The culinary quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine will be showcased next month by the best chefs from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, carefully selected according to Michelin’s criteria, said the Michelin Guide representative in Vietnam.
| Hanoi specialties for Tet (Lunar New Year) Celebration. Photo: Capella Hanoi |
“We have been closely observing Vietnam’s gastronomic scene for a considerable period of time and are thrilled to announce the introduction of the Michelin Guide in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City,” declared Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides.
With a captivating food heritage and history, distinct and delectable flavors, iconic recipes, and renowned delicacies, Vietnamese cuisine has gained popularity all over the globe.
Supported by locals who have long enjoyed the pleasure of eating out, as well as highly-skilled restaurateurs – both local and international – Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are two culinary gems that should be fully celebrated.
As the country’s capital, Hanoi is renowned for its centuries-old architecture and renowned culinary heritage. Its coastal location and well-established trading history have enabled the city to become a cultural melting pot of flavors, sights, and experiences. From the bustling Old Quarter to the historical relics of the Imperial Citadel, Hanoi has something to offer for everyone. With its vibrant street food scene, traditional markets, and well-preserved temples, visitors can truly immerse themselves in the city’s unique culture.
The city of Hanoi is a place of great cultural charm and culinary traditions. Its streets are bustling with small shops offering an array of Vietnamese dishes made from fresh local ingredients and aromatic herbs, prepared using traditional recipes and techniques. Whether you are a gourmet or a foodie, you are sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds in Hanoi.
Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s economic hub dotted with towering high-rises, is emerging as another must-visit Asian culinary destination.
| Vietnamese hill tribe dish of five-color sticky rice. Photo: A Ban Restuarant |
The city is renowned for its street food, with popular dishes such as phở, bánh mì, gỏi cuốn, and bún bò Huế. Many restaurants specialize in traditional Vietnamese dishes such as cơm tấm, chả giò, and bánh xèo. There are also plenty of international restaurants, serving dishes from around the world.
Mixing European influences with local Vietnamese traditions, the food scene in Ho Chi Minh City is alive and vibrant. From small, local shops to high-end restaurants, there is something for everyone. The city is particularly known for its street food, with some of the most popular dishes being phở, bánh mì, gỏi cuốn, and bún bò Huế. There are also a plethora of traditional Vietnamese dishes to sample, such as cơm tấm, chả giò, and bánh xèo. Plus, for those wanting a taste of something different, there are plenty of international restaurants serving dishes from around the world.
Dang Minh Truong, Chairman of the Sun Group and partner of the renowned Michelin Guide, has declared that the arrival of the highly esteemed gastronomic ranking system will finally bring Vietnam’s culinary scene and local delicacies to the attention of both local and international food connoisseurs.
Local policymakers believe that the presence of Michelin-starred restaurants in Vietnam would be a major step forward for the country’s tourism, helping to attract a large number of international tourists.
The Michelin Guide ranks restaurants through an award system, with the prestigious Michelin Star being the most coveted accolade, given to restaurants that offer the highest-quality dining experience.
In addition to the prestigious star rating system, there is also the “Bib Gourmand” award category for restaurants that offer exceptional cuisine at an affordable price.
The Michelin Guide was created in 1900 by the Michelin tire company to support the growth of automobile mobility. The guide was initially intended to provide drivers with useful information about where they could find reliable car mechanics and reliable tires. However, the guide eventually evolved to include detailed descriptions of hotels and restaurants, as well as ratings for each location. Today, the Michelin Guide is considered to be one of the most prestigious restaurant rating systems in the world, and it continues to be an important part of the Michelin brand.
| The Michelin Guide debuted in Hanoi on December 1, 2022. Photo: Linh Bui |
Since then, it has stayed true to its original mission: to settle in mature gastronomic destinations and guide international travelers and local food lovers to the best restaurants, showcase the world’s culinary scenes, and promote travel culture.
The renowned anonymous Michelin inspectors will utilize the globally-established methodology to independently select the restaurants for the Michelin Guide Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This methodology takes into consideration various factors, including the chef’s personality expressed through the cuisine, the harmony of flavors, the proficiency of cooking techniques, the quality of ingredients, and the constancy of the experience over time and across the entire menu.
The Michelin Guide Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City 2023 is set to reveal its complete selection of restaurants at a special event taking place on June 6th. Get ready to discover the diverse and delicious dining options in the two cities!
The Guide will be available exclusively in digital format across all its platforms, including its website, mobile apps, and social networks.
