The Philippines has made its debut in the Michelin Guide with the launch of the MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu 2026, announced on October 30, 2025. This historic achievement recognized nine restaurants with Michelin Stars—one earned a prestigious two-star rating, while eight others received one star. Additionally, 25 restaurants, including 19 in Metro Manila and 6 in Cebu, were honored with the Bib Gourmand distinction for outstanding food at reasonable prices, and one Green Star was awarded for sustainable gastronomy. Special awards were also presented for Young Chef, Service, and Exceptional Cocktails, highlighting local culinary talent and creativity.
Notable Highlights
Two Michelin Stars: Helm by Josh Boutwood achieved two stars, marking a significant milestone in Philippine gastronomy.
One Michelin Star: The following restaurants received one star each: Asador Alfonso, Celera, Gallery by Chele, Hapag, Inatô, Kasa Palma, Linamnam, Toyo Eatery.
Bib Gourmand: A new wave of family eateries and contemporary bistros, including Cochi by Marvin Agustin, were acknowledged for excellence and value.
Geographic Focus: The first Michelin stars were awarded to establishments in Metro Manila, with Bib Gourmands extended to Cebu locales, reflecting a lively mix of regional flavors.
Cebu has officially entered the global culinary spotlight as 16 of its restaurants were recognized in the inaugural Michelin Guide Philippines 2026, with four earning Bib Gourmand honors and 12 named under the Michelin Selected category.
Significance
This debut signals global recognition of Filipino cuisine, chef-driven innovation, and unique local flavor traditions. The event cements Manila as an essential "Eat Manila" destination for food lovers, creating excitement for culinary travel and broadening international appreciation of the country’s dining culture
Meanwhile, In my previous posting, I indicated that my favorite recipe from our Special Filipino Dinner was Biko ( Sweet Rice Cake) topped with chocolate.
Did you know that the best way to enjoy the cake was to mix a little bit of the chocolate toping with the rice cake. In that way you can taste the sweetness of the topping. Usually the toping is Caramel or Latik. Latik is the toasted, crispy coconut curds used as a topping for biko, a Filipino sticky rice cake. It is made by cooking down coconut milk or cream, which causes the oil and solids to separate; the solid curds are then strained and toasted to a golden brown.
Joel used the recipe of Linda's Orais Mother. Linda is a new THD Employee at the Front Desk. Again Welcome, Linda.
Finally, Speaking of Filipino Cuisine:
I received numerous verbal comments from THD Residents, that they enjoy the special Filipino Dinner, THD offered celebrating FAHM. Here are some of the written comments, I received posted in my blogs.
Comment: Good morning, David. My name is Susan Taylor and I am Bob Fabry's wife. I just want to tell you how much we enjoyed the dinner you arranged for us this week. It was delicious!! I have not been familiar with Filipino food in the past, but that dinner convinced me I'd like to taste more of it.
I have located two local restaurants, Tropa Modern Filipino in Lafayette and Isla Grande in Pleasant Hill. I'm sure you know both of them and I would like to know what you think of them. Also, are there other Filipino restaurants in the area? I'd really appreciate any information you can give me on this topic.
Thanks again for the dinner. All the best, Susan
My Response: Susan: Tropa Restaurant in Lafayette is an upscale modern restaurant with the menu more on Party Filipino Dishes with Spanish Influence. Isla is an average good Filipino restaurant popular to the average Filipino palate. There is a Bib Gourmand Filipino Restaurant in the Temescal District of Oakland, The FOB Kitchen, that I also recommend. I appreciate your comment on employee turnover here at THD. If you need additional detail on the 3 restaurants mentioned above, I have written detailed postings previously. Just search on my blog or googled me typing David B Katague. A list of my blogs is on line.
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