Regina Troy Barrios

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Michelin Guide

Ever since the <a href="https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/news-and-views/the-michelin-guide-arrives-in-the-philippines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michelin Guide announced its arrival in the Philippines</a>—covering Metro Manila and Cebu City, as well as the areas surrounding the capital region, including Cavite, Tagaytay, and Pampanga—curiosity has been brewing. We want to know: What does it take to bag a Michelin star? How does a restaurant earn this prestigious recognition? And why does the Michelin Guide hold so much power in the culinary world? Let’s break it down.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1739951634692MICHELIN Guide photo.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>The Michelin Guide | Courtesy of Michelin GuideThe Michelin Guide: More than just a fancy list</div>The Michelin Guide was originally created by a French tire company (yes, <a href="https://www.michelinman.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michelin</a>, the one with the big white tire mascot) in 1900 to encourage road trips and, in turn, sell more tires. Fast forward over a century, and it has become the world’s most respected culinary ranking system. The guide anonymously reviews restaurants and awards them one, two, or three stars based on strict criteria.<div>How stars are earned</div>Michelin inspectors visit restaurants anonymously, paying their own way, and evaluating based on five core principles:<ol><li style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Quality of ingredients – Only the best ingredients make the cut. Whether it’s the freshest seafood or the rarest truffle, top-tier produce is a must.</li><li style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Mastery of cooking techniques – Every dish must be executed with skill and precision, whether it’s a perfectly seared steak or a delicate soufflé.</li><li style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Harmony of flavors – Balance is everything. No single ingredient should overpower another; instead, they should complement and elevate one another.</li><li style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Personality of the chef in the cuisine – A restaurant’s identity should be unique. Michelin doesn’t reward copycats—it recognizes creativity and a strong sense of culinary vision.</li><li style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Consistency – One perfect meal isn’t enough. A restaurant must maintain the same high level of quality every single time, from lunch on a Tuesday to a fully booked Saturday dinner service.</li></ol><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1739951892235MICHELIN Guide photo_3.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>A boodle feast | Courtesy of Michelin GuideWhat the stars mean</div><ul style="list-style-type:disc"><li style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">⭐ One Star: A very good restaurant in its category. Worth stopping by.</li><li style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">⭐⭐ Two Stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour.</li><li style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">⭐⭐⭐ Three Stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.</li></ul><div> </div>Why some incredible restaurants never get a starHere’s the catch: Michelin stars don’t automatically go to the fanciest or most expensive restaurants. Street food stalls, casual bistros, and even small family-run spots have won stars. But there are also incredible, beloved restaurants that never make the cut. Why? A few reasons:<ul style="list-style-type:disc"><li style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Inconsistency: If a restaurant has off nights, Michelin won’t risk awarding a star.</li><li style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Lack of a unique identity: If the food feels too generic or doesn’t stand out, it won’t make the list.</li><li style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Service and experience matter: While Michelin doesn’t explicitly rate service, the overall dining experience plays a role. A chaotic or poorly managed restaurant, even with great food, may not get a star.</li></ul><div> </div><div>The Michelin Star pressure</div>Winning a Michelin star can be a dream come true—but it also comes with serious pressure. Some chefs have even given back their stars, saying the expectations became too much. The moment a star is awarded, everything changes:<ul style="list-style-type:disc"><li style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Endless Reservations: A once-cozy spot can suddenly have a months-long waitlist.</li><li style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Higher Costs: More demand means higher prices, from ingredients to staff wages.</li><li style="margin:0px;line-height:normal;color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">Insane Expectations: Every dish has to be flawless, every single time.</li></ul><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1739951801314Edited.jpg" style="width:600px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Lechon and halo-halo are iconic Filipino dishes | Courtesy of Michelin GuideIs a star the end goal?</div>For some chefs, the Michelin star is everything. For others, great food and a loyal following matter more. At the end of the day, Michelin stars are just one measure of success. Some of the best meals in the world come from hidden, hole-in-the-wall joints, family-run eateries, or street food carts that don’t need a star to prove they’re amazing.But if a restaurant does get one? You can bet it’s going to be something special.Would you make a special trip just for a Michelin-stu make a special trip just for a Michelin-starred meal? <ul style="list-style-type:disc"><li> </li></ul>

For chefs, a Michelin Star is the ultimate flex—proof that your food isn’t just delicious, but world-class. With the Michelin Guide now in the Philippines, what does it really take to earn this prestigious honor?

For chefs, a Michelin Star is the ultimate flex—proof that your food isn’t just delicious, but world-class. With the Michelin Guide now in the Philippines, what does it really take to earn this prestigious honor?

Explainer: What Does It Take To Win A Michelin Star?

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Explainer: What Does It Take To Win A Michelin Star?

Metro.Style Team

Published Feb 19, 2025 12:05 AM PHT

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Updated Feb 19, 2025 04:05 PM PHT

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