The Michelin Guide Vietnam list was kept secret until the last minute, even from Michelin's destination partner, Sun Group. At the end of the evening, Michelin announced the most important award, the Star Award. 103 restaurants and eateries were honored with 4 award categories, including 4 restaurants awarded the prestigious Michelin star. Restaurants in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City won 1 Michelin star for "high quality dishes, worthy of diners stopping to enjoy" including: Anan Saigon, Gia Restaurant, Hibana by Koki Restaurant of Capella Hanoi Hotel, and Tam Vi Restaurant.

In addition, Michelin also announced: 70 Michelin Selected restaurants (restaurants recommended by Michelin Guide), 3 individuals winning Michelin Guide Special Awards (special awards from Michelin), 29 Bib Gourmand restaurants (restaurants with delicious food at affordable prices).

Michelin recommended restaurants.

According to culinary experts, the Michelin list has officially opened a new era for Vietnamese cuisine. This list not only marks a historic achievement for the Vietnamese culinary industry but also a turning point for the culinary tourism industry of the two largest cities in Vietnam. Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, commented: Michelin has become one of the leading brands, in which Michelin is present in most major tourist centers in the world and there, with the appearance of Michelin, restaurants with Michelin's brand (global certification) have played a role in attracting tourists. With the recognition of Michelin coming to Vietnam, there is a very strict assessment process, so today's announcement of restaurants in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with the Michelin brand will be a huge turning point for all Vietnamese restaurants, creating a brand to welcome tourists, especially international visitors. Based on the announced list, the General Department of Tourism will include it in its promotion plan, especially roadshows, international fairs, and specialized programs promoting Vietnamese culinary culture, especially in target markets, to let people and communities know that Vietnam has Michelin-standard restaurants and come to us.

Ms. Nguyen Vu Quynh Anh, General Director of Sun Hospitality Group, spoke at the ceremony.

Speaking at the Michelin Hanoi Launch Ceremony, Ms. Nguyen Vu Quynh Anh, General Director of Sun Hospitality Group (a resort tourism brand under Sun Group) shared: “To be able to accompany Michelin Guide in Vietnam is not easy, especially in the difficult context of the global economy after the pandemic... We understand that this historic milestone has just been established and the next journey is for Vietnam to have many more Michelin awards in the future. But with the presence of Michelin Guide, the efforts of chefs and those working in the culinary industry across Vietnam, we believe that very soon, Vietnam will be a classy culinary destination that every international tourist needs to visit once in their life”.

News and photos: HOANG GIANG