For years, MICHELIN stars have been the gold standard of culinary excellence. Restaurants with MICHELIN stars are considered among the best in the world. From the UK to Japan, and Greece to Canada, various countries have proudly earned their place in the MICHELIN Guide. Now, the Philippines is set to join this prestigious list.
Expansion to Manila and Cebu
The MICHELIN Guide is expanding its reach to the Philippines, focusing on Manila and Cebu. The guide will spotlight these cities’ vibrant culinary scenes, including nearby regions like Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite. The goal is to highlight the best restaurants offering exceptional culinary experiences.
While Filipino restaurants have been featured in the MICHELIN Guide before, these establishments were located in North America and the UK. The first Filipino restaurant to receive a MICHELIN star was Kasama in Chicago in 2022. Now, with the arrival of MICHELIN inspectors, the Philippines could soon see its own homegrown restaurants earning stars.
The Role of the MICHELIN Guide
The MICHELIN Guide is a series of books (and now digital resources) that recognize outstanding restaurants worldwide. Its mission is to guide both travelers and food lovers to the best dining experiences. The Guide also aims to highlight the global culinary scene and promote travel culture.
Independent, anonymous inspectors are sent to evaluate restaurants in Metro Manila and Cebu. These experts assess the best restaurants based on the quality of ingredients, cooking techniques, flavor balance, and the personality of each dish. Their goal is to showcase the finest culinary talents, whether they are maintaining traditional Filipino recipes or introducing innovative new flavors.
What to Expect from the MICHELIN Guide Philippines
By the end of 2025, the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 will be released, revealing a list of award-winning restaurants. Restaurants will be judged and awarded one, two, or three stars based on the quality of their offerings:
One MICHELIN Star: High-quality cooking that is worth a stop.
Two MICHELIN Stars: Excellent cooking that is worth a detour.
Three MICHELIN Stars: Exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.
This evaluation process will be based on factors like ingredient quality, cooking mastery, and consistency across the menu.
Why This Matters for Filipino Cuisine
The recognition of the Philippines by the MICHELIN Guide underscores the country’s culinary excellence. While we don’t need external validation to appreciate the richness of Filipino food, the arrival of the MICHELIN inspectors is a welcome recognition of the creativity and talent of Filipino chefs.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, explains that the Philippines’ diverse culinary traditions, combined with openness to global influences, create a unique dining culture. Manila’s young chefs are redefining Filipino cuisine, while Cebu offers an impressive range of dining experiences with top-tier hospitality.
The Impact on Local Restaurants and the Economy
Earning a MICHELIN star can be transformative for a restaurant, pushing chefs and entrepreneurs to achieve new heights in culinary excellence. MICHELIN Stars not only inspire innovation, but they can also boost the local economy as both local and international visitors flock to these top-rated restaurants.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco says, “In the Philippines, every dish tells a story, and every flavor is an invitation to experience our nation’s rich cultural tapestry.” MICHELIN’s recognition will bring Filipino culinary traditions into the spotlight and inspire pride in local food culture.
Looking Forward to the MICHELIN Guide Philippines
The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide in Manila and Cebu is an exciting development for Filipino cuisine. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the creativity, innovation, and dedication of Filipino chefs. The Guide will not only impact the restaurant industry but also inspire diners and travelers, bringing global attention to the Philippines’ culinary gems.
What local restaurant do you think deserves a MICHELIN star?
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