February 19, 2025
MANILA – Apparently, the rumors are true: The Michelin Guide has officially arrived in the Philippines.
Expected for a 2026 debut, the Michelin Guide’s expansion to Manila (including the surrounding vicinities of Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite) and Cebu is a long time coming for a country that is booming with culinary creativity.
“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,” shares Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide.
“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,” Poullennec adds.
The Department of Tourism also welcomes the arrival of the Michelin Guide.
“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,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco states. “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.”
“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. In the Philippines, every dish tells a story and every flavour is an invitation to experience our nation’s rich cultural tapestry,” Secretary Frasco adds.
The local F&B industry has long been on the receiving end of international recognition from various lists such as The World’s 50 Best, the 50 Top Pizza World where Crosta and A Mano have consistently ranked, and more recently, the 100 Best Coffee Shops in the World. But the entry of Michelin Guide in the Philippines opens up a massive opportunity to further increase the growing influence of Filipino talent and gastronomy throughout the world.
Conducted by anonymous and independent Michelin Guide inspectors, the criteria for awarding a star (or three) are based on the following:
• 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
One Michelin Star equates to “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 Michelin Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026 will be revealed in the last quarter of 2025.
The big question now among everyone is: Who do we think are getting stars?