment for 32 years.
Exploring Araya’s Stunning Interior Decor
As you enter Araya through its distinctive copper-accented door, you are welcomed by a stunning 12-seat rose quartz counter that serves as the centerpiece of the main dining area. Designed by Australian interior designer Emma Maxwell, the restaurant’s decor draws inspiration from natural materials found in Chile, such as Alamo timber, with ombre walls that evoke the sunrises and sunsets of its diverse landscapes.
Guests are invited to dine at the rose quartz counter, providing a unique opportunity to watch the chefs in action. This intimate setting fosters a personal connection with the culinary team, allowing diners to engage and learn about the exotic ingredients and creative inspirations behind Araya’s remarkable dishes.
Adjacent to the main dining space is an exquisite private dining room, featuring a stunning mural of the Andes that entices those outside to take a glimpse. A solid quartzite stone table anchors this elegant area, while a delicate porcelain light fixture hovers above like soft, drifting clouds. Rich blue velvet curtains, framed by contemporary rope swags, beautifully complement a rustic terracotta wool rug crafted using natural dyes.
The Degustation Menu
At Araya, guests can embark on a culinary journey with three distinct dining options: the eight-course degustation menu highlighting the ocean’s bounty, known as Costa (S$368++); the eight-course land-focused degustation menu, Andes; and on weekends, the Chilean lunch menu, Araya-style ($298++), alongside a vegetarian menu ($298++) that showcases the region’s diverse plant offerings.
Costa ($368++)
Suggested Aperitif: Domaine De La Borderie Champagne Brut “Les 3 Contrees”
The Domaine De La Borderie Champagne Brut “Les 3 Contrees” is a stunning representation of elegance and complexity in a bottle. From the moment you pour it, the champagne captivates with its delicate floral nose, featuring enchanting aromas of acacia and hawthorn intertwined with subtle spicy notes and hints of dried fruit, particularly currants.
On the palate, this champagne is beautifully tangy and ample, offering a delightful burst of fruity flavors. The initial acidity gives way to a full-bodied experience, gradually revealing a harmonious balance of taut, vibrant aromas. The persistence of flavors is impressive, making each sip a true delight.
This champagne shines as a fine aperitif. It also pairs wonderfully with the ceviche below.
Snacks
Ama Ebi
Tomato meringue
The Ama Ebi, known for its sweet and delicate flavor, paired beautifully with the refreshing tomato meringue.
The combination was unexpected yet delightful; the meringue added a light, airy sweetness that balanced the savory notes of the shrimp.
Each bite was a perfect harmony of textures, from the tender, succulent shrimp to the crisp and creamy meringue. It’s a dish that truly highlights the creativity and artistry of the chef.
Corn Flan
Chocolitos
The flan was creamy, with a subtle sweetness that beautifully highlighted the corn’s natural flavors. The texture was stimulating, making each bite a pleasure.
Chicha De Pira
Fermented pineapple nectar
This fermented pineapple nectar is both refreshing and complex, making it a unique beverage choice. The flavor profile is a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy, with just the right amount of fermentation to add depth without overpowering the natural taste of the pineapple.
The texture is pleasantly smooth, and the drink has a light effervescence that makes it incredibly refreshing, especially on a warm day. It’s a perfect accompaniment to a meal or a delightful standalone treat.
I also appreciate the cultural significance of Chicha De Pira; it’s a traditional beverage that reflects the rich culinary heritage of the chefs..
La Panera (Bread Basket)
Marraqueta
Classic pan Chileno
The Marraqueta is a classic Chilean bread, and it did not disappoint! This bread is a staple in Chilean households, and for good reason. Its crust is beautifully golden and crispy, providing a delightful crunch with each bite, while the inside is soft and airy.
The flavor is subtly sweet and wonderfully versatile, pairing well with a variety of toppings.
I appreciate how Marraqueta evokes a sense of tradition and comfort, making it a fantastic addition to any meal.
Chapalele
Sourdough potato bread, cochayu spread, merken butter
The Chapalele itself was wonderfully soft and fluffy, with a slightly tangy flavor from the sourdough that perfectly complemented the potato. The bread had a beautiful crust that added a nice texture, making each bite enjoyable.
Paired with the cochayu spread, which added a rich, savory depth, and the merken butter, infused with a smoky and spicy kick, this dish was an explosion of flavor. The combination of the creamy spread and the warm bread was simply irresistible.
I also appreciated the cultural significance of Chapalele; it’s a dish that beautifully represents Chilean culinary traditions.
Bocado De Dama
Nori
This was an intriguing and delightful culinary experience.
The Bocado de Dama itself is a well-executed treat, combining a delicate balance of flavors and textures. The addition of Nori adds a unique twist, introducing a subtle umami flavor and a touch of the sea that complements the main elements beautifully.
This dish offers a creative fusion of ingredients, showcasing a thoughtful approach to combining traditional and modern elements.
El Menu (The Menu)
Ceviche
Hokkaido scallops, botan ebi, leche de Tigre sorbet, ginger jelly
The freshness of the Hokkaido scallops and botan ebi was immediately evident; they were beautifully tender and sweet, showcasing the quality of the seafood. The ceviche was expertly prepared, with a perfect balance of acidity that enhanced the natural flavors without overwhelming them.
The addition of leche de tigre sorbet was a brilliant touch. Its refreshing and zesty profile provided a unique contrast, while the coolness of the sorbet added an intriguing element to the dish. Paired with the ginger jelly, which brought a gentle spice and sweetness, each bite was a delightful explosion of flavors and textures.
The presentation was immaculate, with vibrant colors and elegant plating that made it almost too beautiful to eat. It was evident that a lot of thought and skill went into creating this dish.
Coral
Manhua, wakame, dulse
The presentation was stunning, reminiscent of an underwater scene, with vibrant colors and textures that immediately caught my eye. The Manhua was light and airy, providing a delightful base that set the stage for the other ingredients.
The Wakame added a fresh, oceanic flavor, enhancing the dish with its subtle brininess and chewy texture. Meanwhile, the Dulse contributed a hint of umami and a slightly crunchy texture, creating a wonderful balance in each bite.
The combination of these elements made for a harmonious blend of flavors, with each ingredient complementing the others perfectly. It was both refreshing and satisfying, making it an ideal dish for seafood lovers and those looking to explore unique flavor profiles.
Moqueca
Kinki, aceite de dende, kiwicha
The dish was rich and aromatic, with the Kinki fish perfectly cooked to tender perfection. Its mild flavor paired beautifully with the bold notes of the Aceite de Dendê, which added a wonderful depth and a beautiful golden hue to the dish. The combination of flavors was vibrant and satisfying, making each bite a true delight.
The Kiwicha added an interesting twist, contributing a nutty flavor and a slight crunch that complemented the tender fish and creamy sauce. The entire dish was well-balanced, with a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that spoke to the heart of traditional Moqueca.
Presentation-wise, it was visually appealing, showcasing the bright colors of the ingredients and inviting you to dig in.
Suggested Pairing: Tabali Talinay Pinot Noir
The Tabali Talinay Pinot Noir 2021 is a captivating expression of this classic varietal, showcasing a clean and shiny red color that instantly draws you in. This wine is a delightful journey for the senses, beginning with its complex mineral notes that hint at the unique terroir from which it originates.
On the palate, abundant red fruit flavors emerge, beautifully complemented by a distinctive earthy character that adds depth and intrigue. It’s a refreshing wine that strikes a perfect balance between vibrant fruit and nuanced minerality.
The mouthfeel is broad and creamy, with a highly textured quality that makes each sip a pleasure. The finely balanced flavors create a harmonious experience, leading to a long and captivating finish that lingers delightfully.
Chancho En Piedra
Cantaloupe, cucumber
This was a refreshing and innovative dish that I absolutely loved!
The combination of cantaloupe and cucumber created a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the cantaloupe perfectly complemented the crisp, refreshing notes of the cucumber, making each bite incredibly satisfying. The dish was light and refreshing, perfect for a warm day or here, as a palate cleanser.
The presentation was bright and vibrant, with the colors of the cantaloupe and cucumber creating an inviting look that instantly caught my eye.
Sunday Lunch
Wagyu empanada, pebre
The Wagyu empanada was simply outstanding. The pastry was perfectly flaky and golden, with a satisfying crunch that gave way to a rich, savory filling. The Wagyu beef was incredibly tender and flavorful, showcasing the quality of the meat. Each bite was a delicious blend of hearty flavors that left me wanting more.
Picana
Wagyu, chimichurri
The Wagyu was incredibly tender and rich, with that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes it a true indulgence. The beef was cooked to perfection, showcasing its natural flavor while remaining juicy and flavorful. Each bite was a celebration of quality meat.
The chimichurri sauce added a vibrant and zesty contrast, elevating the dish to new heights. The fresh herbs and garlic in the chimichurri complemented the richness of the Wagyu beautifully, adding a refreshing brightness that balanced the meal perfectly.
Suggested Pairing: Arnot-Roberts Que Syrah Vineyard Syrah
The Arnot-Roberts Que Syrah Vineyard Syrah is an impressive and expansive wine that captures the essence of its terroir beautifully. From the first sip, you are greeted with juicy, richly textured layers that envelop the palate, making it a truly indulgent experience.
This Syrah is bursting with wild, briary fruit that evokes the untamed nature of the vineyard. The dark minerality adds depth and complexity, grounding the fruit in a way that makes it all the more intriguing. Hints of bay leaf emerge, providing an aromatic lift that complements the wine’s rich profile.
The balance of flavors is masterful, creating a harmonious interplay that is both vibrant and contemplative. Each sip invites you to explore its nuanced character, making it an excellent choice for savoring over a meal or enjoying on its own.
Postres (Desserts)
Manzana
Granny smith, rica rica
The Granny Smith sorbet was the star of the dish, with its vibrant tartness and smooth, creamy texture that was incredibly refreshing. It perfectly captured the bright, crisp flavor of the apples, making it a delightful treat on a warm day.
The addition of Rica Rica brought a unique twist to the sorbet. This aromatic herb added subtle earthy notes that complemented the tartness of the apples beautifully, creating a complex flavor profile that kept me coming back for more.
The presentation was stunning. It was neat and modern. It was as pleasing to the eyes as it was to the palate.
Antartica
Goat’s milk ice cream, crispy milk, cinnamon anglaise, Patagonia berries, dulce de leche
The goat’s milk ice cream was wonderfully creamy, offering a unique and slightly tangy flavor that complemented the dish perfectly. The addition of crispy milk added a delightful crunch, providing a lovely contrast in texture.
The cinnamon anglaise brought warmth and richness to the dish, enhancing the overall experience. Paired with the fresh Patagonia berries, which were bursting with flavor, the dessert felt bright and refreshing. The dulce de leche added just the right amount of sweetness, tying all the elements together beautifully.
Carrito De Leches
A sweet taste of South America
The Carrito De Leches is a delightful indulgence that celebrates the sweet flavors of South America, and it’s even more exciting with its impressive assortment of chocolates to choose from! This dessert truly captures the essence of richness and variety, making it a must-try for chocolate lovers.
Each chocolate option offers a unique flavor profile, from creamy milk chocolate to more intense dark varieties, allowing you to customize your experience. The base is a luscious blend of sweet creaminess that perfectly complements the chocolates, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Araya
83 Neil Road, Duxton Hill, #01-08 Mondrian Singapore, 089813
Tel: 8870 0871
