Michelin rewards Vietnamese food innovators

Vietnam is on the move when it comes to global recognition of its cuisine. 

For the first time, the number of restaurants with Michelin stars has gone into double figures. 

In its fourth edition, the 2026 Michelin Guide selection in Vietnam showcases 193 dining establishments, including 11 one-star eateries (two new) and 72 Bib Gourmand (11 new). 

Onvit (Hanoi) becomes the first Korean contemporary restaurant in Vietnam awarded a star while the other newcomer is Upstairs (Ho Chi Minh City),a tiny spot above a wine bar offering modern Vietnamese tasting menus (top image). 

The new star holders join retaining one-star restaurants: Gia, Hibana by Koki and Tầm Vị (Hanoi); Long Trieu, Ănăn Saigon, Akuna, CieL and CoCo Dining (Ho Chi Minh City); and La Maison 1888 (Da Nang).

"In four years, we have watched Vietnam grow from an exciting discovery into a clear and confident culinary destination," said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide.

"What excites us most this year is the talent and passion behind each restaurant. A new generation of Vietnamese chefs is leading the way, with young cooks who have trained abroad and come home to cook food that is unmistakably their own: rooted in local ingredients, local memories and local pride.

"That is exactly what the Michelin Guide has always sought to honour.

"As we mark a century of the Star, Vietnam reminds us that local gastronomic stories are still being written, and that some of the most exciting chapters are unfolding right here."

A new hotel where more than 40 winks may be in order

Wink: to close and open one eye quickly, typically to indicate that something is a joke or a secret or as a signal of affection or greeting.

Wink is also the name of a new hotel brand in Vietnam that is taking a cheeky and fun approach to the travel business.

Wink Hotels this week unveiled is second property: Wink Hotel Danang Centre located in Da Nang City’s prime downtown entertainment district.

The hotel is described as being designed for "the young and young-at-heart".

The 244-room hotel offers four categories of room: standard, twin, family and a two-bedroom suite, all featuring power showers, quality bed linens and locally sourced scented amenities, along with smart televisions that connect wirelessly to devices.

Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of Da Nang’s city skyline adorned with black-out blinds featuring a painting by Saigon-based artist Richie Fawcett.

Unusually, guests will check on level 19 in the Wink Space, which also features the 24/7 Wink Bar and stock up on snacks, drinks and supplies at convenience store prices in the Grab & Go area.

There is a co-working space on the 20th floor, as well as gym and a laundromat.

On the ground floor is the brand’s first partnership with Brothers Men’s Boutique Salon, offering pampering and grooming services for men, and its own Phiêu Bar + Brew, serving juices and smoothies by day, and craft and draught beer as well as cocktails by night.

The hotel’s Wink Guides, a team of "local guest experience curators", will be on hand 24-hours a day through WhatsApp, Zalo or in person to offer their recommendations of the city's highlights.



The new property follows the Wink Hotel Saigon Centre, which opened in March 2021.

A third Wink Hotel, Wink Hotel Danang Riverside, will open in 2023, featuring 357 rooms, three-floors of retail outlets, bars, coffee shops and restaurants, and a rooftop swimming pool and bar.

Wink also has plans in the pipeline for future hotels in Tuy Hoa, Can Tho, Hanoi, Hai Phong and Binh Duong.

You can click here for more information about Wink Hotels.