Stars, Bib Gourmand, Selected: Michelin Guide awards explained

Excitement is building among local food enthusiasts as the Michelin Guide launches its second edition in the Philippines this Thursday, October 29. 

Last year, a total of 108 restaurants in the country made it to the prestigious guide, which has long been considered a global benchmark of culinary excellence. Many doors have since opened for these establishments, with their offerings introduced to a wider domestic and international audience.

For the uninitiated, the Michelin Guide started out in 1900 as a free handbook to encourage car travel — and, in turn, boost tire sales — in France. Created by brothers and tire manufacturers Andre and Edouard Michelin, it contained useful information such as maps, gas stations, and places to eat and stay.

Over the years, it developed into an international reference for food and travel, and this prompted the Michelin brothers to hire inspectors to review restaurants anonymously. Currently, the Michelin Guide rates over 30,000 establishments in over 30 territories, including the Philippines.

The Michelin Star, the most coveted accolade in the guide, has three levels. One star is awarded to a restaurant that is “worth a stop,” two stars mean it’s “worth a detour,” and three stars are for a dining spot that is “worth a special journey.” 

In evaluating the restaurants, inspectors use these five universal criteria: quality of ingredients, mastery of technique, harmony of flavors, personality of the chef through the cuisine, and consistency. 

The Philippines has nine Michelin-starred restaurants, led by Chef Josh Boutwood’s Helm which has two stars. The rest were awarded one Michelin Star each: Gallery by Chele, Asador Alfonso, Toyo Eatery, Celera, Hapag, Inato, Kasa Palma, and Linamnam.

One-starred Gallery is also the lone recipient of the Michelin Green Star, which recognizes restaurants committed to sustainable practices. It has been reported that this distinction will be phased out by the end of 2026 — instead, the Michelin Guide now has a platform called Mindful Voices, which highlights pioneering practices in the hospitality industry. 

Then there’s the Bib Gourmand, named after Bibendum (a.k.a. the Michelin Man), which highlights “high-quality food at great value.” It’s often given to establishments that deliver approachable yet memorable meals, such as family-run spots and neighborhood gems. 

An example of this is Morning Sun Eatery, a humble carinderia in Quezon City that serves Ilocano comfort food. Owned by a former nanny in Dubai, it’s one of the 25 Bib Gourmand awardees in the inaugural Michelin Guide in the Philippines. 

Above-average restaurants that are not yet at the level of a Michelin Star or a Bib Gourmand award are included in the Michelin Selected category. It’s still a huge achievement as this means getting a stamp of approval from inspectors — and it can be a stepping stone for bigger accolades.

A total of 74 establishments in the Philippines were given the Michelin Selected distinction last year, and there’s strong anticipation that the list will be expanded to include more restaurants outside of Metro Manila.