Michelin Guide in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi

The Michelin Guide finally arrived in Vietnam and it’s kind of a big deal. If you’ve ever dreamed of eating your way through a country known for its rich flavors, street-side bowls of pho and fresh herbs - Vietnam just leveled up. Let’s unpack what this means, which restaurants got the stars and how this shakes up the culinary scene.

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What is the Michelin Guide?

The Michelin Guide started in France over a century ago - yep, from the same folks who make tires. It was originally meant to encourage road trips by pointing drivers to good places to eat and sleep.

Today? It’s a global stamp of culinary excellence. One star means “worth a stop". Two means “worth a detour". And three? “Worth a special journey". It’s serious business.

When did the Michelin guide come to Vietnam?

Vietnam officially joined the Michelin Guide family in 2023. The inaugural guide focused on Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, two powerhouses of Vietnamese cuisine. That means diners (locals and tourists alike) now have an internationally recognized compass to find top-tier food in these cities.

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Why the Michelin guide matters in Vietnam

It’s not just about bragging rights. The Michelin Guide in Vietnam validates what locals have known all along - Vietnamese food is extraordinary. It puts local chefs and restaurants on the world stage and offers visitors a curated list of unforgettable dining experiences.

Plus, from a legal and tourism standpoint, it means more structure, more investment in hospitality and more visitors looking for those signature stars.

Latest official ceremony & statistics

The Michelin Guide Vietnam ceremony was held on June 5, 2025, at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in Da Nang.

• A record 181 establishments were selected, comprising:
  • 9 One-Star restaurants (1 brand-new star, 1 newly promoted),
  • 2 Green Star eco-leaders (1 new),
  • 63 Bib Gourmand spots (9 newcomers),
  • 109 Michelin Selected venues (14 newcomers)

Ho Chi Minh City – The vibrant culinary lab

When it comes to culinary ambition, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) leads the pack. Fast-paced and bursting with energy, this southern hub secured a powerful presence in the Michelin Guide Vietnam.

Newly crowned stars

• CieL – a modern fine-dining restaurant that delivers both visual art and flavor depth, entered the Guide with its first Michelin Star. Spearheaded by Chef Viet Hong Le, this intimate venue is known for elegant plating and a signature tasting menu that blends Vietnamese roots with global flair.
• Coco Dining – formerly Michelin Selected, has now climbed to One Star status. Chef Thanh Vuong Vo showcases traditional ingredients (think shrimp, crab, fermented sauces) with fermentation and French techniques in a multi-course experience.

Notable mentions

• Nephele, located in HCMC, didn't get a star (yet), but Sommelier Paul Vo won the prestigious Michelin Sommelier Award for crafting a well-balanced, affordable and thoughtful wine program featuring small-batch producers.

Numbers in HCMC

• Total one star restaurants: 5
• New additions: 7 restaurants (2 starred, 5 Michelin Selected)
• Michelin selected newcomers: ST25 by KOTO, Okra FoodBar, Nephele and more.

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Da Nang – The rising coastal star

Da Nang made headlines this year - not just as a tourism hotspot, but as a city making serious culinary waves. Theceremony was even hosted here, solidifying its new role in Vietnam's fine dining scene.

Star attraction

La Maison 1888 at InterContinental Danang retained its One Michelin Star, led by legendary Chef Pierre Gagnaire. This French fine-dining restaurant is tucked into a colonial-style villa with seaside views - arguably the most picturesque Michelin location in the country.

Bib Gourmand Boost

Da Nang added 4 new Bib Gourmand eateries, including:

• Bun Rieu Cua 39 – for crab-based noodle soup lovers.
• Bep Cuon – celebrated for local rice paper rolls and home-style cooking.
• Moc – a hidden gem that brings rustic flavors to the table with class.

Other notable selections

• Michelin Selected additions include "Tiem Com Hoang Ky" and "Nen Danang" - a modern Vietnamese dining concept that focuses on sustainable, seasonal produce.

Food in Michelin selected

Impact

The city is now seen not just as a beach destination, but as a culinary contender with a strong local identity. Expect Da Nang to be a regular name in future editions.

Hanoi – The classic culinary capital

While Ho Chi Minh is flashy and Da Nang is fresh, Hanoi holds the heritage card. Its deep culinary roots continue to impress Michelin inspectors year after year.

Green star shines bright

Lamai Garden was awarded a Michelin Green Star for its ethical, sustainable farm-to-table approach. Ingredients are sourced from the owner’s Phu Tho farm and the set menus are crafted around seasonality, vegetarian options and minimal waste. This award signals Michelin’s focus on responsible dining.

Star-studded list continues

Returning with their Michelin Stars:

• Gia – Vietnamese fine dining with molecular touches.
• Tam Vi – Vietnamese nostalgia with imperial-style dishes in an antique villa.
• Hibana by Koki – High-end teppanyaki experience inside Capella Hanoi.

Street food & value dining (Bib Gourmand)

Hanoi dominates in this category. Out of the 63 Bib Gourmand winners in Vietnam, the capital contributed the highest share, including:

• Ha Thanh Mansion
• Mau Dich So 37
• Nearly 20 different pho restaurants

Newcomers in Michelin selected

14 new venues across Vietnam were added to this list and Hanoi’s share includes:

• Hieu Luc
• Pho Cuon Chinh Thang
• Vien Dining – a contemporary Vietnamese restaurant with elegant reinterpretations of classics.

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The selection process: How does it work?

So how do restaurants get on the list? It’s all about consistency, quality and the inspector’s gut feeling (backed by criteria).

Anonymous inspectors explained

Inspectors dine anonymously and pay for their meals. They’re trained to judge based on:

• Quality of ingredients
• Mastery of cooking techniques
• Harmony of flavors
• Chef’s personality in the food
• Consistency over time

So no, a pretty interior or celeb owner won’t cut it. The food must speak for itself.

Vietnam’s culinary identity and Michelin's role

Michelin’s arrival isn’t just about spotlighting “fancy” food. It’s a chance for Vietnam to celebrate its own culinary identity on the world stage.

From street-side phở to complex, royal-style dishes, Vietnam’s diversity deserves recognition. The Guide encourages chefs to refine their craft while staying true to their roots.

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Challenges faced by restaurants in Vietnam

Here’s the twist. Not every great Vietnamese restaurant wants a star. Some fear it’ll raise expectations (and prices), scaring off loyal locals. Others worry about the sustainability of operating under constant scrutiny.

And legally? Getting up to global standards often means navigating Vietnam’s regulations around licensing, food safety and infrastructure upgrades - not always a walk in the park.

Public reaction to Michelin Vietnam

The announcement created a buzz - social media exploded. Some locals cheered. Others criticized Michelin for favoring upscale or Western-style venues.

Still, overall, the recognition brought pride. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City now stand alongside Tokyo, Paris and New York in culinary credibility. That’s a win.

Impact on tourism and local economy

Tourists are already using the Vietnam Michelin Guide as a travel checklist. Food tours, fine dining experiences and cooking classes have all seen a boost.

Hotels benefit. Tour operators benefit. Even street vendors near Michelin spots benefit from increased foot traffic. Economically, this is a strategic goldmine.

FAQs

1. What cities in Vietnam are included in the Michelin Guide?

As of the 2025 edition, Da Nang joined Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as an official Michelin Guide destination in Vietnam.

2. How many Michelin-starred restaurants are in Ho Chi Minh City?

As of now, a handful of restaurants like Anan Saigon and La Villa have received Michelin stars or recommendations.

3. Is street food included in the Michelin Guide Vietnam?

Yes! Michelin introduced a Bib Gourmand category for quality food at good value and several street food spots made the list.

4. How are Michelin-starred restaurants chosen in Vietnam?

Anonymous inspectors assess based on ingredient quality, technique, flavor, personality and consistency.

5. Does the Michelin Guide affect food prices in Vietnam?

Often, yes. Michelin recognition can lead to increased prices and demand. However, many local spots still aim to stay accessible.

Public reaction to Michelin Vietnam

Conclusion

The Michelin Guide in Vietnam marks a pivotal moment in the country’s culinary evolution. Whether you’re a local foodie, a global traveler or a chef dreaming of stars, this is a new chapter. Michelin has added a layer of prestige, but it hasn’t changed the heart of Vietnamese cuisine - it just gave it the stage it deserves.