Michelin Guide debuts in the Philippines

The Philippines is set to take its place on the global gastronomic stage with the arrival of the Michelin Guide, which will debut its first Philippine edition in 2026. With inspectors already evaluating restaurants in Metro Manila, Cebu, Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite, the world-renowned guide aims to highlight the country's rich and diverse culinary landscape.

Gwendal Poullennec, the Michelin Guide's international director, expressed excitement over the Philippines' evolving food scene. "The country's deep-rooted culinary traditions, combined with a strong openness to global influences, create a uniquely diverse dining culture," he said in a release.

"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," added Poullennec.

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This expansion marks a significant milestone in recognising the Philippines as a premier dining destination, celebrating both heritage and innovation in its cuisine.

The Michelin Guide's entry into the country has received support from the Philippines' department of tourism, with tourism secretary Christina Garcia Frasco seeing it as a game-changer for the nation's reputation on the world stage.

"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," Frasco said. "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."

As with all its global editions, Michelin's selections in the Philippines will be based on five universal criteria: the quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavours, personality of the cuisine, and consistency over time and across the menu.

Restaurants may earn the prestigious Michelin Stars - one for high-quality cooking, two for excellent cuisine, and three for an exceptional gastronomic experience. Additionally, the Bib Gourmand distinction will be awarded to restaurants offering high-quality food at a reasonable price.

With its 7,641 islands rich in history and culinary diversity, the Philippines offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity in its food culture. The Michelin Guide's entry into the country will not only honour the nation's top chefs but also encourage culinary tourism and global recognition of Filipino cuisine.

The full selection of Michelin-starred restaurants in the Philippines will be unveiled in the last quarter of 2025, with the guide available exclusively in digital format across Michelin's platforms.

In 2022, Kasama in Chicago became the world's first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant.

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