With chefs returning Michelin Stars, is the Michelin Guide even worth reporting on any longer? Yes. Despite the controversy, the Guide consistently elevates fantastic cuisine from around the globe to international fame. While dozens of other food guides have sprung up, none has the cache or import of Michelin. For diners and chefs alike, a Michelin Star is the ultimate recognition. Explore some of the greatest additions to the Michelin Guide in 2018 and then start planning your food world tour.
Hong Kong
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2018 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Michelin Guide’s arrival in Hong Kong Macau and this year has tripled the number of starred restaurants since its inception. “Ten years after the introduction of the very first Michelin Guide selection for Hong Kong Macau, we are pleased to note the vibrancy of the local culinary scene,” says Michael Ellis, International Director in charge of the Michelin Guides. “The number of starred restaurants has been multiplied by three!”
This year, eight new restaurants have received one star. With an ever-evolving and dynamic dining scene, Hong Kong is a major player in the gastronomic world of Southeast Asia. Notable new players include Tate (French-Asian), Yin Jee Club (Cantonese), and Arcane (European).
New York
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Since coming to the U.S. in 2006, the Michelin Guide, intentionally or not, has christened New York the capital of fine dining in the States. But with other U.S. cities creeping up and even surpassing the number of Michelin starred restaurants in New York, can the city manage to hold onto its unofficial title? 2018 brought several surprises with it, most notably the downgrade of Jean Georges from three stars to two. But never fear, Michelin also upgraded several of its previously starred restaurants and added a handful of new dining spots to its coveted list in the city. If you are planning a trip to New York, make sure to stop off at some of these noteworthy additions: Bar Uchu (Sushi), The Clocktower (American), Cote (Korean Steakhouse), Rouge Tomate (American).
London
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Once known for tasteless items like mashed peas and oily fish and chips, London has become a food mecca. The influx of cooking techniques from around the continent and commonwealth has given London an international Michelin set of restaurants. In a surprising move, Michelin immediately granted two stars to Claude Bosi’s previously un-starred Bibendum (Seafood), skipping over the traditional awarding of moving from one star to two stars, and then finally, hopefully, three. In addition, eight more London restaurants received their first Michelin star. Standout additions include A. Wong (Cantonese), La Dame de Pic (French), and Jamavar (Indian).
Singapore
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Michelin is relatively new to Singapore, with the awards given out in 2017 marking the second year of the Michelin Guide in the country. Unsurprisingly, with so many restaurants wanting to make their mark on the city, coupled with the notoriously exacting standards of the Michelin guide, there is controversy and drama over the starred restaurants. Still, Michelin has found standout restaurants in Singapore that you should absolutely add to your list. Must-visit restaurants include: Braci (Italian); Cheek by Jowl (Global), and Chef Kangs (Singaporean).
For a complete list of Michelin Starred restaurants in 2018, click here.