Three new Vietnam restaurants receive Michelin stars

The three new entries are Akuna Restaurant of Le Méridien Saigon Hotel, The Royal Pavilion at the Reverie Saigon Hotel, and La Maison 1888 inside Da Nang's InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort.

Four restaurants that maintained their one-star rating from last year are Hanoi's Hibana by Koki, Gia, and Tam Vi, as well as HCMC's Anan Saigon restaurant.

"It's a big honor for us to be awarded one Michelin star. Thank you to our team, Akuna," Chef Sam Aisbett of Akuna Restaurant said.

Chef Wong Fu Keung of The Royal Pavilion said he "was touched" to receive the Michelin honor. "One Michelin star proves the restaurant's efforts over the years have not been in vain."

Representatives of Vietnamese restaurants receiving their Michelin stars at a ceremony in HCMC on June 27, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Tran Quynh

A representative of Nen Da Nang (C) receives Michelin Green Star title at the Michelin Guide awards ceremony on June 27, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Hoang Phong

According to the Michelin Guide, its inspectors assess venues based on five criteria: the personality of the chef as presented in the cuisine, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of cooking techniques, the quality of products, and the consistency both over time and across the entire menu.

In the Michelin system, one star signifies a very good restaurant, two stars mean excellent cooking that is worth a detour, and three stars mean exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey. According to the Michelin Guide website, there are over 3,000 Michelin-starred restaurants in nearly 40 different countries.