The Michelin Guide has named the Philippines as one of the “most exciting foodie destinations” for 2026.
Photo: Michelin Guide/Instagram and Pares Batchoy Food House
In an Instagram post, the prestigious food guide listed the country as a must-visit destination for food lovers, alongside 15 other countries.
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“Filipino food claims its global moment in Manila and Cebu,” the Instagram post read.
The reason why inspectors recommended the country is explained further on their website.
“Filipino cuisine gains overdue international framing. While the hotel and dining scenes here are already buzzing, a host of local young chefs with independent styles are now leading an emerging wave of food culture steeped in balancing traditional and international techniques,” it wrote.
The food guide also recognized iconic Filipino food staples such as sisig, sinigang, inasal, and adobo for showcasing “a balance of sweet, salty and acidic flavors through the skilled use of regional fruits, spices and cooking techniques like marinating and grilling.”
Furthermore, it also highlighted Manila as a buzzing food destination where diverse local dining traditions blend seamlessly with American, Spanish, and Chinese influences, while Cebu was praised for its emerging food scene, which focuses more on seafood.
Other Asian destinations recommended in the list include China’s Jiangsu Province and Türkiye’s Cappadocia.
In October 2025, the MICHELIN Guide recognized 88 restaurants, including one Two-Star restaurant, seven One-Star restaurants, and 19 Bib Gourmands in Manila, while 18 restaurants and six Bib Gourmands in Cebu.
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