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Vietnam’s Culinary Excellence: Michelin Guide Recognitions and Street Food Highlights

GOOVER DAILY REPORT July 18, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Michelin Star Recognitions in Vietnam
  3. Popular Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected Restaurants
  4. Street Food Culture in Vietnamese Cities
  5. Individual Recognitions and Special Awards
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report entitled 'Vietnam’s Culinary Excellence: Michelin Guide Recognitions and Street Food Highlights' provides a detailed examination of the recent accolades received by Vietnamese restaurants in the Michelin Guide 2024. It highlights the newly awarded Michelin-starred restaurants, explains the criteria for these accolades, and showcases individual awards given to chefs and restaurants. Akuna Restaurant, The Royal Pavilion, and La Maison 1888 are among the newly Michelin-starred dining venues, while Nén Da Nang receives Vietnam’s first Michelin Green Star for sustainable practices. Additionally, the report explores the vibrant street food culture in cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hanoi, offering insights into local favorites like Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng and My Quang Ba Mua, as well as the impact of these recognitions on culinary tourism. The analysis also covers the prominence of Vietnamese chefs and their contributions to the global culinary stage, emphasizing the blend of traditional and modern culinary practices.

2. Michelin Star Recognitions in Vietnam

  • 2-1. Newly awarded Michelin-starred restaurants

  • In 2024, three new Vietnamese restaurants were awarded Michelin stars: Akuna Restaurant at Le Méridien Saigon Hotel (Ho Chi Minh City), The Royal Pavilion at the Reverie Saigon Hotel (Ho Chi Minh City), and La Maison 1888 at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort (Da Nang). Four restaurants retained their one-star rating from the previous year: Hibana by Koki, Gia, and Tam Vi in Hanoi, and Anan Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City. A representative from each restaurant expressed honor and gratitude for the recognition. Additionally, Michelin awarded the first Michelin Green Star in Vietnam to Nen Da Nang for its commitment to sustainable cuisine, distinguishing itself in the Michelin Guide's awards ceremony on June 27, 2024.

  • 2-2. Criteria for Michelin ratings

  • The Michelin Guide evaluates restaurants based on five key criteria: the personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of cooking techniques, the quality of products, and consistency over time and across the entire menu. These rigorous standards ensure that eateries offer exceptional dining experiences. Michelin stars are awarded as follows: one star signifies a very good restaurant in its category, two stars denote excellent cooking that is worth a detour, and three stars represent exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.

  • 2-3. Vietnam's first Michelin Green Star

  • Nen Da Nang has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first restaurant in Vietnam to receive a Michelin Green Star. This accolade is awarded to establishments that lead in sustainable practices and showcase culinary excellence combined with eco-friendly commitments. The Michelin Green Star highlights restaurants at the forefront of the industry for their dedication to environmental sustainability, enhancing Vietnam's culinary reputation on the global stage.

3. Popular Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected Restaurants

  • 3-1. Bib Gourmand awards and recognized venues

  • In 2024, the Michelin Guide recognized 58 establishments with the Bib Gourmand distinction across three major Vietnamese cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. The Bib Gourmand category honors restaurants that provide great food at affordable prices. Da Nang, newly covered in this edition of the Michelin Guide, saw 16 new entries, making it the city with the highest number of new Bib Gourmand recognitions. Some of the notable venues include Bé Ni 2, which offers a variety of rice dishes and seafood, and Mỳ Quảng Sứa Hồng Vân, famous for its flavorful mì quảng noodles. Other notable venues include Indian Aroma Restaurant and Mỳ Quảng Cô Sáu. These recognitions have significantly boosted the visibility and popularity of these eateries, encouraging both locals and tourists to explore Da Nang’s affordable culinary delights.

  • 3-2. Michelin Selected restaurants overview

  • The 2024 Michelin Guide added a total of 99 establishments to its Michelin Selected list, with 40 newcomers distributed among Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. In Da Nang, 19 new entries made it to the Michelin Selected list, showcasing the city's diverse and vibrant culinary scene. Some of these newly recognized establishments include Mỳ Quảng Cô Sáu, known for its turmeric broth and traditional toppings; Năm Đảnh, a spacious eatery serving traditional seafood dishes; and Olivia’s Prime, a steakhouse noted for its seafood and premium imported beef. The Michelin Selected category identifies restaurants that demonstrate potential for future Michelin Stars or Bib Gourmand recognitions, encouraging them to maintain and enhance their culinary standards.

  • 3-3. Impact on local culinary tourism

  • The inclusion of Da Nang in the Michelin Guide has had a notable impact on the city's culinary tourism. The recognition of 36 establishments, including a Michelin Green Star for Nén Danang for its sustainable practices, has drawn significant attention to Da Nang's culinary scene. This honor not only celebrates the outstanding quality of food and service but also promotes sustainability and the use of local ingredients. The recognition has led to a noticeable increase in customer visitation and revenues, as reported by local restaurant owners. For instance, Be Ni Restaurant 2 saw a 20% rise in customers and revenue after receiving the Bib Gourmand award. This surge in culinary tourism is expected to continue as more food enthusiasts from around the globe visit Da Nang to experience its diverse and high-quality dining options.

4. Street Food Culture in Vietnamese Cities

  • 4-1. Street food highlights in Ho Chi Minh City

  • Number One chicken sticky rice, located at the intersection of Nguyen Trung Truc - Luu Van Lang, just one street from the East gate of Ben Thanh market, is a Michelin-recognized venue. It is known for its sticky rice with chicken intestines shredded with young eggs. Ms. Le Thi Thinh, the current owner, inherited the business from her mother, Do Thi Tinh, who began selling sticky rice in the streets of Saigon in the 1960s. Priced at around 40,000 VND for a portion of sticky rice with chicken egg yolk or chicken thighs, and 20,000 VND for corn sticky rice, the shop offers affordable yet high-quality meals, cherished dearly by locals and visitors alike.

  • 4-2. Popular street food spots in Da Nang

  • Da Nang is celebrated for its diverse and rich street food culture. Notable among them is Bánh Xèo Bà Dưỡng, hidden down an alley off Hoang Dieu Street. This eatery is famous for its crispy savory pancakes filled with pork skewers, shrimp spring rolls, and fresh herbs, served with a special peanut dipping sauce. Another highlight is My Quang Ba Mua, offering the iconic Mi Quang dish characterized by turmeric-colored rice noodles in a flavorful broth with toppings like shrimp, pork, quail eggs, and herbs. These dishes reflect the city's blend of traditional and innovative culinary practices, making Da Nang a vibrant destination for street food enthusiasts.

  • 4-3. Combining traditional and modern culinary practices

  • Vietnamese street food culture seamlessly combines traditional recipes with modern culinary techniques. In Ho Chi Minh City, venues like Anan Saigon elevate street food-inspired dishes to Michelin-starred levels, offering refined tastes and innovative presentations. Meanwhile, Da Nang’s Michelin Green Star-awarded Nén Danang emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendly practices while maintaining the essence of traditional Vietnamese flavors. This fusion is evident in dishes like grilled beef skewers with rice paper wraps, combining age-old cooking methods with contemporary gourmet standards. Such practices ensure that Vietnamese street food remains dynamic and relevant, appealing to both local and international palates.

5. Individual Recognitions and Special Awards

  • 5-1. Special individual awards

  • The Michelin Guide presented several notable individual awards during the 2024 ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City. The Young Chef Award was given to Chef Duy Nguyen from Little Bear, a newly recognized Michelin Selected restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. Chef Duy is known for skillfully blending traditional Vietnamese flavors with modern cooking techniques and ingredients, reflecting his childhood memories in his dishes. The Sommelier Award was awarded to Toan Nguyen from La Maison 1888 in Da Nang, the only restaurant in the city awarded one Michelin Star. Toan Nguyen's passion and expertise in wine pairings have significantly enhanced the culinary experience at La Maison 1888. The Service Award went to Anh Nguyen from Si Dining, a Michelin Selected restaurant in Da Nang. Anh Nguyen is celebrated for her friendly, energetic demeanor, and in-depth knowledge of the restaurant's history and menu, which enriches the dining experience for her patrons.

  • 5-2. Young chefs and their contributions

  • Young chefs in Vietnam are making significant contributions to the country's culinary landscape. Chef Duy Nguyen of Little Bear in Ho Chi Minh City, awarded the Michelin Guide Young Chef Award, exemplifies this new generation of talent. His restaurant, a new Michelin Selected venue, showcases his ability to combine traditional Vietnamese flavors with contemporary cooking techniques, presenting dishes inspired by his childhood. This recognition highlights the growing influence of young Vietnamese chefs who are pushing the boundaries of traditional cuisine.

  • 5-3. Prominent figures in the Vietnamese culinary scene

  • Prominent figures in the Vietnamese culinary scene continue to drive the country's prominence on the global stage. Notable individuals include chefs like Hiroshi Yamaguchi at Hibana by Koki in Hanoi and Pierre Gagnaire at La Maison 1888 in Da Nang, both managing Michelin-starred restaurants. Additionally, Chef Sam Aisbett of Akuna in Ho Chi Minh City, known for his innovative fusion of European and Vietnamese culinary techniques, received one Michelin Star. These chefs, with their international acclaim and dedication to culinary excellence, are pivotal in showcasing the richness and diversity of Vietnamese cuisine to the world.

6. Conclusion

  • This report underscores Vietnam's ascension on the global culinary stage, epitomized by the growing number of Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants. The continued recognition from the Michelin Guide highlights the exceptional quality and diversity of Vietnamese cuisine, drawing international food enthusiasts and boosting culinary tourism, particularly in cities like Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. However, maintaining these standards, alongside continuous innovation within traditional culinary frameworks, is crucial for sustained success. The special awards honoring individuals such as Chef Duy Nguyen and Sommelier Toan Nguyen underscore the significant talent propelling this culinary renaissance. Looking ahead, Vietnam’s commitment to sustainability, as highlighted by Nén Da Nang's Michelin Green Star, and the preservation of its rich cultural heritage will be pivotal. The future of Vietnam's culinary scene appears promising, with potential for increased global recognition and practical applications in promoting eco-friendly culinary practices and enhancing local ingredient use.

7. Glossary

  • 7-1. Michelin Guide [Culinary Rating System]

  • An internationally recognized guide assessing and awarding restaurants with stars based on criteria like product quality, cooking techniques, flavor harmony, and consistency. The Michelin Guide's inclusion of Vietnamese restaurants signifies global validation of Vietnam's culinary standards.

  • 7-2. Bib Gourmand [Culinary Award]

  • An award given by Michelin Guide to restaurants offering high-quality food at reasonable prices. Numerous venues in cities like Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City have received this accolade, attracting a diverse customer base.

  • 7-3. Michelin Green Star [Sustainability Award]

  • Awarded for excellence in sustainable practices within the culinary world. Nén Da Nang is the first restaurant in Vietnam to receive this honor, reflecting a commitment to eco-friendly and responsible dining.

  • 7-4. Nén Da Nang [Restaurant]

  • A pioneering restaurant in Da Nang, recognized with Vietnam’s first Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainable cuisine, showcasing how traditional Vietnamese culinary practices can align with modern sustainability standards.

  • 7-5. Young Chef Award [Individual Recognition]

  • An award given to outstanding young chefs who demonstrate exceptional culinary talent and innovation. In the recent Michelin ceremonies, Chef Duy Nguyen was among the celebrated recipients, highlighting emerging talent in Vietnam's culinary scene.

8. Source Documents