First Michelin Guide to the Philippines awards a single star to 8 outlets, Helm gets 2

The Philippines’ culinary landscape has entered a new era with the debut of its inaugural Michelin Guide on October 30. It is a move that has bestowed international prestige upon a handful of Manila’s restaurants while igniting a fervent debate among food lovers about representation and the future of Filipino fine dining.

The ceremony was held for the first time in the capital, at the Manila Marriott Hotel at Newport World Resorts. It recognised 108 establishments in total, awarding a combined 10 stars to nine restaurants, as well as 25 Bib Gourmands (for good value for money) and 74 “Michelin Selected” entries. It also presented three special awards.

“The new era is innovative yet rooted, contemporary yet unmistakably Filipino,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide. “It tells a story of heritage and innovations, where sweet, salty, sour and umami harmonise to create flavours that are both comforting and exciting. Filipino cuisine is bold, generous and deeply personal.”

The inaugural Michelin star selection for the Philippines formally integrates key players on the dining scene into the global gastronomic landscape. The guide’s debut for Manila, its Environs and Cebu saw nine restaurants awarded stars, led by Helm in Makati City, which received the country’s highest honour of two Michelin stars.

The accolade, reserved for restaurants with “excellent cooking worth a detour”, was received by chef-owner Josh Boutwood, who is also the mastermind behind Ember, The Test Kitchen and Savage.

Helm was praised by the guide for its thematic tasting menus that blend “gastronomy and theatre in a truly boundary-breaking experience”, showcasing the chef’s “boundless creativity and masterful technique”.