Michelin Guide Vietnam 2026 Unveiled: The New Names Food Lovers Should Know

From Tire Guide to Global Culinary Authority: The Michelin Journey to Vietnam

Long before it became the world's most influential restaurant guide, Michelin had a surprisingly practical purpose. In the early 1900s, brothers André and Édouard Michelin, founders of the Michelin tire company, published a travel handbook filled with maps, fuel stations, repair shops, and driving tips. Their goal was simple: encourage people to travel farther by car, which would naturally lead to more worn-out tires and, ultimately, more tire sales.

Over time, however, travelers became just as interested in where to eat as where to drive. In 1926, Michelin introduced its now-famous star rating system, and by 1931, the guide had established the one-, two-, and three-star categories that continue to shape the global dining industry today.

What makes the Michelin Guide particularly relevant in 2026 is its evolution beyond traditional European fine dining. Over the years, the guide has expanded to celebrate a much wider range of culinary experiences. The Bib Gourmand distinction, introduced in 1997, recognizes restaurants serving exceptional food at affordable prices. Michelin Selected highlights establishments that deliver quality dining experiences, while the Green Star, launched in 2020, rewards restaurants committed to sustainable practices.

The arrival of the Michelin Guide in Vietnam marked an important milestone for the country's growing culinary reputation. More than simply recognizing restaurants, the guide has helped shine an international spotlight on Vietnamese cuisine itself. Alongside fine dining venues, local favorites and family-run eateries have earned recognition through categories such as Bib Gourmand, proving that memorable dining experiences can be found at every price point. As a result, iconic dishes like pho, bun, and nem are increasingly being appreciated by global travelers not just as street food, but as an essential part of Vietnam's rich culinary identity.

Michelin Guide Vietnam 2026 by the Numbers

The latest edition of Michelin Guide Vietnam 2026 recognized 193 restaurants and dining establishments across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, the largest selection since Michelin arrived in Vietnam.

Among them are 11 Michelin-starred restaurants, including two new one-star additions: ONVIT in Hanoi and Upstairs in Ho Chi Minh City. The guide also features 72 Bib Gourmand restaurants, with 11 new entries celebrated for delivering exceptional food at accessible prices.

Meanwhile, the Michelin Selected category expanded to 110 restaurants, including nine newcomers that showcase the growing diversity of Vietnam's dining scene. Sustainability also remains in focus, with three Michelin Green Star restaurants, including newly awarded Tales by Chapter in Ho Chi Minh City.

Together, these numbers highlight the remarkable growth of Vietnamese cuisine, from neighborhood eateries and local favorites to innovative fine dining concepts recognized on the global stage.

The New Names Food Lovers Should Know

New Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Vietnam for 2026

Among the highlights of Michelin Guide Vietnam 2026 are three newly recognized restaurants that showcase the diversity of Vietnam's evolving culinary scene.

In Hanoi, ONVIT earned its first Michelin Star under the leadership of Chef Joon Huk Chi. The restaurant offers a refined dining experience that blends Korean culinary techniques with Vietnamese ingredients and flavors, creating a unique cross-cultural interpretation that has quickly attracted the attention of Michelin inspectors.

Ho Chi Minh City also welcomed a new Michelin-starred restaurant this year. Upstairs, led by Chef Hiep Truong, received one Michelin Star for its intimate dining concept and thoughtfully crafted tasting menu. Drawing inspiration from the cuisine of Central Vietnam, the restaurant transforms familiar regional flavors into contemporary dishes while preserving their cultural roots.

Beyond Michelin Stars, sustainability also took center stage in 2026. Tales by Chapter in Ho Chi Minh City was awarded a Michelin Green Star, recognizing its commitment to environmentally responsible dining. Built around a seasonal plant-based menu and a zero-waste philosophy, the restaurant demonstrates how exceptional food and sustainable practices can go hand in hand.

New Bib Gourmand Restaurants Worth Visiting

While Michelin Stars often capture the headlines, many travelers would argue that the Bib Gourmand category offers the most authentic introduction to Vietnamese cuisine. Created to recognize restaurants that serve exceptional food at reasonable prices, Bib Gourmand celebrates the kind of places locals return to again and again.

In Hanoi, three new restaurants joined the Bib Gourmand family in 2026. Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền Thanh Vân on Hang Ga Street continues a long-standing tradition of serving delicate steamed rice rolls, while Mammom brings the comforting flavors of a home-cooked Vietnamese meal to the heart of the capital. Meanwhile, Phở Hà Hàng Hòm earned recognition for its flavorful chicken pho, a beloved variation of Vietnam's most iconic dish.

Ho Chi Minh City welcomed five new Bib Gourmand additions this year. From the rich crab noodle soup at Bánh Canh Cua Bà Ba to the freshly made rice rolls at Bánh Cuốn Tây Hồ 127, the city's newest selections showcase the diversity of southern Vietnamese cooking. Local favorites such as Bún Riêu Yến and Chị Mơ were also recognized, while La Lola demonstrates that the Bib Gourmand category extends beyond Vietnamese cuisine, offering diners excellent Mediterranean flavors at approachable prices.

In Da Nang, three newcomers further strengthened the city's growing culinary reputation. Quán Bà Vui is known for its comforting chicken noodle dishes and sticky rice, while Bánh Bèo - Bánh Đập highlights the simple yet memorable flavors of Central Vietnam's traditional street food culture. Rounding out the list is Lê Gia Khang, where diners can enjoy a hearty bowl of bún bò Huế xí quách, one of the region's most beloved noodle specialties.

New Michelin Selected Restaurants Expanding Vietnam's Culinary Map

Beyond Michelin Stars and Bib Gourmand distinctions, the Michelin Selected category shines a spotlight on restaurants that consistently deliver high-quality dining experiences. While these establishments have not yet received a Michelin Star, they represent some of the most exciting additions to the Michelin Guide Vietnam 2026 and offer travelers even more ways to explore the country's diverse food scene.

In Hanoi, three new restaurants joined the Michelin Selected list this year. MÀU brings a contemporary approach to Vietnamese dining, while Phở Gà Huyền Hương demonstrates how even a seemingly simple bowl of chicken pho can stand out through craftsmanship and attention to detail. Meanwhile, ZAO adds another distinctive dining experience to the capital's increasingly dynamic culinary landscape.

Ho Chi Minh City saw the largest number of new Michelin Selected additions. Restaurants such as Apero, NÔM, Quán Ăn Ngự Bình, Sóno, and Tales by Chapter reflect the city's remarkable diversity, ranging from modern interpretations of Vietnamese flavors to internationally inspired concepts. Together, they showcase why the city continues to be one of Southeast Asia's most exciting destinations for food lovers.

In Da Nang, Quán Dì Hoa (Hòa Cường) earned a place in the Michelin Selected category. The restaurant is particularly known for its bánh tráng nướng, often nicknamed the "Vietnamese pizza" by international visitors. Its recognition highlights Michelin's growing appreciation for local specialties and the vibrant street food culture that makes Central Vietnam so unique.

The Michelin Guide Vietnam 2026 Special Awards

Beyond recognizing outstanding restaurants, Michelin Guide Vietnam 2026 also shines a spotlight on the talented individuals shaping the future of Vietnamese cuisine. This year's Special Awards celebrate creativity, hospitality, and innovation, highlighting the people whose passion elevates every dining experience.

The Young Chef Award was presented to Chef Phuoc Hau Tran of The Monkey Gallery Dining in Ho Chi Minh City. His imaginative approach and technical skill have helped establish the restaurant as one of the most exciting names among Vietnam's new generation of chefs.

In Hanoi, Bich Ngoc Mai from ONVIT received the Sommelier Award for her expertise in wine selection and pairing. Her ability to create thoughtful connections between food and wine has played an important role in shaping the restaurant's overall dining experience.

The Service Award went to Thanh Van Nguyen of Tales by Chapter in Ho Chi Minh City. The recognition celebrates her dedication to hospitality and the warm, attentive service that transforms a meal into a memorable occasion.

One of the most exciting additions this year was the introduction of the Opening of the Year Award, a new distinction honoring the most impressive restaurant debut. The inaugural award was presented to Chef Chris Fong of NÔM in Ho Chi Minh City, whose concept blends contemporary dining with cultural heritage storytelling, offering guests a unique journey through Vietnam's rich traditions and flavors.

Together, these awards demonstrate that exceptional dining is about far more than what's on the plate. Behind every memorable meal are talented chefs, passionate sommeliers, and dedicated service teams working together to bring the story of Vietnamese cuisine to life.