After its debut in Taipei in 2018, and progressive expansions to Taichung in 2020, and Tainan and Kaohsiung in 2022, the MICHELIN Guide announced today that it will expand further to include three more Taiwanese gastronomic destinations – New Taipei City, Hsinchu County, and Hsinchu City – in its scope. The upcoming 2025 MICHELIN Guide Taiwan restaurant selection will be revealed in the second half of the year, and it will now cover a total of seven destinations – Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, along with newly added New Taipei City, Hsinchu County, and Hsinchu City.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide shared: "We are thrilled to explore the beauty and culinary diversity of New Taipei City, Hsinchu City, and Hsinchu County in our Taiwan 2025 Selection. Since the launch of the MICHELIN Guide in Taiwan in 2018, we have gradually expanded from Taipei to include Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. Now in its eighth year, this marks the third round of expansions in Taiwan, and we are delighted to continue our journey in Taiwan.”
“These destinations offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation, from vibrant seafood scenes to rich cultural heritage. Our inspection team is eager to uncover more gastronomic treasures of northern Taiwan, celebrating the dynamic flavors and experiences that make this region a must-visit destination. We can't wait to share these discoveries with the world," added Gwendal Poullennec.
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New Taipei City, encircling Taipei, is part of the Greater Taipei metropolitan area. Less than 60km from central Taipei, it has a vast territory with varied topography and historical background, and it is a heaven for seafood enthusiasts and adventurers, as it boasts a vibrant culinary scene with seafood specialties, mountain delicacies, and traditional small eats.
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Although they share the same name – Hsinchu – Hsinchu County and Hsinchu City are two different cities with different vibes and distinct personalities. As the heartland of the Hakka group, Hsinchu County offers a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
This area has preserved many unique Hakka ancient houses, hence offering traditional Hakka dishes and seasonal treats. Other dishes such as rice noodles and Hakka savory dumplings also showcase the rich snack culture.
On the other hand, Hsinchu City is a well-developed urban area but rich in cultural heritage and temples, and surrounded by diverse local small eateries, offering a unique ambiance with a fusion of technology and culture.
Taiwan Tourism Administration, MOTC, Director General Chou Yung-Hui stated, “The announcement of new cities has once again expanded the culinary map of the MICHELIN Guide Taiwan. This not only showcases the vitality and local culinary culture of different cities but also highlights their unique charm. Furthermore, the recognition of the diverse flavors and characteristics of the local cuisine in these three newly added cities, will inject new energy and vitality into Taiwan's food and tourism industries.”
“We sincerely invite global travelers to explore Taiwan in depth, enjoying the marvelous transition from the azure ocean to majestic mountains within a single day, while savoring the delicious blend of creativity and tradition. Let every journey be filled with surprises and endless possibilities. In 2025, come and experience the MICHELIN Guide recommendations of Taiwan's seven major cities!” Director General Chou Yung-Hui added.
(Left image: New Taipei City is a heaven for seafood enthusiasts.)
With the inclusion of three additional cities, the highly anticipated 2025 MICHELIN Guide Taiwan restaurant selection will continue to celebrate the diversity and richness of cuisines in Taiwan. It will also encourage and inspire not only restaurants but every keen gourmet in this gastronomic destination.
The MICHELIN Guide Methodology
The MICHELIN Guide was created in 1900 by the Michelin tire company to support the growth of automobile mobility. Since then, it has remained loyal to its original mission: to settle in mature gastronomic destinations, to guide international travelers and local foodies to the best restaurants, to highlight world culinary scenes and to promote travel culture.The selection will be made according to the MICHELIN Guide’s historic methodology which only focuses on the quality of the cuisine proposed by the restaurants, which the anonymous MICHELIN Guide Inspectors evaluate by following five universal criteria:
• The quality of the ingredients
• The mastery of cooking techniques
• The harmony of flavors
• The personality of the cuisine
• The consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole
The MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Selection
The MICHELIN Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through an extensive system of distinctions, which are awarded to special restaurants within its full selection. The most famous distinctions are its globally renowned MICHELIN Stars awarded to the restaurant offering the best culinary experiences. One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” two MICHELIN Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three MICHELIN Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”Alongside the coveted Star ratings, the selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide good quality food at a moderate price.
RELATED: What Is The MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Award?
The MICHELIN Guide is committed to maintaining the highest global standards in its restaurant selection process. Our team of anonymous, experienced, and expert inspectors conduct continuous and rigorous evaluations of restaurants. These evaluations are carried out objectively and independently, ensuring that external factors do not influence the results. This dedication to impartiality and excellence guarantees that only the outstanding dining establishments are recognized.
The full restaurant selection of the 2025 MICHELIN Guide Taiwan will be unveiled at a special event to be held in the second half of 2025. It will be available exclusively in digital format on all the Guide's interfaces: website, mobile applications, and social networks. It will join the global MICHELIN Guide restaurant and hotel selections to be found for free on its digital platforms.
Further Reading: The Full List of the MICHELIN Guide Taiwan 2024
