The MICHELIN Guide in Vietnam
From the 2023 Inauguration to the Stars of 2026

For over a century, the MICHELIN Guide has been the world’s most trusted arbiter of culinary excellence. When its anonymous inspectors finally set foot in Vietnam in late 2022, the nation’s food lovers held their breath. The culmination of their secret visits was revealed on the evening of June 6, 2023, at a glittering ceremony in Hanoi—the first time MICHELIN had turned its spotlight on Vietnam. The results would forever change the way the world sees Vietnamese dining [citation:3].

The Inaugural Ceremony: June 6, 2023 in Hanoi

The night was shrouded in secrecy until the very last moment. Even Michelin’s local partners were kept in suspense. When the envelopes were opened, 103 restaurants were honored across two cities: 48 in Hanoi and 55 in Ho Chi Minh City [citation:8][citation:10]. The selections captured the essence of Vietnam’s culinary soul—from street-side pho stalls to hushed fine-dining rooms.

🌟 The First MICHELIN Stars of Vietnam

Four restaurants received the coveted One MICHELIN Star, recognizing “high quality cooking, worth a stop.” Three were in Hanoi, one in Ho Chi Minh City [citation:6][citation:10].

💰 Bib Gourmand: The People’s Choice

Beyond the stars, 29 establishments received the Bib Gourmand, awarded for “good quality, good value cooking” (moderate prices). This list became an instant treasure map for travelers seeking authentic, affordable meals: 13 in Hanoi and 16 in Ho Chi Minh City [citation:3][citation:10]. Among them were beloved institutions like Pho Tu Lun and Mr. Bay Mien Tay, whose banh xeo (crispy pancakes) earned international acclaim [citation:2].

🏆 Special Awards

The ceremony also honored three individuals who elevate the dining experience [citation:10]:

• Young Chef Award: Sam Tran (GIA, Hanoi)
• Service Award: Nguyen Thi Nu (Vietnam House, HCMC)
• Sommelier Award: Yu Yamamoto (Lua, HCMC)

The Journey Continues: 2024–2026

The inaugural ceremony was only the beginning. MICHELIN returned each year, expanding its coverage and deepening its appreciation of Vietnam’s culinary landscape.

MICHELIN’s Impact on Vietnamese Tourism & Dining

The arrival of MICHELIN has been transformative. As Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, noted: “The recognition of Michelin coming to Vietnam… will be a huge turning point for all Vietnamese restaurants, creating a brand to welcome tourists, especially international visitors” [citation:6].

Hotels and resorts partnered with MICHELIN to promote culinary tourism. Sun Group, the strategic partner that brought MICHELIN to Vietnam, played a pivotal role in this historic moment [citation:7]. Today, visitors plan entire itineraries around MICHELIN-recommended addresses—from a star-studded dinner in Saigon to a humble bowl of pho in a Hanoi alley.

A Note on Consistency

Even the most celebrated restaurants must maintain standards. In February 2026, two Bib Gourmand eateries in Hanoi—Pho Tu Lun and Mr. Bay Mien Tay—were briefly fined for minor food safety infractions, underscoring that the MICHELIN Guide’s rigorous criteria demand constant vigilance [citation:2]. Both remain beloved destinations, and their quick remediation reflects the professionalism of Vietnam’s dining scene.

The Search for the Best Pho

In early 2026, the MICHELIN Guide published a special feature: “Where to Get the Best Pho in Hanoi”, highlighting 7 restaurants that exemplify the city’s signature dish. From traditional family recipes to modern interpretations, this list is essential reading for any visitor [citation:9].

The Future: More Stars, More Cities

With the success of the Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang editions, speculation grows about which Vietnamese city will next earn MICHELIN’s attention—perhaps Hue, with its royal cuisine, or Phu Quoc, with its seafood and island resorts. What is certain is that Vietnam’s culinary star will continue to rise.

For travelers, the MICHELIN Guide has become an indispensable companion. Whether you seek the creativity of a young chef, the warmth of a family-run shop, or the elegance of a fine-dining room, the red guidebook (and its digital app) now illuminates the path.

CHIC Editor’s Advice for 2026

• Book ahead: MICHELIN-starred restaurants like GIA and Anan Saigon require reservations weeks in advance.
• Explore Bib Gourmand: Some of Vietnam’s most memorable meals are found in humble settings—don’t skip them.
• Check for updates: The MICHELIN Guide website and app are updated regularly with new selections and inspectors’ favorites.
• Combine dining with discovery: Use MICHELIN-recommended restaurants as anchors for exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Saigon’s District 1, or Da Nang’s beachfront.

The June 6, 2023 ceremony in Hanoi was not an ending but a beginning. It opened a new chapter for Vietnamese gastronomy—one that continues to be written in kitchens across the country. As you plan your 2026 journey, let the MICHELIN Guide be your compass. The flavors of Vietnam await.