The term Michelin Star is a popular indicator of a restaurant’s high standards and food. A Michelin star distinguishes a restaurant and elevates it’s status. Often while talking about a renowned restaurant or chef, the accredition is proudly mentioned and highlighted.
But, what really is a Michelin star?
And, why does it have so much credibility?
A Michelin Star is an accolade awarded to a restaurant judged on the cuisine served, the quality of the ingredients used, the reflection of mastery of techniques and most importantly, the flavours and taste of the food.
Started by the world famous tire company in 1926, the Michelin stars are a hallmark for high quality and distinguished dining experience. The company publishes an annual Michelin Guide and is a coveted spot for earning.
There are 3 levels of Michelin Star ratings –
One Star : The basic one yet difficult and hard to attain, the one star according to the Michelin guide denotes, ‘High quality cooking, worth a stop!’
Two Stars: The Michelin guide defines the two stars as “Worth the detour.” A restaurant that excels in it’s cuisine and food consistently manages to earn this status.
Three Stars: The highest level of accolade, the three stars on the Michelin guide means a restaurant “worth a special journey”. The restaurant receives this is of the highest order in taste, quality and execution.
Since 1904 the Michelin guide has been published annually, and earned global acclamation and inclusion from the 2000’s. Earning a star and place in the guide and ensuring it stays there is not easy and requires diligent effort and consistency.
The Michelin food Inspector are anonymous food experts who go through a comprehensive Michelin guide training in France and hence by visit restaurants several times and judge it on basis of the food served. The ambience, decor and interiors are not taken into consideration while evaluating.
The inspectors visit anonymously to receive regular treatment and have an experience like any other diner. They have a well designed testing and judging system that has earned the Michelin guide the credibility that it holds.
The Michelin guide inspectors may visit alone or in pairs or groups and after discussions arrive at a conclusion to whether award a restaurant a Michelin star or not.
For a diner like you and me, this means that a restaurant that holds a Michelin star is one with great quality and delectable food. Almost all of these restaurants are high end, fine dining restaurants that come with a hefty price tag to match the exemplary experience.
There are several Michelin star restaurants that can be found around the world, here are the countries with the most number of Michelin stars:
- France – 632
- Japan – 413
- Italy – 363
- Germany – 305
- Spain – 212
- USA – 193
- China – 168
- UK – 166
- Belgium – 127
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