The Vietnamese restaurants removed from Michelin list
Five popular Vietnamese restaurants – Don Duck Old Quarter, Pho Hoa Pasteur, Dim Tu Tac, Xoi Bat, and Mon Viet – have been removed from the Michelin Guide 2025, even as they continue to attract large numbers of diners.
During the Michelin Guide announcement ceremony held in Da Nang on June 5, the names of these restaurants were absent from the Bib Gourmand category, which recognizes establishments offering « good food at moderate prices. »
Do Van Kiem, chef and owner of Don Duck Old Quarter in Hanoi, said he did not receive an invitation to the ceremony but still traveled to Da Nang, believing the organizers may have overlooked him.
« I didn’t think my restaurant would be eliminated, » he said.
Don Duck had been featured on the Bib Gourmand list for two consecutive years. During that time, Kiem said his customer base grew by over 30%, with long queues forming each summer evening for the restaurant’s signature duck dishes.
The 43-year-old chef said he has never neglected food preparation or the quality of raw materials.
« The quality only goes up, not down, » he insisted, adding that staff are now better trained and that diners are always asked to provide feedback to address any shortcomings immediately.
Kiem also pointed out that reviews on platforms like Google and Tripadvisor remain overwhelmingly positive.
He plans to return to Hanoi on June 10 to reevaluate the restaurant’s entire operations in hopes of regaining a Michelin spot next year.
« Ninety percent of our customers are foreigners, » he said, expressing concern that the number of customers could drop after the restaurant was removed from the Michelin list.
In Ho Chi Minh City, Xoi Bat was dropped from the Bib Gourmand list after two years.
Chef Huynh Phuc Thinh said he was not surprised, noting that the restaurant temporarily closed in late 2024 due to space constraints. A month after the closure, Michelin contacted him via email to ask about a new address.
Michelin has not provided specific reasons for removing the restaurants.
Chef Nic Vanderbeeken, who has worked at both one- and two-star Michelin restaurants, said possible factors may include a decline in culinary quality, changes in kitchen staff, closures, inconsistent service, or hygiene issues.
According to Michelin, Bib Gourmand restaurants are selected for offering quality meals at reasonable prices. Inspectors evaluate venues based on five criteria: the chef’s personality reflected in the cuisine, flavor harmony, mastery of cooking techniques, ingredient quality, and consistency over time and across the menu.
However, the Michelin Guide has faced criticism over transparency and objectivity.
Former Michelin inspector Pascal Remy once revealed that inspectors are often overwhelmed by the volume of restaurants requiring evaluation.
In addition to the Bib Gourmand removals, three Vietnamese restaurants previously listed in the Michelin Selected category – Tre Dining, Hervé Dining Room, and MaSa French Eatery by Hervé – were also excluded this year.
By Hoai Anh – VnExpress.net – June 7, 2025