Vietnam is gradually affirming its position on the regional culinary map, with 3 cities appearing in the Michelin Guide handbook.
culinary map for in-depth development
Enjoying the specialty is becoming an experience of exploring indigenous culture through all senses - from flavor, taste to the story behind each dish on each travel journey. Each dish is a "ambassador" of a land, conveying history, geography, customs and the souls of the people there. And the Vietnamese culinary industry - with a "golden" ticket from Michelin Guide for international integration - is reaching far on the world map.
Currently, Vietnam owns 9 Michelin-starred restaurants out of a total of 181 honored restaurants - a number that few people expect to be able to grow remarkably from 2023. This not only becomes good news for the culinary industry, but also useful information for international tourists to Vietnam. Now, in addition to the familiar names such as Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan (China), gourmets are looking to Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City to experience Michelin-reserved restaurants.
We are proud to see an increase in the number of Michelin-starred restaurants this year, mostly from a talented young generation of chefs. Many of them are returning to their roots, using modern techniques to tell their hometown stories, recreating their childhood flavors in a completely new way, said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of Michelin Guide.
In addition, popular restaurants, family eateries and long-standing addresses continue to preserve culinary traditions with sincerity and passion.
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Quynh - General Secretary of the Vietnam chefs Association assessed that with restaurants and eateries mainly serving local guests, being included in the Michelin list is a great opportunity - opening up the possibility of welcoming new groups of guests, from domestic tourists to curious people who want to explore.
If a restaurant is strongly reported by the media - through TikTok, the press, Facebook, Instagram... - it will attract many new customers, even if not in the tourist area. On the contrary, if there is no media, only regular customers will know and come. If there is a Michelin title but no communication, the efficiency will also decrease significantly," said Mr. Quynh.
When cuisine becomes the reason for tourists to book tickets to Vietnam
Cuisine is not only in the kitchen, but has become a part of identity and a reason for tourists to book tickets to Vietnam. That is the story of La Maison 1888, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Da Nang, wanting to tell about the journey to affirm its position as a leading "fine-dining" restaurant, attracting guests willing to pay high for culinary experiences in Vietnam.
Here, diners can choose to eat in a luxurious Indochina space, on an elegant outdoor porch, or in a cozy private dining room on the upper floor. In particular, the Chef's Table limited to 14 seats offers an exclusive interactive experience, with a view of the open kitchen - where culinary art is performed vividly, right in front of diners.
Maintaining a Michelin star is a great honor. That is a testament to the consistency and sophistication of our culinary art - a journey that is always innovative to evoke the emotions of diners", French chef - Christian Le Squer of the most luxurious restaurant in Da Nang, shared.
Mr. Seif Hamdy, General Director of InterContinental Danang expressed his pride that the restaurant at this resort continues to be awarded a Michelin star, demonstrating the resort's commitment to creating world-class culinary experiences. That is also an affirmation that tourists come to the resort not only to relax, but also to enjoy the top-notch art of taste, Mr. Hamdy emphasized.
From the perspective of experts, Vietnamese cuisine is entering a new phase - where traditional dishes not only preserve national soul but are also enhanced in space, processing techniques and enjoyment experiences. This is especially evident in this year's star-studded restaurants - where local cultural values are blended with modern culinary skills, creating convincing "ists on the dining table".
Ms. Nguyen Vu Quynh Anh, General Director of Sun Hospitality & Entertainment Group, commented that for each tourist when coming to a destination for tourism, architecture and landscape are not the only factors they are looking for, but rather the emotions and flavors of the land they set foot in. Cuisine is the most unique factor to be able to convey the values of culture and the locality. These values have been expressed in the most multi-sensory way, touching customer emotions most.
Cuisine is not an auxiliary factor, but it is one of the most important pillars to create classy experiences. Therefore, during many years of working in the tourism sector, we have always attached importance to culinary factors. And this is the way we determine our direction in doing tourism properly and how to elevate the position of Vietnam tourism, Ms. Quynh Anh expressed.
Especially in the context that Michelin Guide has come to Vietnam 3 years ago, Vietnam is emerging as a new culinary destination in the world, and this will certainly accompany us, along with other partners in Vietnam's tourism industry, to create a new destination for tourism in the world. From there, we will be able to attract more international visitors to Vietnam, especially towards high-end customers, those who seek high-quality culinary experiences and truly touch emotions" - Ms. Quynh Anh emphasized.
