Michelin Guide to debut in the Philippines

IT’S time for the Philippines to get its first taste of the Michelin magic as the Michelin Guide announces its arrival in the country on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. 

The prestigious Michelin Guide will spotlight the top dining destinations in Cebu, Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite for its highly anticipated 2026 edition. 

In its search for the country’s most brilliant chefs and culinary teams, the guide aims to showcase the Philippines’ rich flavors and elevate its dining scene to the global stage.

“Our Michelin inspectors have been following the evolution of the Filipino culinary scene with great excitement. The country’s deep-rooted culinary traditions, combined with a strong openness to global influences, create a uniquely diverse dining culture,” said Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of the Michelin Guide. 

“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,” she added. 

The arrival of the Michelin Guide in the Philippines is more than a milestone for the culinary world—it is also expected to boost the country’s tourism, drawing food enthusiasts and travelers eager to experience its rich gastronomic landscape.

“We are proud to share our vibrant culture and distinct cuisines with the world, which can be enjoyed through exceptional dining experiences across our dynamic cities and beautiful islands,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco. 

“The arrival of the Michelin Guide is not only a testament to our country’s culinary excellence but also a significant leap forward for Filipino tourism, with gastronomy now forming a key part of our national tourism priorities.”

The Michelin Guide, established by French tire company Michelin in 1900, is a prestigious series of annual guidebooks that review and award stars to exceptional restaurants worldwide. 

Their process of evaluation involves anonymous professional inspectors that will rate a restaurant from one to three stars based on criteria such as ingredient quality, flavor harmony, technique mastery, chef’s personality, and consistency. 

Receiving a Michelin star is a huge achievement in the culinary world, often leading to increased recognition and patronage for the awarded establishment.