The MICHELIN Guide Forays into Manila and Cebu for the First Time
The MICHELIN Guide is finally setting its sights on Filipino cuisine.
On Feb. 18, 2025 (local time), the French tire company with a renowned restaurant-rating guide Michelin announced that they will be expanding into the Philippines for the first time, focusing on the cities of Manila, Cebu, and other culinary hotspots such as Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite.
The MICHELIN Guide also revealed that their anonymous MICHELIN inspectors have already started going around the said regions in their thorough search for the most outstanding dining venues, with the aim of highlighting the Philippines’ most talented chefs and their dedicated teams.
“Our MICHELIN 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,” shared Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the MICHELIN Guides.
He added, “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 Philippines can be described as a gastronomic paradise; having diverse regional cuisines and cultural fusions, as well as a thriving food scene that celebrates both authentic heritage and contemporary innovation across its 7,641 islands.
The country’s culinary landscape constantly evolves, too. From Manila and its surrounding provinces, where Filipino cuisine thrives alongside a strong regional identity, to Cebu, a globally recognized tourism hub with a flourishing hospitality industry.
One standout example is the Philippines’ lechon, a signature dish that is deeply embedded in Filipino culture. Particularly famous in Cebu, lechon has gained global recognition for its perfectly crisp skin and flavorful, tender meat, and is often enjoyed during festive celebrations and special gatherings. The presence of such iconic dishes, according to the MICHELIN Guide, is what further elevates the Philippines as a top culinary destination for food lovers around the globe.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) of the Philippines supports the arrival of the MICHELIN Guide. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said, “We extend our warmest welcome to the MICHELIN Guide whose international recognition of the Philippines’ rich culinary heritage celebrates the diversity of flavors and exceptional creativity that permeate our nation. 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. We invite travelers to visit the Philippines and experience the love, warmth, and creativity of Filipino cuisine, while savoring innovative culinary creations shaped by diverse global influences.”
She later added that the arrival of the prestigious guide is a “leap forward for Filipino tourism,” as the Department of Tourism has been aggressively pushing for gastronomy at the forefront of tourism in the Philippines.
The MICHELIN Guide Methodology
Created in 1900 by the Michelin tire company, the guides were created to support the growth of automobile mobility. Since its conception, the MICHELIN Guide has remained loyal to its original mission: to settle in mature gastronomic destinations, to guide international travelers and local foodies to the best restaurants, to highlight world culinary scenes, and to promote travel culture.
The selection will follow MICHELIN’s historical method based on five universal criteria to ensure consistency between each selection, including:
- The quality of the ingredients
- The mastery of cooking techniques
- The harmony of flavors
- The personality of the cuisine
- The consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole
The MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Selection
The MICHELIN Guide conducts restaurant reviews through an extensive system of distinctions, awarded to special restaurants within its selection.
Its most famous distinction is their globally renowned "MICHELIN Stars," awarded to the restaurant offering the best culinary experiences. One MICHELIN Star is awarded to a restaurant for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” Two MICHELIN Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and Three MICHELIN Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”
The selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, an award given to restaurants providing good quality food at a moderate price.
The full restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 will be revealed at a special event to be held in the last quarter of 2025. It will be available exclusively in digital format on all of the Guide’s interfaces: website, mobile applications, and social networks. It will also join the global MICHELIN Guide restaurant and hotel selections to be found for free on its digital platforms.
For more information, guides, and others, visit the MICHELIN Guide website, as well as their Facebook and Instagram pages.
Get the latest curated content with The Beat Asia's newsletters. Sign up now for a weekly dose of the best stories, events, and deals delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss out! Click here to subscribe.
