Bangkok get it first michelin guide food ratings

Bangkok’s first Michelin guide was published today and is now finding its way into the hot little hands of foodies around the city.

At the press conference this afternoon, Michelin Guide’s International Director Michael Ellis opened the event by calling Bangkok’s food scene “varied, diverse, and intense.” He went on to praise the “spices and seasonings that created one of the world’s greatest cuisines” and named the national cookery style one of the few in the world that treats all parts of the palate: salty, sweet, bitter, sour, and umami.

Ellis said, “The release of the guide places Thai food on the same playing field as all great cuisines of the world.”

The event, ahead of tonight’s gala to honor the awardees, revealed the 98 food spots in the guide including: three restaurants with two stars; 13 restaurants with one star; and 35 food outlets labeled Bib Gourmands, the Michelin term for spots featuring dishes under THB1,000 or, as Ellis diplomatically called them, “great food at attractive prices.”

The rest were given Michelin Plate awards, a designation launched this year that simply notes “restaurants whre the inspectors have discovered quality food.” This catchall term covers restaurants with dishes over THB1,000 that are not quite ready to acquire a star. Think of them as “ones to watch.”

There were no three star awards given in Bangkok — but there rarely are. The three-star Michelin award is said to set a chef’s career for life.