The Stars Shined Bright On Ho Chi Minh City

The illustrious MICHELIN Guide Ceremony, held on June 27th at the InterContinental Saigon, unveiled the highly-anticipated 2024 MICHELIN Restaurant Guide for Vietnam. Comprising dining selections from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and for the first time, Da Nang, this year’s guide features a full array of the country’s culinary gems. It grants the coveted Star ratings, introduces the sustainability-focused MICHELIN Green Star, includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, Michelin Selected, and special accolades in the categories of Young Chef, Sommelier, and Service.

This year’s annual culinary guide features 164 establishments - 7 earning one MICHELIN Star, including 2 newcomers and 1 promotion from the MICHELIN Selected list, 58 with a Bib Gourmand featuring 28 new entries and 1 upgrade from MICHELIN Selected, and 99 recognised as MICHELIN Selected, with 40 new entries. Of the new additions, 10 hail from Hanoi, 26 from Ho Chi Minh City, and 36 from the newly included city of Da Nang.

2024 heralds a significant milestone in Vietnam's culinary landscape, marked by the inaugural awarding of the MICHELIN Green Star, a recognition of global leaders in sustainable dining. Nén Da Nang had the distinct honour of being the first and only restaurant in Vietnam to receive this distinction, commended for its steadfast commitment to sustainable gastronomy since its opening in 2017.

The 2024 one MICHELIN Star list includes three new entries, newcomers Akuna in Ho Chi Minh City and La Maison 1888 in Da Nang, recognised for their innovative menus blending European and Vietnamese culinary traditions. The Royal Pavilion in Ho Chi Minh City also ascended from the MICHELIN Selected category, celebrated for its homage to Cantonese epicurean heritage.  Maintaining their one Star status, granted at last year’s ceremony, include Anăn Saigon of Ho Chi Minh, and Tầm Vị, Hibaba by Koki and Gia of Ha Noi.

The Bib Gourmand list also expanded significantly, now featuring 58 establishments, more than double the number from last year. This includes 16 new entries from Da Nang alone, highlighting the rich variety of central Vietnamese cuisine that favours fresh, local ingredients over complex preparation.

And lastly, the guide recognised individuals who significantly contribute to the gastronomic scene with its special awards. The Young Chef Award was given to Chef Duy Nguyen of Little Bear in Ho Chi Minh City; the Sommelier Award to Toan Nguyen of La Maison 1888 in Da Nang, and the Service Award to Anh Nguyen of Si Dining in Da Nang.

“Vietnam’s three cities - Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang - each have their own characteristics. The country’s culinary scene sees the vitality, passion, and creativity constantly surprising the market. Not to mention that renowned chefs are increasingly opening restaurants in Vietnam, coupled with a new generation of Vietnamese chefs emerging with a growing customer base. Therefore, Vietnam is indeed becoming a more interesting destination on the world’s food map, to attentively keep an eye on.” - Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides.