Michelin Stars Set to Shine on Da Nang: Vietnam's Culinary Scene Expands

Da Nang, a popular coastal city in central Vietnam, joins the ranks of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as a destination under the discerning eye of the Michelin Guide.

Known for its beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An, Da Nang is now poised to gain further prominence as a culinary haven.

The Michelin Guide: A Culinary Benchmark

The Michelin Guide, founded in France over a century ago, is one of the most prestigious and influential restaurant guides in the world. Restaurants yearn for its coveted stars, as they symbolize the pinnacle of culinary excellence.

Michelin awards up to three stars: a single star signifies a very good restaurant in its category; two stars denote excellent cooking that merits a detour; and three stars indicate exceptional cuisine, the kind that justifies a special journey all on its own.

Michelin's expansion into Da Nang underscores Vietnam's growing culinary reputation.

The rigorous selection process for stars will remain consistent, with anonymous inspectors focusing solely on the quality of a restaurant's food based on five universal criteria: quality of ingredients, mastery of techniques, harmony of flavors, the personality of the chef expressed in the cuisine, and consistency over time and across the menu.

Da Nang's Delights: From Street Food to Fine Dining

Da Nang's vibrant food scene reflects Vietnam's rich culinary heritage and has impressed Michelin inspectors with its variety.

The city is renowned for its Central Vietnamese specialties like the iconic Mi Quang (turmeric noodle soup), savory Bun Cha Ca (fish cake noodle soup), and the crispy Banh Xeo (savory pancakes). Seafood lovers will find restaurants brimming with fresh, locally-sourced catches.

Visitors can also immerse themselves in the bustling street food scene, where vendors offer everything from steaming bowls of pho to flavorful grilled skewers. Michelin inspectors have even been spotted indulging in hidden culinary gems like congee with braised duck, served from unassuming street-side stalls.

Beyond traditional specialties, Da Nang boasts a thriving fine dining landscape. Talented local chefs make the most of fresh regional produce, while international chefs bring in diverse culinary influences, resulting in a dynamic restaurant scene appealing to a wide range of palates.

Tourism and Culinary Recognition

"The Michelin Guide's presence in Da Nang will be further expected to illuminate the city on the world tourism map, contributing to attracting international visitors to Da Nang," said Dang Minh Truong, Chairman of Sun Group, a major Vietnamese corporation and partner in bringing the guide to Da Nang.

The Michelin stars for all three Vietnamese cities will be unveiled in a single ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City this June. The event is eagerly awaited by gastronomes and travelers worldwide, further solidifying Vietnam's status as a must-visit destination for unique and exceptional dining experiences.