The Philippines is now officially on the MICHELIN Guide’s Most Exciting Food Destinations for 2026, calling it an ideal time to explore the country’s food scene.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the latest recognition, which places the Philippines on the list of 16 recommended food destinations and elevates the country’s culinary reputation on the global gastronomy map, particularly in Manila and its environs, and Cebu.
“Gastronomy is a vital expression of our national identity.”
“Gastronomy is a vital expression of our national identity. This recognition supports our broader goal of strengthening sustainable tourism by celebrating what is authentically Filipino and by elevating the people and places behind our food. With the support of our stakeholders, we aim to elevate our culinary identity, celebrate our rich traditions, empower food producers, and share our unique stories with the world,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.
The MICHELIN-Guide also recognizes the outstanding traditional and modern cooking techniques among the country’s young local chefs, a balance that deserves overdue international recognition.
“This year stands as a testament to the Philippines’ exceptional culinary potential.”
“This year stands as a testament to the Philippines’ exceptional culinary potential, marked by historic milestones such as the arrival of the MICHELIN Guide, our hosting of Terra Madre Asia and the Pacific, and our forthcoming hosting of the UN Tourism World Gastronomy Forum in 2026,” Frasco stressed.
Among the standout dishes recommended by anonymous MICHELIN-Guide inspectors are sisig, sinigang, inasal, and adobo, which embody a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and acidic flavors, uniquely achieved through regional fruits, spices, and cooking methods such as marinating and grilling.
The culinary list further highlights the abundance of fresh produce year-round, attributing it to the country’s exceptional climate, which serves as the cornerstone of its culinary offerings.
Additionally, the food guide recommends several high-quality accommodations in the Philippines for visitors, including the Grand Hyatt Manila with its scenic rooftop pool and Shangri-La at the Fort, as well as beachfront options such as One-Key Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort and Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan.
With this distinguished recognition, the Philippines joins the list of countries known for their culinary excellence, including Italy, Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, the American South, Florida, Canada, and Poland.
The arrival of the MICHELIN-Guide on October 30 marked a historic milestone, recognizing 108 establishments in Manila and Cebu. The Philippine list includes one Two-Star, eight One-Star, 25 Bib Gourmand, and 74 MICHELIN-Selected restaurants, alongside special awards for sustainability, service, young chefs, and mixology.
