By Carlito Pablo
The Philippines has arrived on the global culinary stage, joining Canada on a list of top dining destinations in the world this year.
The Michelin Guide, which is regarded as the gold standard for dining, has included the two countries in its report titled “The Best Places to Travel in 2026 for Food Lovers: 16 Must-Visit Destinations”.
Canada first landed on the Michelin map in 2022 when it gave 74 restaurants in Toronto its stamp of approval.
With the inclusion of the Philippines, “Filipino food claims its global moment”, the guide stated.
Citing Manila and Cebu as hot spots for dining, the Michelin report noted that a “host of local young chefs with independent styles are now leading an emerging wave of food culture steeped in balancing traditional and international techniques”.
“Still at the heart of Manila’s local cuisine are savory staples such as sisig, sinigang, inasal and adobo. These dishes showcase a balance of sweet, salty and acidic flavors through the skilled use of regional fruits, spices and cooking techniques like marinating and grilling.”
“In terms of vibe,” the report continued, “Manila is a sprawling metropolis with a mix of traditional neighborhoods and skyscrapers, and this contrasting setting mirrors the various influences in its food scene.”
“The city buzzes with modern dining rooms that mix American, Chinese, and Spanish influences, while Filipino food is a blend of the country’s diverse traditions.”
As for Cebu, this coastal city and second-largest metropolitan area in the Philippines is a “well-developed, iconic destination known for its beaches and swanky resorts”.
“Here, the developing food scene is very much focused on seafood. January to March offers the best weather, best produce and best atmosphere,” the Michelin guide said about Cebu.
For places to stay in Manila, it cited the Grand Hyatt Manila “for a rooftop pool” or the Shangri-La the Fort “for top service”.
“In Cebu, the One-Key Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort or Crimson Resort & Spa Mactan are great beachside options.”
The 2026 Michelin selection features 108 establishments across Manila and its environs and Cebu.
One of these is the Pares Batchoy Food House in Cebu.
“Unpretentious and enduringly popular, this restaurant champions Filipino comfort food. Standouts include the stewed beef noodle soup, pares batchoy, and seared stuffed bangus, a delicately balanced milkfish specialty,” a Michelin writeup stated about the Cebu establishment.
As for Canadian dining destinations, Quebec and Vancouver made the top 16 list of Michelin for 2026.
The guide described Quebec cuisine as a “food culture built on seasonality, restraint and French influences”.
“Montréal’s inventive bistros coexist with rural tables celebrating maple, game and cold-water seafood. September is ideal, when harvest flavors peak and landscapes glow. In 2026, Québec feels fully international — distinct, grounded and quietly expressive.”
Where to stay in Quebec? “High-end Hôtel Place d’Armes (One MICHELIN Key) is a favorite place to stay in Québec, as is the laid-back Petit Hotel…”
As a host city for the 2026 World Cup, the Michelin guide stated that Vancouver is stepping “onto a global stage it’s long deserved”.
“The city’s culinary strength lies in its Pacific geography and cultural mix: pristine seafood, Asian influences and a growing spotlight on Indigenous cooking. New waterfront developments and hotel openings add momentum. Visit in summer 2026, when outdoor dining thrives and the city’s natural beauty becomes part of the table.”
As for places to stay, the guide stated that it has a handful of top hotels, including the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, and Wedgewood.
“In 2026, the world’s most exciting trips begin at the table,” Michelin Guide travel editor Rooksana Hossenally wrote in her report.
Hossenally noted that food has “become one of the clearest indicators of where the world is going next”.
“In 2026, that pull is felt everywhere, from obvious Italian heavyweights like Venice and the Amalfi Coast — where a smattering of luxury hotels are due to launch and an upscale new train from Paris will serve to sharpen already-famous tables — to places that are only just stepping into the light.”
The 13 other top dining destinations in the 2026 list are Venice, Italy; Czechia; The Dolomites, Italy; Wrocław, Poland; Amalfi Coast, Italy; Saudi Arabia; Cappadocia, Türkiye; Jiangsu Province, China; Route 66, USA; The American South; Florida, USA; Boston, USA; and Philadelphia, USA.
ReyFort Media 
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