Raffles Singapore Welcomes André Chiang Back with New Restaurant

Announced January 21, 2026, Raffles Singapore confirmed the late March opening of their new restaurant, 1887 by André. This marks the return of Chef André Chiang as Chef Patron, years after the closure of his two-Michelin-starred Restaurant André, which Luxury Travel Advisor notes was "widely considered one of the most influential dining destinations in Asia."

The new restaurant takes over the historic formal dining room within the Main Building, a space previously occupied by Raffles Grill and Elizabethan Grill. The hotel frames this opening as a "homecoming" for Chiang, whose culinary vision now focuses on "heritage gastronomy that utilizes French techniques to interpret the history of the hotel and Singapore itself," according to Luxury Travel Advisor.

Previously, Chiang's culinary approach was defined by his "Octaphilosophy," a framework encompassing eight distinct concepts. However, with 1887 by André, Luxury Travel Advisor reports the focus shifts significantly towards the property's history, dating back to the restaurant's namesake year.

The menu will feature both à la carte options and classic choice set menus, a departure from the strict tasting-menu-only format prevalent in contemporary high-end dining. Luxury Travel Advisor describes the culinary direction as a "taste of time," drawing inspiration from the hotel's Victorian-era archives and interpreting local flavors.

What this means: This move positions Raffles Singapore as a strong contender in the city's competitive luxury dining scene, leveraging Chiang's formidable reputation and the hotel's storied past. The emphasis on historical interpretation rather than purely modern gastronomy also offers a distinct niche.