A boost for the culinary industry
Michelin Guide has just officially announced 181 selected restaurants and eateries in 3 cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. Of which, there are 9 Michelin-starred restaurants - a big step forward compared to the first year Vietnam was included on the map of the world-famous culinary guide.
Not only a title, Michelin Guide is considered a "golden ticket" to help Vietnamese cuisine reach international standards.
The restaurants on the list immediately became the focus of searches for international tourists and famous food bloggers. The number of visitors has increased sharply, especially foreign tourists - those who tend to search for information about dining experiences through international evaluation platforms.
According to Lao Dong's records at some Michelin-starred restaurants, the number of international visitors to the restaurant has increased significantly compared to before, the rate of pre-booking has increased significantly, even on weekdays. That helps restaurants have the opportunity to serve diverse markets and invest more seriously in customer experience.
Mr. Tran Hieu Trung - owner of Lamai Garden restaurant - recently awarded a Green Michelin star in Hanoi, revealed: "After receiving the award, our restaurant received more attention than before and the number of customers also increased. However, at present, the restaurant is still accepting the same number of customers as in previous days, to ensure service quality. I always pursue a working philosophy with available seasonal ingredients around me, cooking for customers like cooking for my family and always trying to do a little better every day.
Golden ticket for international integration
Vietnamese specialties - from pho, vermicelli, banh mi to regional specialties - are receiving more attention in the international market. being recognized by Michelin not only enhances the brand value of each restaurant and restaurant but also indirectly enhances the quality of ingredients, processing techniques, service methods... These are key factors for the culinary industry to export in the form of business models, processed products or franchises.
Michelin is an international regulatory system with clear assessment standards and methods. When a country has a restaurant in the Michelin Guide, it is not only a title for each restaurant but also contributes to improving the quality of the whole industry - from the dishes, the service, to the overall experience. Even sidewalk pho restaurants, if selected, are forced to adjust" - Mr. Nguyen Xuan Quynh - General Secretary of the Vietnam State Party Committee - shared with Lao Dong.
Vietnam has not yet developed a strong enough domestic standard set to serve as a measure or orientation for the development of the culinary industry. Therefore, being in Michelin Guide is not only a prestigious title, but also an opportunity for Vietnamese cuisine to be placed in an international reference system - gradually putting its name on the world culinary map.
Instead of focusing only on scenic spots, tourists today are choosing a journey to explore through ranked local meals and restaurants.
According to Booking.com's Travel Trends 2025 study, more than half of Vietnamese tourists (58%) said they prioritize experiencing local culinary culture.
"Michelin street food" tours in Hanoi, or "fine dining" tours combined with cultural learning in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are becoming a new tourism product following the Michelin Guide fever.
From bustling markets to hidden eateries, the tour brings a realistic experience of Hanoi street food culture, said William, a British tourist through a walking tour in Hanoi.
