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."

First Michelin stars; now Michelin keys

Everyone knows about the Michelin stars awarded to outstanding restaurants, but now prepare to say hello to Michelin keys, which will be given to top-notch hotels.

The Michelin Guide has revealed plans for a new recognition of  “establishments offering exceptional hotel and travel experiences”.

It seems as if the initiative is designed to help drive bookings through the Michelin website.

The Michelin key will see hotels and accommodation anonymously reviewed and potentially awarded a key.

More than 5,000 properties worldwide will be featured when the list is published in the first half of 2024.

The group said that: “In response to the hyper standardization of accommodation (design, interior decoration, attention to detail in the room, etc), we wish to arouse the emotion of customers by directing them towards establishments that excel in all areas - architectural choices, the art of craftsmanship and detail to doing a job, and asserting your own personality.”

It said that the guide would recommend hotels across 120 countries, “with varied price ranges and diverse styles”, based on the following five criteria:

* A destination unto itself: the hotel contributes to the local experience
* Excellence in architecture and interior design
* Quality and regularity of service, comfort and maintenance
* Singularity reflecting the personality of the establishment, its unique character
* Consistency between the quality of the experience and the price paid

Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, said: “The Michelin key is a clear, reliable indication for travellers. Just as the Michelin star distinguishes those restaurants that are at the peak of their art, the Michelin key recognizes the most exceptional hotels throughout the world.

"It is also an acknowledgment of the teamwork of committed enthusiastic hospitality professionals."

For details see https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/news-and-views/michelin-guide-hotels-distinction-michelin-key