The highly anticipated 2024 edition of the MICHELIN Guide Thailand has been unveiled, showcasing exceptional masterpieces from one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant culinary havens. Thailand’s culinary standouts, from street markets offering local favorites to fine dining establishments serving vast international selections.
This year marks the first time the prestigious award was given to restaurants in Surat Thani and Koh Samui, exemplifying the diverse culinary landscape of the country, particularly in Southern Thailand. Other areas covered by the 2024 edition are Bangkok, Phuket, Phang-Nga, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, and Khon Kaen.
What is MICHELIN Star?
MICHELIN Stars are awarded to restaurants that offer outstanding cooking, using criteria such as quality of the ingredients, harmony of flavors, mastery of techniques, consistency, and the chef’s personality as expressed through food.
Apart from seeking out new restaurants to add to the list, existing Star restaurants are also continually reassessed and inspected to ensure that the quality and standard of cooking remain consistent. MICHELIN Stars are awarded solely based on the food, regardless of a restaurant’s formality, style, location, or other external factors.
One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants using top-quality ingredients, with distinctly flavored dishes prepared to high standards. Two MICHELIN Stars are awarded when the food is refined and the chef’s personality is evident in their dishes. The highest accolade, the Three MICHELIN Stars, is awarded for superior cooking, elevated to an art form, with dishes bound to become classics.
Other awards MICHELIN gives out are the MICHELIN Green Star, Bib Gourmand, and MICHELIN Selected.
MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024: An Overview
MICHELIN Inspectors travel far and wide to experience Thailand’s culinary diversity and to uncover the best ones in the field. From humble food stalls to upscale modern restaurants, the 2024 edition of the MICHELIN Guide Thailand highlights the best gastronomic experiences and the latest culinary trends nationwide.
This year, a total of 447 food establishments around Thailand were selected:
- 7 two MICHELIN Stars — 2 of which were promoted from one MICHELIN Star;
- 28 one MICHELIN Stars — 3 new entries and three promoted from MICHELIN Selected;
- 4 MICHELIN Green Star — 1 new entry;
- 196 Bib Gourmand — 28 entries and 4 moved from MICHELIN Selected; and
- 216 MICHELIN Selected — 37 new entries.
Contemporary restaurants led by young and innovative Thai chefs are at the forefront of this year’s Guide, with a growing number of female chefs and entrepreneurs playing significant roles in shaping the country’s food and beverage industry.
Consumers are also becoming more health-conscious, and the demand for plant-based and organic food has steadily increased. With this growing market, more restaurants have become more focused on sustainable practices and using locally produced and home-grown ingredients. Another trend gaining popularity in Thailand is the reservation-only counter dining options, offering modern and creative tasting menus.
Notable Awardees in Thailand
This year’s notable awardees are Baan Tepa, led by Chef Chudaree’ Tam’ Debhakam, which has been promoted to Two MICHELIN Stars ratings, and Gaa, led by Chef Garima Arora, which holds the distinction of being the second Indian restaurant in the world to currently have Two MICHELIN Stars.
This year also saw the inaugural appearances of INDDEE, NAWA, and Samrub Samrub Thai on the list, each receiving One MICHELIN Star. At the same time, Mia, Resonance, and Wana Yook have been promoted from MICHELIN Selected to One MICHELIN Star.
Creative French restaurant J’AIME by Jean-Michel Lorain has also joined the ranks of PRU, Haoma, and Jampa in receiving MICHELIN Green Stars for their commitment to sustainability.
Aside from the principal awards, four Special Awards have also been bestowed to talented professionals in MICHELIN-recommended restaurants who continually strive for excellence in elevating Thailand’s hospitality and culinary industry.
- 2024 MICHELIN Young Chef Awardee: Ms Chudaree ‘Tam’ Debhakam from Baan Tepa
- 2024 MICHELIN Opening of the Year Awardee: Mr. Witchupol Charoensupaya from NAWA
- The MICHELIN Service Awardee: Ms. Louise Bourgeois from Chef’s Table
- The MICHELIN Sommelier Awardee: Mr. Thanakorn ‘Jay’ Bottorff from INDDEE
The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024 is more than just a list of the country’s best restaurants; it serves as an invitation to experience the dynamic food culture that makes Thailand a beloved hub for unique gastronomic delights. Whether trying out local street food choices or indulging in fine dining specialties, the 2024 Guide takes its readers through the myriad flavors that define the country’s remarkable culinary landscape.
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Featured Image by Nawa Thai Cuisine via Instagram
