By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
The country’s rich culinary landscape reflects the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Filipinos in making mouthwatering treats and stomach-filling food that are sure to tickle taste buds and satisfy one’s cravings, wherever in the Philippines it may be.
This is reflected in the latest recognition bestowed by the MICHELIN Guide, hailing the Southeast Asian nation as one of the Most Exciting Food Destinations for 2026.
In a media release Thursday, Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed the accolade that places Manila and its environs, and Cebu, among 16 nations on the global gastronomy map of the prestigious dining guide.
Secretary Frasco said in a statement, “Gastronomy is a vital expression of our national identity. This recognition supports our broader goal of strengthening sustainable tourism by celebrating what is authentically Filipino and by elevating the people and places behind our food.
READ MORE: Gastronomy, key pillar for PH tourism dev’t —DOT chief
With the support of our stakeholders, we aim to elevate our culinary identity, celebrate our rich traditions, empower food producers, and share our unique stories with the world.”
The Philippines will be joining other countries that were also recognized for their culinary prowess, such as Italy, Türkiye, China, Saudi Arabia, the American South, Florida, Canada, and Poland.
Among the standout dishes recommended by anonymous MICHELIN-Guide inspectors are sisig, sinigang, inasal, and adobo, which embody a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and acidic flavors, uniquely achieved through regional fruits, spices, and cooking methods such as marinating and grilling.
After its arrival in October 2025, the prestigious dining guide cited one Two-Star, eight One-Star, 25 Bib Gourmand, and 74 MICHELIN-Selected restaurants in Manila and Cebu, among various other awards.
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