In historic first, the MICHELIN Guide has started evaluating Filipino restaurants for 2026 edition
For the first time in Philippine culinary history, the MICHELIN Guide has started evaluating restaurants in Metro Manila and Cebu for possible MICHELIN stars, the industry's much-coveted recognition that denotes world-class standards in food and service, for its 2026 edition.
In a press release sent to PhilSTAR L!fe on Tuesday, Feb, 18, the MICHELIN Guide said its independent, anonymous inspectors have already been exploring Metro Manila and Cebu, as well as Manila's environs, including Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite.
MICHELIN Guides International Director Gwendal Poullennec said their 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," Poullennec 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.”
The company noted the country's diverse regional cuisines and cultural fusion within its 7,641 islands. It also gave a special mention to lechon for its "perfectly crisp skin and flavorful, tender meat."
"The MICHELIN Guide’s recognition will further elevate Filipino cuisine on the international stage and expand global appreciation for the country’s diverse and dynamic food culture," it added.
Watch the announcement video below.
The MICHELIN Guide was created by the French tire company of the same name in 1900.
At the time, France had less than 3,000 cars and to increase the demand for cars—and tires—the company created guides that included maps, tire repair and replacement instructions, car mechanics listings, gas stations, hotels, and restaurants throughout the country.
Later on, the guide awarded stars to restaurants.
One MICHELIN star is given to a "very good restaurant in its category"; two stars to a restaurant that has "excellent cooking, worth a detour; and three stars to a restaurant with “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.”
In 1997, the company awarded restaurants a Bib Gourmand for having “exceptionally good food at moderate prices.”
In 2016, it gave the Plate for restaurants with “simply good food" and in 2020, a Green Star for excellence in "sustainable gastronomy.”
The process for MICHELIN ratings is said to be highly secretive, with an elite group of inspectors anonymously visiting restaurants.
In its statement, the MICHELIN Guide said it has five universal criteria for its selection: quality of the ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, personality of the cuisine, and consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole.
The MICHELIN Guide's selection of Filipino restaurants for 2026 will be announced in the last quarter of 2025.
In 2022, Kasama, a Filipino bakery and modern restaurant in Chicago in Illinois, earned a MICHELIN star.
