When it comes to restaurant awards, few names carry as much weight as the Michelin Guide. It’s often seen as the ultimate mark of culinary excellence—but did you know it actually started as a marketing tool for a tire company?
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The Michelin Guide was first published in France in 1900 by the Michelin tire company. It was created to encourage motorists to take more road trips, thereby increasing tire use. Michelin’s guide included maps, tire repair instructions, and recommendations for places to eat and stay along the way. Over time, its restaurant section became so influential that it evolved into the world’s most prestigious dining guide.
Understanding how the Michelin Guide recognizes great food
Today, the Michelin Guide recognizes restaurants in three main ways: through Michelin Stars, Michelin Recommended, and Bib Gourmand distinctions. These titles mean different things.
Michelin Star
A Michelin Star recognizes restaurants that deliver exceptional cuisine. The stars are given in three levels: one means the restaurant is worth a stop, two mean it’s worth a detour, and three indicate it’s worth a special journey. Inspectors consider factors such as ingredient quality, mastery of cooking techniques, flavor harmony, the chef’s personal touch, and overall consistency. A Michelin Star represents a higher level of creativity, skill, and precision in the kitchen.
Michelin Recommended
There’s also the Michelin Recommended category, sometimes referred to as “The Plate.” This recognition is given to restaurants that offer good, quality cooking. It’s not an award like the Bib Gourmand or the Star, but it still acknowledges that a restaurant meets Michelin’s standards and is worth noting.
Bib Gourmand
A Bib Gourmand is awarded to restaurants that serve good food at a reasonable price. These are places known for satisfying, well-made dishes that offer great value. The focus isn’t necessarily on fine dining—it’s more about food that’s comforting, consistent, and genuinely enjoyable.
A recent example is Morning Sun Eatery, a humble carinderia that earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its flavorful, home-style Filipino dishes that don’t break the bank.
Each distinction highlights a different type of culinary experience. Michelin Stars honor restaurants that reach an exceptional level of excellence, Michelin Recommended places showcase solid, well-prepared cooking, and Bib Gourmand spots stand out for delicious food at great value.
At the end of the day, they all point to one thing—food that’s made with care and leaves a lasting impression.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
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