Epicureans, rejoice: The Michelin Guide is coming to the Philippines.
Amid rumors circulating since last year, the esteemed culinary guidebook, Michelin Guide (stylized as MICHELIN Guide), announced on February 17 that it will expand its reach to Metro Manila, the surrounding regions of Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite, as well as the vibrant food scene in Cebu. The inaugural Michelin Guide Philippines will debut in 2026, though the anonymous Michelin Guide Inspectors have already been exploring the local cuisine.
The arrival of The Michelin Guide opens a new chapter for Philippines’ culinary tourism. As one of the world’s most respected culinary benchmarks, its presence will cast a global spotlight on the country’s rich food culture, drawing food enthusiasts and travelers from across the globe. “Filipino cuisine is poised to take centre stage on the global culinary map,” the Guide stated in its official announcement.
The Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) has expressed full support for the Guide’s arrival, with DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco noting, “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 Purpose of the Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide’s rating system is designed to identify and highlight the best dining experiences around the world. Anonymous Inspectors adhere to five strict criteria: the quality of the ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, personality of the cuisine, and the consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole. Once the assessment is complete, The Michelin Guide may reward a restaurant with either one, two, or three stars.
Beyond acting as a prestigious rating system, The Michelin Guide has had a significant impact on culinary tourism, especially in Southeast Asia. By spotlighting exceptional restaurants, it has attracted both local and international visitors eager to experience the region’s diverse food cultures. Thailand, for instance, welcomed The Michelin Guide in 2019, starting in Bangkok, Phuket, and Phang-nga, and has since expanded to new regions each year. Known as a global gastronomy hub, the country attracted over 35 million tourists in 2024, contributing nearly 20 percent of its gross domestic product. Similarly, Vietnam welcomed The Michelin Guide in 2023, resulting in tourists flocking to its Michelin-star restaurants.
As The Michelin Guide brings international attention to Filipino cuisine, it’s set to open new avenues for culinary tourism, much like it has in other parts of Southeast Asia.
