Consistent with the goal of becoming a world culinary destination

MICHELIN officially debuted in Viet Nam's culinary and tourism industries on December 1, 2022, with the assistance of Sun Group. Could you please explain why MICHELIN chose Viet Nam as the next destination in Asia in 2022? And why were Ha Noi and HCM City chosen as the first two cities to launch the MICHELIN Guide?

Mrs. Elisabeth Boucher-Anselin: Since its initial publication in 1900, the MICHELIN Guide has maintained the same goal for years: locate reputable food destinations to independently guide international travelers and local gourmets to the best restaurants.

MICHELIN Guide has been observing Vietnamese cuisine for a long time, following the country's culinary development and observing the sublimation of the cuisine here, and we are delighted to announce that MICHELIN Guide has arrived in Ha Noi and HCM City.

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Elisabeth Boucher-Ansel, Michelin Experiences Communications Director at the event.

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As the country’s capital, Ha Noi has centuries-old architecture and a rich food heritage due to its links to the sea and historical trade connections. The city’s cultural charms and culinary traditions are everywhere – on the streets and in small shops – and gourmets can enjoy in Ha Noi an abundance of Vietnamese dishes, using fresh local ingredients and aromatic herbs made from traditional recipes and techniques.

Meanwhile, HCM City, Viet Nam’s economic hub dotted with iconic high-rise buildings, is shaping up to be yet another Asian dining destination. Local chefs, many of whom have gained experience in kitchens abroad, frequently add their own interpretations to Vietnamese cuisine. Combined with European influences and local traditions, the food scene in HCM City is lively and vivid with an array of offerings ranging from small shops to high-end restaurants.  

So will the collections in Viet Nam differ from the versions released in other countries?

Mrs. Elisabeth Boucher-Anselin: When it comes to restaurant reviews and selections, MICHELIN Guide always fulfills the same promises, respects the same values, and takes the same approach regardless of destination.

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As a result, MICHELIN Guide's restaurant selection in Ha Noi and HCM City will follow the same criteria and processes as elsewhere. The selection will be made independently by renowned MICHELIN 'anonymous' judges using the Guide's longstanding and global methodology based on five international criteria:

High-quality ingredientsMastery of culinary techniquesTaste balanceHow the chef's personality is showcased in the foodDishes stable quality over time of dishes

This evaluation methodology's consistency is important because it ensures that the quality and reliability of the recommendations in the collection are the same across all destinations. Furthermore, by concentrating solely on food quality, our team can truly honour all forms of restaurants and cuisines, from street food stalls to high-end luxury restaurants.

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With two collections scheduled to be released in June 2023, has the restaurant review process started yet?

Mrs. Elisabeth Boucher-Anselin: Our international judges have already begun the selection process, and MICHELIN Guide is excited to present our first choice in June 2023.

Choose to honor Vietnamese cuisine

Sun Group is a destination partner for the introduction of the MICHELIN Guide to Viet Nam. How will Sun Group be involved in the process of researching, producing, and promoting the collections?

Mrs. Elisabeth Boucher-Anselin: Sun Group is our Destination Partner, which means we will jointly conduct media activities and events to promote Vietnamese cuisine.

However, when it comes to evaluating and selecting Michelin-starred restaurants, the MICHELIN Guide remains completely independent. Only MICHELIN Guide judges, official staff, and restaurant and food industry experts are involved in the Ha Noi and HCM City MICHELIN Guide research, selection, and decision-making processes.

The MICHELIN Guide has made its way to Vietnamese cuisine, which is renowned for its variety and richness. So, what are the aspects of Vietnamese cuisine that impress you most?

Mrs. Elisabeth Boucher-Anselin: Because of its rich culinary history, distinct cultural heritage, signature and unique flavours, special cooking methods, and exquisite delicacies, Vietnamese cuisine has gained worldwide acclaim. 

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What impressed me the most was how much the locals value eating out. Furthermore, the restaurant owners here, whether local or international, are extremely talented. These are especially noticeable in Ha Noi and HCM City, which we regard as the “precious jewels" of Vietnamese cuisine and fully deserve to be honoured.

According to surveys, the MICHELIN Guide has a significant impact on a country's culinary tourism. So, what role do you think MICHELIN Guide will play in the development of Viet Nam's culinary tourism industry?

Mrs. Elisabeth Boucher-Anselin: With our restaurant selection, we hope to introduce local and international foodies to Ha Noi's rich cuisine and culinary culture.

In this way, we will contribute to the appeal of the Vietnamese destination as well as the journey to discover this country's cuisine.

We also hope that the MICHELIN Guide will add value and inspire the many talented professionals who shape the local restaurant industry, thereby increasing the field's attractiveness.

Viet Nam is looking forward to MICHELIN-starred restaurants bringing the essence of national cuisine to the rest of the world.  Regarding the future road map, can you share MICHELIN's next activities in Viet Nam after Ha Noi and HCM City?

Mrs. Elisabeth Boucher-Anselin: Our judges understand the richness, diversity, and essence of Vietnamese cuisine. Viet Nam is a true culinary destination with many regions and cities to explore.

However, in Viet Nam, as in any other new destination, we follow a process and have a long-term vision, ensuring a destination's consistency and sustainability before expanding to other destinations.

Furthermore, before that point was included in the MICHELIN Guide collection, our team needed to secure the long-term culinary potential. Making a restaurant or catering establishment a star takes time and expertise as well.

Please know that our judges are always looking for new and dynamic cuisines like yours.