Vietnam’s thriving culinary scene has been recognized with its first Michelin stars. The prestigious dining guide awarded four restaurants one star each: Gia, Tam Vi, and Hibana by Koki in Hanoi, and Anan Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City.
While traditional street food establishments serving popular dishes such as pho and banh cha didn’t get stars, Vietnamese flavors were well-represented among the winners.
Tam Vi, known for its northern Vietnamese cuisine, offers dishes such as ham with periwinkle snails and shrimp soup with spinach. The owner of the restaurant, Tom, named it after himself with the intention of creating a homely dining experience. Gia, a contemporary restaurant in Hanoi, was founded by chef Sam Tran, who studied in Australia before returning to Vietnam to showcase the diverse flavors of Vietnamese culture.
Anon Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City is recognized for its modern interpretations of Vietnamese classics, including bone marrow wagyu beef pho. Gwendel Poulinek, international director of the Michelin Guide, highlights the vibrant and diverse food scene in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
In addition to Michelin-starred restaurants, the Michelin Guide also publishes other lists, including Michelin Selected, Michelin Guide Special Awards, and BB Gourmand. These lists include a total of 103 restaurants in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing Vietnamese cuisine.
Vietnam’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide reflects the country’s growing reputation as a culinary destination. A Michelin star rating signifies exceptional quality, with one star indicating a restaurant of very high quality. This recognition draws global attention to Vietnam’s unique and flavorful cuisine, further enhancing its status on the international culinary map.