Michelin Guide begins dining in Vietnam

The historic Michelin Guide Vietnam list of top Vietnamese restaurants will be released in June.

“We have been looking at Vietnam’s gastronomic scene for quite a long time,” said Michelin Guide international director Gwendal Poullennec on Thursday. “We are delighted to finally announce the Michelin Guide’s arrival in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.”

According to the Michelin Guide website, it’s inspectors assesses venues based on five criteria: the personality of the chef as presented in the cuisine, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of cooking techniques, the quality of products and the consistency both over time and across the entire menu.

The Michelin Guide was established at the beginning of the 20th century by the French tire maker to sell more tires by encouraging people to take road trips and visit fine restaurants and hotels.

Michelin awards eateries with stars: one star signifies “a very good restaurant,” two stars are “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three stars means “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey,”

According to the Michelin Guide website, there are over 3,000 Michelin-starred restaurants in nearly 40 different countries. And the list is growing.

Never before in history have restaurants in Vietnam been considered by the “Bible” of fine dining. But anyone who’s ever had good bowl of pho knows the time has definitely come. It might even be over due.