Vietnam travel is renowned not only for its stunning natural landscapes and rich culture but also for its unique cuisine that captivates the senses. In 2024, Vietnam is proud to have not only one Michelin star restaurant in Vietnam but also 7, a prestigious accolade that certifies the quality and sophistication of its culinary offerings.
From traditional dishes to contemporary creations, each restaurant offers a remarkable dining experience, showcasing a perfect blend of culinary artistry and the essence of Vietnamese culture. Join us as we explore these top dining destinations and discover why they deserve their Michelin stars this year!
7 Michelin star restaurant in Vietnam 2024
At the Michelin Guide awards ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City on June 27, 2024, Michelin bestowed stars to restaurants in Vietnam for the second time. Seven restaurants in Vietnam received a Michelin star, with four of them retaining their stars from last year: Gia, Hibana By Koki, Tam Vi, and Anan Saigon. Three new entries were honored: Akuna (Ho Chi Minh City), La Maison 1888 (Da Nang), and Le Pavillon Royal (Ho Chi Minh City). Each year, restaurants are reassessed.
These stars distinguish establishments across all cooking styles that offer the highest quality of cuisine. The criteria considered include ingredient selection, creativity, cooking techniques and flavors, value for money, and consistency. Three stars are awarded for “exceptional cuisine.” Two stars signify “excellent cuisine, worth a detour.” One star denotes “a very good restaurant in its category.”
La Maison 1888
Located within a 5-star resort in Da Nang, La Maison 1888 is one of three new restaurants awarded a Michelin star. It is also the first restaurant in Vietnam to collaborate with a Michelin-starred chef – Pierre Gagnaire.
The menu at La Maison 1888 combines French cuisine with local ingredients. Another highlight of the restaurant is its wine cellar, which houses a collection of fine wines.
Before receiving a Michelin star, La Maison 1888 had previously been ranked among the top 10 restaurants in the world by CNN in 2016 and the top 10 most beautiful restaurants globally by Architectural Digest. The image shows a corner of the restaurant with a view of the sea. With this design, this is definitely a suitable place for a Vietnam luxury holidays.
La Maison 1888
The Royal Pavilion
The Royal Pavilion, also known as Long Trieu, is a new entry that earned a Michelin star in Ho Chi Minh City and is the only restaurant from last year’s Michelin Selected list to be promoted to one star.
The restaurant’s menu revolves around the essence of traditional Cantonese cuisine, impressing with its unique flavors and artistic presentation. The restaurant offers a diverse range of à la carte dishes or set menus that respect Cantonese culinary heritage, along with a dim sum menu served at lunchtime.
Akuna
Akuna, located in Ho Chi Minh City and newly awarded a Michelin star this year, is described as “serving creative European dishes with influences from Vietnamese cuisine, paired with top-quality wines.” The team at Akuna includes talents from Australia, South Korea, Vietnam, Germany, and France, led by executive chef Sam Aisbett.
The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the vibrant street life of Ho Chi Minh City, the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam, and local ingredients.
Gia
This Hanoi restaurant pursues high-end Vietnamese cuisine. Chef Sam Tran aims to evoke new emotions about familiar ingredients through each dish, while telling stories about Vietnamese culture, tradition, and a culinary legacy that bridges the past, present, and future.
Gia offers a Tasting Menu, taking diners through a journey of flavors with 10 preset dishes, complemented by beverages prepared to match each dish. The restaurant changes its menu seasonally, every three months, and past dishes rarely appear in the new season.
Vietnamese identity through fine cuisine at Gia Restaurant
Hibana by Koki
Located in a 5-star hotel in central Hanoi, Hibana by Koki features the Japanese Teppanyaki art form, using cast iron, steel, or iron to prepare dishes, often grilling, sautéing, or frying.
Hibana by Koki is essentially a “private kitchen” with 14 seats. The restaurant’s head chef is Yamaguchi Hiroshi, with advisor Yoshida Junichi – a Michelin-starred chef specializing in Teppanyaki.
Tam Vi
The restaurant features a two-story wooden house, quiet with about 20 tables, accommodating around 100 guests at a time. The walls, ceiling, floor, stairs, old furniture, and bamboo chopsticks recreate an old house. The decor is subtle, harmonizing with a nostalgic style.
Currently, Tam Vi’s menu includes over 100 dishes, with favorites such as braised fish, fried eggs, fried tofu, boiled water spinach, shrimp soup with gourd, braised pork with eggs, pickled vegetables, and cabbage rolls with meat. The menu changes seasonally but maintains the flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Home-style restaurant offers authentic taste of Ha Noi
Anan Saigon
The only Michelin-starred restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City last year, led by chef and owner Peter Cuong Franklin. The restaurant’s menu evolves from traditional Vietnamese dishes from all regions, refreshed in preparation and presentation.
Peter explains that these creative dishes are often termed “fusion cuisine,” but he prefers to call it a new Vietnamese cooking style or modern cuisine. According to him, the dishes do not lose their essence as they retain original flavors and use local ingredients. The chef creates a Vietnamese culinary style that integrates with the world, transforming everyday dishes into high-end, innovative creations that provide a delightful experience for diners.
To create a new dish, Peter often visits the source to taste the original dish and understand the local culture, ensuring the dish remains true to its traditional roots.
Nen Danang – Green Michelin Star
Although not among the 7 Michelin-starred restaurants, Nen Danang is the first in Vietnam to receive a Green Michelin Star, recognizing the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability in the culinary field. Established in 2017, Nen Danang has been a pioneer in sustainable cuisine, continually promoting and using local ingredients, most of which are grown in the region.
The restaurant frequently shares information about its farm through media and encourages diners to support a greener, more sustainable future. Not only does it convey a positive message about sustainable cuisine to diners, but Nen Danang also collaborates with local schools to educate young people and spread the concept of “green.” This might be a place you might consider on your Vietnam eco tours.
The dishes at Nen Danang are made from local ingredients
Michelin star restaurant Vietnam are not just dining destinations; they are vibrant works of art, reflecting the creativity and passion of talented chefs. From the delicate balance of tradition and modernity to a commitment to sustainability, each restaurant offers a unique and memorable culinary experience.
If you are a food enthusiast or simply looking to experience new flavors, don’t miss the chance to enjoy exquisite dishes at these esteemed Michelin star restaurant Vietnam. We are also ready to help you create a journey exploring Vietnam tailored specifically for food lovers. Contact us for detailed advice.
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