The Philippines Just Got the Michelin Nod, and It’s About Time
The Michelin Guide is finally heading to the Philippines, and it’s about time the world gives Filipino cuisine the spotlight it deserves
For years, Southeast Asia has been a playground for Michelin-starred indulgence. Singapore’s hawker stalls and high-end establishments have long shared the limelight.
Bangkok’s street food scene? Legendary. Even Vietnam and Malaysia have their fair share of the coveted stars.
And now, finally, the Philippines is joining the party.
Michelin comes to Manila and Cebu
In a historic first, the Michelin Guide is setting its sights on Manila and Cebu for its 2026 edition.
It’s a move that signals not just a long-overdue recognition of Filipino cuisine, but also the country’s growing influence in the global food scene.
Filipino food has always been that underdog, the one people slept on while raving about pho and pad thai. But ask anyone who’s had a proper kare-kare, a plate of freshly grilled liempo, or a steaming bowl of bulalo on a rainy day, and they’ll tell you—it’s a crime that it’s taken this long.
Michelin seems to have finally caught on, launching its meticulous selection process across Metro Manila and Cebu, with additional explorations into Pampanga, Tagaytay, and Cavite.
More than fine dining
This is more than just about fine dining. Across the region, the Michelin Guide has shown love to both refined gastronomic temples and unassuming street food spots.
Singapore’s Liao Fan Hawker Chan made waves for its $2 Michelin-starred soya sauce chicken. Bangkok’s Jay Fai, with her signature goggles and fiery wok, became a rockstar of Thai street food.
Could we soon see a carinderia or lechon stall in Cebu earning that coveted star? We can hope.
Beyond the guide’s meticulous evaluations (expect anonymous visits, obsessive attention to detail, and rigorous debates over every seasoning choice), this expansion has the backing of the Department of Tourism.
And really, it’s a perfect fit. The Philippines has always been about hospitality—food just happens to be the purest expression of it.
What happens next? The Michelin team will go through their secretive judging rituals, compiling a list of restaurants that meet their sky-high standards.
But whatever the results, one thing is clear: Filipino cuisine is finally getting the global stage it deserves. About damn time.
Photos courtesy Michelin and Hapag
