Raffles Singapore Plans New Restaurant for André Chiang Return

One of Asia’s most significant culinary figures is making a permanent return to Singapore, and he is setting up shop in the city-state’s most historic address.

Raffles Hotel Singapore announced it will open 1887 by André at the end of March. The new restaurant marks the return of Chef André Chiang as Chef Patron, years after the closure of his two-Michelin-starred Restaurant André, which was widely considered one of the most influential dining destinations in Asia.

The new concept takes over the historic formal dining room of the Main Building, previously the home of Raffles Grill and Elizabethan Grill. The hotel is positioning the venue as a homecoming for Chiang, who is focusing on heritage gastronomy that utilizes French techniques to interpret the history of the hotel and Singapore itself.

Reservations for the restaurant are currently open.

Chef André Chiang
(Raffles Hotel Singapore)

While Chiang’s previous work was defined by his “Octaphilosophy” framework (a culinary technique framed by eight concepts: salt, texture, memory, purity, terroir, south, artisan, and uniqueness), 1887 by André appears to lean heavily into the specific history of the building, which dates back to the restaurant’s namesake year.

The menu will be offered as both à la carte and classic choice set menus — a shift from the strict tasting-menu-only format often seen in high-end diverse gastronomy. The culinary direction is described as a “taste of time,” referencing dishes from the property’s Victorian-era archives and interpreting local flavors.

Notably, the dining experience will utilize actual artifacts from the hotel’s history. This includes the property’s silverware collection and a legendary silver trolley that was buried in the hotel grounds during World War II to prevent looting, only to be recovered during peacetime.

The interiors are being handled by Bill Bensley, the architect and designer known for his high-concept luxury resort work across Southeast Asia. The design will reportedly reference a glasshouse aesthetic, utilizing marble, wood, and traditional punkahs (ceiling fans) to mirror the tropical colonial architecture of the Main Building.

The Return of a City’s Culinary Heavyweight

For the culinary industry, Chiang’s return to a permanent kitchen in Singapore is a major development.

“Returning to Singapore feels deeply personal; it is where I grew as a chef, found my community and forged my philosophy. The reason for coming back is simply a desire to build an iconic restaurant once again — for Singapore,” Chiang said in a statement. “It is a city defined by its multicultural influences, openness to the world and deep respect for craft — qualities that continue to inspire how I cook today. 1887 by André is my love letter to Raffles Hotel Singapore and this city for its kaleidoscope of cultures and diversity that have shaped me. Through this restaurant, I am honouring the flavours, stories and craftsmanship that have stood the test of time and presenting them in a way that we can proudly share with the world.”

Strategic Evolution for Raffles

The addition of a headline chef like Chiang signals Raffles Hotel Singapore’s intent to maintain its grip on the region’s ultra-luxury dining market, combining its heritage hardware with high-profile talent.

“Raffles Hotel Singapore has long been a place where heritage, culture and culinary excellence come together and continue to be reimagined. Our collaboration with Chef André Chiang is a meaningful expression of this legacy,” said Christian Westbeld, the hotel’s managing director. “This is a partnership that is rooted in shared respect for craft, culture and storytelling, combined with a desire to honour the past while thoughtfully reinterpreting heritage gastronomy for today. With 1887 by André, we are pleased to welcome a remarkable chef back home to Singapore, while contributing to the ongoing evolution of the culinary landscape in Singapore and the region, creating an experience that is deeply anchored in history, yet attuned to the present and future.”

1887 by André will operate Tuesday through Saturday for lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. last seating) and dinner (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. last seating). The restaurant is closed Sundays and Mondays.