When one thinks of Michelin-starred restaurants, images of intricately plated food, well-manicured dining rooms, and starched white table cloth are what often come to mind. However, that stereotype may soon be coming to an end.
For the first time in the revered dining guide's 100+ year history, an entire section dedicated to street food will be published as part of the book's eighth iteration in Hong Kong and Macau.
"The MICHELIN Guide has always been a true reflection of the restaurant scene in the cities and countries that we cover." Says Michael Ellis, the Guide's international director. "In Hong Kong, street food is part of the local way of life: the city never sleeps, the streets are constantly bustling, and Hong Kong residents love to eat out, without necessarily sitting down and spending a lot of money."
The street food section covers 23 locations in Hong Kong and 12 in Macau. The selection includes dishes like Shanghainese pork buns, burgers, fried pork fat noodles, satay, waffles, wontons, spring rolls, fried chicken, and a whole lot more says the official press release.
Michelin points out the fact that none of the street food establishments have been given star rating.
For the traditional rating system, 77 restaurants across the two cities earned the distinction of at least one Michelin star.
8 establishments, 6 from Hong Kong and 2 from Macau, earned the coveted three star ranking - the guide's highest honor.
Some notable three-star names from Hong Kong include: Bo Innovation, L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Lung King Heen, 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo - Bombana, Sushi Shikon, and newcomer Tang Court.
In Macau another Robuchon branded restaurant, Robuchon au Dôme made the cut together with The Grand Lisoba hotel's The Eight.
