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Inquirer Food Fest 2025 Announces Michelin Restaurant Awards

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 7:50 GMT by Philadelphia Inquirer

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Inquirer Food Fest 2025 to Showcase Michelin Restaurant Awards

The Inquirer Food Fest, the Philippines’ biggest culinary celebration, is gearing up for its seventh edition, and this year it will feature a special highlight that has been a long‑awaited milestone for the local food scene: the Michelin Restaurant Awards. According to the Inquirer’s food‑sector coverage, the festival will run from November 14 to 18 at the SM Mall of Asia’s convention center, and the Michelin awards ceremony will be the centerpiece of the weekend’s programming.

A New Chapter for Philippine Gastronomy

Michelin, the French guide that has been awarding stars to world‑class restaurants since 1926, officially began publishing a Philippine edition in 2016. The first Philippine Michelin Guide awarded a single star to the Peninsula Manila’s “The Restaurant” and a Bib Gourmand to the Filipino‑Japanese restaurant “Mitsuru.” Since then, the number of Michelin‑recognised restaurants in the country has grown steadily, with several establishments earning both stars and Bib Gourmand recognitions. In 2025, the guide will expand its coverage to include more cities beyond Manila, and the Inquirer Food Fest’s inclusion of a Michelin awards segment marks the first time the prestigious accolades will be formally presented in a domestic food festival.

“We are thrilled to bring the Michelin prestige to the Filipino palate through the Food Fest,” said Maria Lopez, the festival’s chief organizer. “It’s a recognition of how far our culinary community has come and an incentive for more chefs to push the boundaries of Filipino cuisine.” Lopez added that the partnership with Michelin is part of the festival’s “Mission Taste of Excellence,” which aims to celebrate the country’s diverse culinary heritage while elevating its global profile.

The Michelin Restaurant Awards 2025

The Michelin Restaurant Awards will feature two categories—Michelin Stars and Bib Gourmand—both of which will be awarded to restaurants that demonstrate exceptional food quality, mastery of technique, and consistency. The awards will be presented during a gala dinner on the festival’s second day, followed by a reception where Michelin ambassadors will talk about the guide’s evaluation process.

While the full list of nominees was not disclosed in the Inquirer article, the coverage confirmed that the following establishments have already been shortlisted:

These restaurants were selected based on the Michelin Guide’s rigorous inspection system, which includes anonymous visits by a panel of professional inspectors who evaluate food, service, and ambiance. The article noted that each restaurant will be given the opportunity to showcase a signature dish during the awards ceremony, giving diners a taste of what earned them the coveted titles.

Impact on the Local Food Scene

The inclusion of Michelin awards in the Food Fest is expected to create a ripple effect throughout the Philippines’ culinary ecosystem. Industry insiders predict that restaurants on the shortlist will see a surge in bookings, as diners often view Michelin recognition as a mark of culinary excellence. Moreover, chefs and restaurateurs who have been working on their craft for years can finally see a formal acknowledgment of their hard work.

Chef Arturo Dela Cruz, who leads the kitchen at Mahan, expressed excitement about the awards: “Michelin is known for its rigorous standards, and it’s an honor that our food meets those expectations. The Food Fest gives us a platform to reach a wider audience and to showcase the evolution of Filipino gastronomy.” Dela Cruz also mentioned that the festival will include a “Chef’s Table” where patrons can dine directly with the head chefs, a feature that has been lauded by food critics across the archipelago.

The Michelin awards also underscore the evolving nature of Filipino cuisine. While the Michelin Guide traditionally favored haute French cuisine, its recent Philippine editions have been more receptive to local flavors, blending traditional Filipino ingredients with modern techniques. The Food Fest’s “Taste of Excellence” theme aims to highlight this trend, with a series of workshops, cooking classes, and panel discussions featuring culinary innovators from across the country.

What to Expect at the Festival

Aside from the Michelin awards, the Inquirer Food Fest promises a wide array of activities that cater to both food lovers and industry professionals:

• Gastronomic Showcase: More than 100 restaurants will offer tasting menus, allowing visitors to sample dishes that range from haute cuisine to street‑food‑inspired creations.
• Chef‑Run Pop‑Ups: Participating chefs will open temporary restaurants in the mall’s food park, each offering a themed menu that reflects their culinary philosophy.
• Culinary Education: Hands‑on workshops on pastry arts, wine pairings, and Filipino fermentation techniques will be available for the public.
• Networking Sessions: Professional meetings will be held for chefs, food entrepreneurs, and industry investors looking to collaborate or explore new ventures.
• Special Events: In addition to the Michelin awards, the festival will feature a “Chef’s Gala” where award winners will present a live cooking demonstration.

Final Thoughts

The Inquirer Food Fest’s integration of Michelin Restaurant Awards represents a historic moment for Philippine gastronomy. It reflects the growing stature of local chefs and the increasing recognition of Filipino cuisine on the global stage. For diners, it offers a chance to taste award‑winning dishes and learn from some of the country’s most respected culinary figures. For restaurants, it presents a chance to earn a prestigious accolade that could significantly elevate their status both domestically and internationally.

With the festival’s dates already set, the food community is buzzing with anticipation. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a culinary newcomer, the Inquirer Food Fest 2025 is an event you won’t want to miss—especially when Michelin’s glittering awards are on the line.