IT'S OFFICIAL: Michelin Guide lands in the Philippines

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It’s official: The prestigious Michelin Guide is finally coming to the Philippines. The globally recognized restaurant rating system has announced on its official website that its inspectors are already exploring the country’s culinary landscape, with the inaugural Michelin Guide Philippines set for release in 2026. This landmark entry marks a significant moment for the local food scene, as Manila, Cebu, and their surrounding regions prepare to take center stage in the global dining arena.

The selection will include restaurants in Metro Manila and Cebu, as well as the surrounding areas of Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite. Michelin’s anonymous inspectors are currently dining their way through the archipelago, meticulously evaluating restaurants based on the Guide’s signature criteria: quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, personality of the cuisine, and consistency.

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

For over a year, speculation had been mounting over Michelin’s arrival, with Manila Bulletin  reporting on rumors of inspectors being spotted in local establishments. The confirmation solidifies the Philippines’ status as a rising gastronomic destination, one that blends rich heritage with modern innovation.

READ: Is the Philippines ready for its first Michelin star?

Boost for Philippine tourism and dining scene

The Michelin Guide’s arrival is backed by the Department of Tourism (DOT), which views it as a game-changer for the country’s culinary reputation. “We extend our warmest welcome to the Michelin Guide, whose recognition of the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage will showcase our nation’s diversity and creativity on the world stage,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. She emphasized that gastronomy is now a key pillar of Philippine tourism, with Michelin’s presence expected to drive international interest in local dining.

Food lovers and restaurateurs alike are eagerly awaiting the impact of the Guide’s selections, which could place Filipino cuisine alongside the world’s most celebrated culinary traditions. While Michelin has long been the benchmark for fine dining, its presence in the Philippines will not only highlight luxury dining spots but also celebrate diverse, authentic, and innovative local flavors.

With anticipation building, all eyes are on the Guide’s first-ever Philippine selections, set to be unveiled in late 2025. For now, chefs, restaurateurs, and food enthusiasts alike can only wonder: which Filipino establishments will earn their coveted Michelin stars?