Singapore TikToker faces backlash over ‘exposing michelin hawkers’ review series

A Singaporean TikToker has come under fire on social media over a controversial video series originally titled “Exposing Michelin Hawkers,” which was later renamed “Exploring Michelin Hawkers” following public backlash.

The creator, known as @lucasneoca or Lucas the Boss, launched the series in September with the goal of reviewing all 148 hawker stalls listed in the Michelin Guide. As of now, he has uploaded 72 reviews on his TikTok account.

In one video, Lucas, who works as an executive director at a financial agency, explained his rating system and clarified that he does not consider himself a professional critic.

“I’m not a food critic, I’m not an expert — it’s just my opinion,” he said, noting that his mood on the day could influence his ratings.

His short, minute-long reviews typically feature straightforward commentary on each dish, highlighting what he likes or dislikes while emphasising that his remarks are purely personal.

Backlash from Food Industry and the Public

The series has sparked strong reactions from both members of the public and figures within Singapore’s food scene.

Singapore filmmaker Daniel Yun took to Facebook on 25 October, criticising Lucas for what he described as dismissive comments about hawkers and their craft.

Yun wrote that the vlogger began defensively before “attacking every Singaporean’s favourite people — the hawkers.”

He cited one of Lucas’s remarks about chendol, where the TikToker allegedly said: “No need skill, just assemble only. You put any unskilled worker there — maybe you put my daughter there also can.”

Yun argued that hawkers play an essential role in Singapore’s culture and identity.

“These are street food. A big part of our culture. An integral part of our lives. It is easy to take our easily available street food for granted. They are there, round the clock, relatively inexpensive. Yet we cannot live without them. But the real story is the people behind the food.”

He also shared his personal experience helping his father run a duck rice stall after retirement, describing the long hours, stress, and physical toll of the work — an experience that, he said, gave him deep respect for the sacrifices behind every bowl of hawker food.

Prominent local chef Benny Se Teo, founder of Eighteen Chefs, also criticised Lucas in a Facebook post on 17 October.

“Someone should start rating insurance agents the same way this fella goes around ‘reviewing’ and undermining Michelin-listed hawkers … if he actually knows about food limpeh really don’t mind … but if it’s just to stir the pot maybe he should sell policies instead,” Se Teo wrote.

Meanwhile, food critic @zentayyj appeared to make a veiled reference to Lucas in a 13 October TikTok post, questioning why anyone would publicly post negative reviews of hawkers.

“If it’s nice food, you post about it — that’s very nice of you. Introduce it to people. If it’s not nice then don’t feature. Why must you try to affect people’s business? What benefit is there for you? I don’t understand,” he said.

Hawkers Warn of Impact on Livelihoods

On 18 October, Melvin Chew, owner of Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck & Kway Chap and founder of the Facebook group Hawkers United Dabao 2020, expressed frustration over how such negative reviews could harm hawkers’ livelihoods.

“Those who are not in this hawker trade will not understand the hardship! The words from your mouth or pen can destroy someone’s rice bowl and livelihood! Honest review? How honest is that honest review?” he wrote.

Chew questioned the vlogger’s motivations, suggesting that personal bias, jealousy, or the pursuit of online engagement could influence his content.

“It’s easy to say it’s just your view. But if someone did a video saying your attitude horrible, your look horrible, you very tiko, you anyhow sleep anyhow — and after that they give you a 9/10 — would you thank them for the so-called ‘honest review’? The cut is not on your flesh; you won’t feel pain until you kena it yourself,” he added.

Lucas Responds to the Controversy

In response to the backlash, Lucas posted a TikTok video clarifying that he had no intention of creating drama or conflict, stressing that his reviews are not sponsored.

“I don’t want any drama, I don’t want any conflict, I just want to clarify,” he said.

“I’m not paid to do these reviews. I don’t mean any harm to hawkers, and I’m proud of Singapore’s hawker culture.”

Despite the criticism, Lucas stated that he intends to continue producing his review series as part of his brand, arguing that it would be “fake” to post only positive reviews.

He maintained that constructive criticism can help hawkers improve their offerings.

Netizens Weigh In

On Facebook, netizens also criticised Lucas for the way he presented his reviews.

One user commented that while some food critics do give one-star reviews, they usually explain their reasoning objectively by stating why, what, and how a dish could be improved.

However, the user felt that Lucas’s reviews “gave zero constructive content.”

Another user said Lucas could still be a self-proclaimed food critic, but his choice of words should be more tactful.

The user noted that as an influencer, his comments carry weight with followers who may take his opinions and suggestions seriously.