The highly anticipated Michelin Guide Ceremony unfolded on December 13th in Bangkok, revealing the seventh edition of the Michelin Guide Thailand, honoring outstanding restaurants and chefs. The full list of Michelin-recommended venues features a total of 448 restaurants, categorized as follows:

• 7 Two Stars
• 28 One Star
• 4 Green Star
• 196 Bib Gourmand
• 216 Michelin Selected

This year’s release expanded its coverage to include Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island after Phuket. However, all the Two-Star restaurants are located in Bangkok and include newcomers Baan Tepa and Gaa, along with already recognized establishments: Chef’s Table, Suhrung, Sorn, Mezzaluna, and R-Haan. Impressively, there were no downgrades in their ranks.

Phuket’s dining scene maintained its status quo – no losses or gains in coveted Michelin Stars. PRU continues to shine with its One Michelin Star, a testament to Chef Jimmy Ophorst’s culinary excellence. Additionally, PRU’s sister restaurant, Jampa, proudly holds a Green Star for sustainable gastronomy, overseen by Chef Rick Dingen.

For those not aware of the rating system, a Michelin Star is a gold stamp of approval for restaurants that serve outstanding food. Inspectors consider five criteria: the quality of ingredients, flavor harmony, mastery of techniques, the chef’s personality, and consistency across the menu and over time.

         * One Star: Mastery dishes with distinct flavors, consistently prepared using top-quality ingredients.

         ** Two Stars: Refined and inspired food reflecting the personality and talent of the chef.

         *** Three Stars: Superlative cooking, turning culinary skills into an art form.

For frugal foodies, the 2024 Bib Gourmand list features 196 food establishments, including 27 in Phuket. Notable additions on the island include Ton Mayom, Krua Praya Phuket (promoted), and Mu Krop (Chi Hong) (promoted).

The Bib Gourmand distinction recognizes restaurants and street food eateries offering high-quality food at budget-friendly prices (not exceeding B1,000 for three courses, excluding beverages).

Bib Gourmand in Phuket:

• Ton Mayom – new
• Krua Praya Phuket – promoted
• Mu Krop (Chi Hong) – promoted
• Hong Khao Tom Pla
• A Mong Mae Sunee
• Salaloy
• Ta Tuay
• Naam Yoi
• Pathongko Mae Pranee
• Krua Praya Phuket
• Krua Kao Kuk
• Tu Kab Khao
• Roti Chaofa
• The Charm
• One Chun Dining Gallery
• Chom Chan
• Toh-Daeng by Baan Ar-Jor
• Mook Manee
• Mor Mu Dong
• Roti Taew Nam
• Kha Mu Boran (Kathu)
• Chuan Chim
• Surf & Turf by Soul Kitchen
• Khao Tom Thanon Dibuk
• Go Benz
• Gorjan

If considered together with the Michelin Selected section, the Michelin Guide Thailand 2024 showcases a diverse array of Thai cuisines (from Thai Muslim to Contemporary Thai) as well as all styles of international food in the Michelin Selected sections. It stands as a testament to Phuket’s vibrant food landscape.

Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of Michelin Guides, applauds Thailand as a country where a wide array of exceptional dining experiences are accessible at attractive price points. 

“Our inspectors have experienced the true diversity that Thailand has to offer, from modern restaurants pushing culinary boundaries to simple street food stalls, continuously reinforcing Thailand’s rich gastronomic culture and heritage. The 2024 edition of The MICHELIN Guide Thailand highlights not only these exceptional culinary experiences but also the latest trends in the country’s culinary world,” said Mr. Poullennec.

Michelin’s inspectors noted emerging trends in Thailand’s culinary scene in 2023, including the growing popularity of modern Thai cooking, healthy cuisines, and sustainable production, as well as increasing female prominence.

Of note, the 2024 Michelin Young Chef Award was presented to Ms. Chudaree ‘Tam’ Debhakam from Baan Tepa, while the Michelin Service Award went to Ms. Louise Bourgeois from Chef’s Table. Both ladies impressed seasoned inspectors with their creativity and skill. To delve deeper into the Michelin Guide, visit guide.Michelin.com/th/en, or stay updated on facebook.com/MichelinGuideThailand.