The Michelin Guide is set to make a landmark debut in the Philippines in 2026, marking a new chapter in the country’s culinary evolution. This prestigious guide will be evaluating restaurants across key regions including Metro Manila, Cebu, Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite, celebrating the rich and diverse flavors that define Filipino cuisine.
A Milestone for the Philippines’ Culinary Scene
The arrival of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines has been met with great excitement from both the culinary community and tourism officials. Gwendal Poullennec, the Michelin Guide’s International Director, expressed his enthusiasm about the country’s growing food scene. He noted that the Philippines’ “deep-rooted culinary traditions, combined with a strong openness to global influences,” create a distinctive and dynamic dining culture.
“In Manila, we see young, talented chefs redefining Filipino cuisine with fresh perspectives; while Cebu, as a leading tourist destination, offers an impressive range of dining experiences with world-class hospitality,” Poullennec added.
This expansion into the Philippines is a significant milestone, recognizing the country’s diverse food culture and its potential to become a key player in global gastronomic tourism.
Tourism Support and Future Growth
The Philippine Department of Tourism has fully supported the Michelin Guide’s entry, with Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco calling it a “game-changer” for the country’s global reputation. She emphasized the role of Filipino cuisine in the nation’s tourism sector, stating that the arrival of the guide “is not only a testament to our country’s culinary excellence but also a significant leap forward for Filipino tourism.”
With over 7,600 islands, each offering unique regional dishes and culinary traditions, the Philippines is ready to showcase its rich food culture on the global stage.
The Michelin Star Criteria
The Michelin Guide’s selections in the Philippines will follow the same universal criteria used in its global editions:
- Quality of ingredients
- Mastery of cooking techniques
- Harmony of flavours
- Personality of the cuisine
- Consistency over time and across the menu
Restaurants can earn one, two, or three Michelin Stars based on the quality of their food and dining experience. Additionally, restaurants that offer high-quality meals at a reasonable price will be awarded the Bib Gourmand distinction.
Celebrating Filipino Culinary Heritage
The Philippines’ diverse food landscape, blending indigenous ingredients with influences from across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, provides an exciting opportunity for the Michelin Guide to highlight the unique offerings from Filipino chefs. As the culinary scene continues to innovate, the entry of the Michelin Guide is expected to drive further interest in Filipino cuisine and promote culinary tourism in the country.
In 2022, Kasama in Chicago became the world’s first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant, marking a historic achievement for Filipino food on the global stage. Now, with the Philippines’ upcoming inclusion in the Michelin Guide, the country’s culinary excellence is poised to shine even brighter.
The Future of Filipino Gastronomy
As the Michelin Guide prepares to unveil its full selection of starred restaurants in the Philippines in the last quarter of 2025, the anticipation is building. The guide will be available exclusively in digital format, making it easier than ever for food lovers around the world to explore the flavors of the Philippines.
With this new chapter in Filipino gastronomy, the Philippines is not only celebrating its culinary talent but also opening the door to global recognition and the growth of culinary tourism.
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