On the evening of June 6th, the Michelin Guide unveiled its first-ever list of Michelin-starred establishments in Vietnam, including Anăn Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City; Gia, Hibana by Koki, and Tầm Vị, all located in Hanoi.
Gia is a Vietnamese restaurant with a contemporary style led by Chef Sam Trần, earning recognition for its seasonal menu inspired by Vietnam's culinary heritage.
Tầm Vị offers a classic tea house experience, showcasing the flavors of Northern Vietnam. While primarily serving traditional Northern dishes, guests can also savor selected dishes from Central and Southern regions.
Hibana by Koki offers an impressive visual experience with its 14-seat counter located in the basement of the Capella Hotel, where Chef Hiroshi Yamaguchi presents delectable and flavorful dishes.
Anăn Saigon is a modern Vietnamese restaurant where Chef Peter Cuong Franklin employs modern cooking techniques in crafting street food dishes, resulting in enticing and flavorful delicacies.
Restaurants awarded one Michelin star are considered to have "good cuisine, worth a stop."
Apart from these four restaurants, Michelin also awarded the Bib Gourmand (affordable and tasty eats) to 29 dining establishments and listed 70 others in the Michelin Selected category - not yet starred, but recommended for diners to try.
Except for the four starred restaurants, the Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected lists have sparked significant controversy.
Many Vietnamese diners are disappointed that the lists exclude numerous highly-regarded local eateries.
Some argue that the selection fails to adequately represent the rich culinary traditions and culture of Vietnam.
Furthermore, some eateries deemed "affordable" by Michelin are actually considered pricey compared to the average spending of Vietnamese patrons.
Nevertheless, Michelin's entry into Vietnam's culinary scene remains noteworthy. The Michelin Guide is globally renowned and considered the most prestigious and reputable culinary guide.
With hundreds of restaurants and eateries being recognized, the Michelin accolades truly reflect the diverse and vibrant nature of Vietnam's culinary landscape./.
