Philippines ranks among top food destinations in the MICHELIN Guide 2026
By Trixee Rosel
At A Glance
- Philippines listed among the 16 Most Exciting Food Destinations 2026 in the MICHELIN Guide
- MICHELIN Guide debut in the Philippines recognized 108 restaurants in Manila and Cebu
- Signature dishes highlighted include sisig, sinigang, inasal, and adobo
- Premier accommodations recommended, including Grand Hyatt Manila and Shangri-La at the Fort
- 2026 milestones: MICHELIN Guide debut, Terra Madre Asia and the Pacific (2025), and upcoming UN Tourism World Gastronomy Forum
The Philippines earned recognition as one of the 16 Most Exciting Food Destinations 2026 in the MICHELIN Guide and put the country in the global spotlight for its rich culinary heritage.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the recognition “celebrates what is authentically Filipino, elevates our culinary traditions, empowers local food producers, and strengthens sustainable tourism.”
The MICHELIN Guide made its historic debut in the Philippines on Oct. 30, 2025, honoring 108 establishments in Manila and Cebu.
The list included one Two-Star, eight One-Star, 25 Bib Gourmand, and 74 MICHELIN-Selected restaurants, alongside special awards for young chefs, sustainability, service, and mixology.
Inspectors praised iconic Filipino dishes such as sisig, sinigang, inasal, and adobo for their perfect balance of sweet, salty, and acidic flavors.
They noted that this harmony is achieved through regional fruits, spices, and traditional cooking techniques such as marinating and grilling, while the country’s abundant year-round produce serves as a cornerstone of its culinary offerings.
Frasco said that 2026 marks a milestone year for Philippine gastronomy, highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide’s debut.
The Philippines hosted Terra Madre Asia and the Pacific in 2025 and will host the UN Tourism World Gastronomy Forum in 2026, spotlighting the country’s culinary potential worldwide.
The guide also highlighted premier accommodations for culinary travelers, including Grand Hyatt Manila and Shangri-La at the Fort.
Beachfront resorts such as One-Key Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort and Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan were also recommended for visitors seeking a full gastronomic experience.
With this recognition, the Philippines now joins an elite roster of countries celebrated for culinary excellence, including Italy, Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, the American South, Florida, Canada, and Poland.