Dining is more than just eating in the Philippines—it’s an experience. The love, warmth, and creativity of Filipinos are evident in every dish they serve, no matter who consumes it or what the dining area looks like; as long as there’s a reason to gather and share food, expect Filipinos to be there.

In a historic first, the Philippines’ authentic, high-quality, and delectable cuisine will be recognized on the renowned MICHELIN Guide.

On Feb. 18, the esteemed tire company famous for its restaurant ratings announced its arrival in the country, eyeing the culinary landscapes of Manila (and Environs) and Cebu for the country’s highly anticipated debut next year.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the esteemed restaurant inspectors stating, “We are proud to share our vibrant culture and distinct cuisines to the world, which can be enjoyed through exceptional dining experiences across our dynamic cities and beautiful islands.”

“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,” Frasco added.

In their statement, MICHELIN Guide International Director Gwendal Poullennec revealed that they have set their eyes on 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,” Poullennac said.

“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,” he added.

Set to release in the last quarter of the year, the selection of Filipino restaurants will focus on the dining hubs of Metro Manila, Cebu, Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite.

The MICHELIN Guide is based on five criteria: quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavours, personality of the cuisine, and the consistency of the menu over time.

Michelin Stars ranging from one star to three stars are awarded to outstanding restaurants while Bib Gourmand is given to those which serve high-quality food at a reasonable price.

Michelin is a French company that has produced tires since 1889 and publishes the MICHELIN Guide where it chronicles excellent food spots around the world since 1900.

It is renowned for their stance in maintaining the highest standards when it comes to their restaurant selection process.

Love local and love the Philippines, mga kababayan!

Photo Credit: https://guide.michelin.com/