MANILA — Filipino food is once again stepping into the global spotlight.
The prestigious Michelin Guide is staying in the Philippines for another edition this year — and the Department of Tourism (DOT) is hopeful that even more local dining spots will make the list.
“There will be another round,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco shared in an interview in Makati City. While the coverage is expected to remain the same for now, she said the country is pushing for expansion — and more cities.
One place at the top of the wish list is Pampanga.
Known as the country’s culinary capital, Pampanga boasts a deep, rich food heritage. Frasco said the DOT hopes Michelin inspectors will take a closer look at the province this year.
“What we’re hoping for is that Pampanga will be included,” she said. “As for the other cities, we leave it to Michelin to conduct their culinary audit.”
The government’s support doesn’t end there.
Frasco confirmed that the DOT plans to continue backing the Michelin Guide’s presence in the country until at least 2028, aligning with the term of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“What we’re working hard on,” she said, “is to ensure that for the duration of the President’s term, Michelin will be here.”
The Michelin Guide made history in the Philippines with its 2026 edition, listing over 100 restaurants and dining spots across Cebu, Metro Manila, and nearby areas — a first for the country.
And the impact has been real.
Since the guide’s launch, several featured establishments have reported higher sales, more customers, and increased foreign diners. Some have even expanded their workforce to keep up with demand.
One standout is Morning Sun Eatery in Project 4, Quezon City, which earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand for offering a quality three-course meal at an affordable price. According to Frasco, the owner hired additional staff to serve the growing number of diners.
Beyond restaurants, the exposure is paying off for the country as a whole.
Frasco said the estimated global media value of Michelin’s coverage of the Philippines now stands at around $8 million — a powerful boost for tourism and Filipino cuisine on the world stage.
For local chefs, small eateries, and food lovers alike, the message is clear:
Filipino food is being seen, tasted, and celebrated — and the world is hungry for more.
