For the first time in the Guide's history, the MICHELIN inspectors will evaluate quality restaurants in Vietnam's two largest cities.

A delicious specialty of Hanoi is the Bun thang (vermicelli noodles with assorted toppings). Photo: Luk Lak Vietnamese Restaurant

According to MICHELIN Guide International Director Gwendal Poullennec, the Guide has been looking at Vietnam’s gastronomic scene for quite a long time.

He emphasized: “With a fascinating food heritage and history, distinctive and unique flavors, iconic recipes and well-known delicacies, Vietnamese cuisine has carved its way to popularity around the world."

"Supported by locals where eating out has always been a true way of life, as well as by talented restaurateurs, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are two gourmet gems that deserve to be fully celebrated. We can’t wait to present our first Vietnamese restaurant selection, which our famously anonymous inspectors have already started to realize in the field,” he added.

As the country’s capital, Hanoi has centuries-old architecture and a rich food heritage due to its links to the sea and historical trade connections. The city’s cultural charms and culinary traditions are everywhere – on the streets and in small shops – and gourmets can enjoy an abundance of Vietnamese dishes in Hanoi, using fresh local ingredients and aromatic herbs made from traditional recipes and techniques.

The full restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City 2023 will be unveiled at a special event held in June 2023. It will be available exclusively in digital format on all the Guide's interfaces: website, mobile applications, and social networks.

The restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will be independently made by the famous anonymous MICHELIN inspectors following the Guide's historical and global methodology.

Only the quality of the cuisine offered by restaurants will be assessed by the inspectors according to MICHELIN Guide's five international criteria, namely the personality of the chef represented in the cuisine; the harmony of flavors; the mastery of cooking techniques; the quality of the products; and the consistency both over time and across the entire menu. 

The dish of Bun ca Hanoi or Hanoi-style noodle soup with deep-fried fish. Photo: Luk Lak Vietnamese Restaurant

Top-notch rating system

The Michelin Guide was created in 1900 by the Michelin tire company to support the growth of automobile mobility. Since then, it has remained loyal to its original mission: to settle in mature gastronomic destinations to guide international travelers and local foodies to the best restaurants, highlight world culinary scenes and promote travel culture.

The MICHELIN Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through an extensive system of distinctions, the most famous of which are its globally renowned MICHELIN Stars, awarded for the best culinary experiences within the Guide’s restaurant selection.

One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” two MICHELIN Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three MICHELIN Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”

Alongside the coveted Star ratings, the selection will also include the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide value-for-money meals.