Hong Kong Strengthens Culinary Appeal for Middle Eastern Travellers with Launch of MICHELIN Guide 2026
Hong Kong is reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s leading culinary destinations, particularly for travellers from the Middle East, following the unveiling of the MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2026 edition.
Blending world-class fine dining with authentic local experiences, Hong Kong continues to attract discerning travellers seeking luxury, cultural diversity, and exceptional gastronomy. The city’s growing appeal among GCC and wider Middle Eastern visitors is further supported by tailored hospitality experiences and ease of exploration.
The latest edition of the guide was officially announced at a ceremony held at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau, marking the 18th edition for Hong Kong and Macau and celebrating 100 years of the MICHELIN Star globally.
278 Restaurants Recognised Across Hong Kong and Macau
The 2026 selection features a total of 278 restaurants, including 219 in Hong Kong and 59 in Macau. These span MICHELIN Star, Bib Gourmand, and Selected categories, highlighting the region’s culinary diversity and innovation.
For the first time, the MICHELIN Mentor Chef Award was introduced in Hong Kong and Macau, recognising chefs who have played a significant role in mentoring and shaping the next generation of culinary talent. Additionally, five restaurants retained their MICHELIN Green Star for sustainability efforts.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, praised the resilience and evolution of the region’s dining scene, noting the strong emotional connection diners maintain with both classic and contemporary culinary styles.
Top-Tier Excellence: Three MICHELIN Stars Retained
Seven Hong Kong restaurants retained the prestigious three MICHELIN Stars, including 8½ Otto e Mezzo – Bombana, Amber, Caprice, Forum, Sushi Shikon, Ta Vie, and T’ang Court. In Macau, Jade Dragon and Robuchon au Dôme continued to uphold the highest standards of culinary excellence.
New Entrants and Promotions Across Categories
The Two MICHELIN Stars category expanded with the addition of Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic and L’Atelier De Joël Robuchon, bringing the total to 19 restaurants across both cities.
Meanwhile, four restaurants earned their first MICHELIN Star. In Hong Kong, China Tang and Sushi Takeshi debuted in the guide, while Don Alfonso 1890 and Palace Garden in Macau were promoted from the Selected category.
China Tang, originally conceived by David Tang, has undergone a major refurbishment, offering a refined menu that blends Beijing, Sichuan, and Cantonese cuisines. Sushi Takeshi, led by Chef Kin, showcases refined Japanese techniques and ingredient pairing.
Overall, the guide now includes 70 one-star restaurants—57 in Hong Kong and 13 in Macau.
Sustainability and Innovation in Focus
Five establishments—Amber, Feuille, Mora, Roganic, and UTM Educational Restaurant—retained their MICHELIN Green Star status, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable gastronomy and innovation in the hospitality sector.
Special Awards Highlight Industry Talent
The MICHELIN Guide also presented four Special Awards recognising excellence across the hospitality industry:
- Young Chef Award: Awarded to Kim GwanJu of Sol, recognised for his innovative reinterpretation of Korean cuisine.
- Service Award: Presented to Jenny Ye from The Huaiyang Garden for her exceptional guest service.
- Sommelier Award: Given to Floriane Hureau of Caprice for her expertise and refined wine curation.
- Mentor Chef Award: Awarded to Lau Ping Lui of Tin Lung Heen, recognising nearly five decades of contribution to Cantonese cuisine and mentorship.
Growing Global Appeal
The MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2026 also complements the guide’s curated hotel selection, offering travellers access to unique and high-quality accommodations worldwide. Each listing is selected for its exceptional service, design, and guest experience.
With its dynamic culinary landscape and increasing focus on sustainability and innovation, Hong Kong continues to position itself as a premier destination for global travellers and food enthusiasts, particularly from the Middle East.
