First-time China's Black Pearl Restaurant Awards held in Singapore
Let's Dish on the 2025 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide Awards:
The eighth edition of the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide Awards took place in Singapore on April 25, at the swanky Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre. This was the first time the prestigious event ventured outside of China, a clear sign that Black Pearl is gunning for international dominance and Singapore's ambition to be a hub for global gourmet delights.
Cao Zhongming, the Chinese Ambassador to Singapore, graced the event with his presence, followed by a mouth-watering 10-course dinner prepared by chefs hailing from Yong Fu (Hong Kong), Amazing Chinese Cuisine (China), Waku Ghin (Singapore), La Chine (Macau), and CUT by Wolfgang Puck (Singapore).
Launched by Chinese e-commerce giant Meituan in 2018, Black Pearl aims to be more than just a culinary authority - it aspires to be a global powerhouse, grounded in traditional Chinese dining standards yet fostering cross-border collaboration. The 2025 awards ceremony marked their foray into international waters, with over 14% of the listed restaurants now stationed overseas[1][3]. Singapore's participation in the event underscores its commitment to promoting gastronomic exchange and establishing itself as a global gourmet destination[1][3].
This international pursuit emphasizes the blend of tradition, ingredient mastery, and innovation. The guide's anonymous reviewers assess venues globally, from Singapore to Tokyo, Bangkok, and beyond[1][3]. The 2025 edition featured no less than 16 Singapore restaurants, including exciting newcomers such as Cassia, Waku Ghin, and Seroja[1][3]. The event concluded with a collaborative 10-course dinner, a fusion of regional techniques and ingredients, bringing together chefs from Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, and China[1].
As Meituan's CEO puts it, "Internationalization fosters collaboration and learning across borders”[3]. Balancing the export of Chinese culinary standards with an open embrace of global innovations, Black Pearl is set to redefine the culinary landscape, one tantalizing bite at a time.
- The 2025 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide Awards, famous for its gourmet recognition, held its eighth edition in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre.
- The event, which welcomed representatives from restaurants like Waku Ghin (Singapore) and CUT by Wolfgang Puck (Singapore), highlighted Singapore's ambition to be a global hub for lifestyle, food-and-drink, and travel.
- Black Pearl, launched in 2018 by Chinese e-commerce giant Meituan, seeks to expand beyond culinary authority, aiming for global dominance while maintaining traditional Chinese dining standards.
- The 2025 ceremony saw 16 Singapore restaurants, including Cassia, Waku Ghin, and Seroja, receive honors in this prestigious award, symbolizing a fusion of traditional, innovative, and cross-border collaborations in the global food scene.
