The Philippines has been named one of the MICHELIN Guide’s Most Exciting Food Destinations for 2026, marking a major boost to the country’s growing reputation on the global culinary map.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the recognition, which places the Philippines among 16 recommended food destinations worldwide and highlights Manila and its surrounding areas, as well as Cebu, as key culinary hubs.

“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 cited the strong balance between traditional and modern cooking techniques practiced by the country’s emerging chefs, noting that this blend has long deserved international recognition.

“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 said.

Inspectors’ picks

According to anonymous MICHELIN Guide inspectors, standout Filipino dishes include sisig, sinigang, inasal, and adobo, which reflect a distinctive balance of sweet, salty, and acidic flavors shaped by regional fruits, spices, and cooking techniques such as marinating and grilling.

The guide also highlighted the country’s year-round supply of fresh produce, attributing it to the Philippines’ favorable climate, which serves as the foundation of its diverse culinary offerings.

In addition to food destinations, the MICHELIN Guide recommended several high-quality accommodations, including Grand Hyatt Manila and Shangri-La at the Fort, as well as beachfront resorts such as Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort and Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan.

With the recognition, the Philippines joins other globally celebrated culinary destinations such as Italy, Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, the American South, Florida, Canada, and Poland.

The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide in the Philippines on October 30 marked a historic milestone, recognizing 108 establishments in Manila and Cebu. The list includes one Two-Star restaurant, eight One-Star restaurants, 25 Bib Gourmand recipients, and 74 MICHELIN-Selected establishments, along with special awards for sustainability, service, young chefs, and mixology.