Michelin Guide’s first edition in Thailand for 2018 came and went with much controversy. I, for one, am a firm believer in the  rigorous grading system of the Michelin Guide, so I am completely convinced that the introduction of Michelin has definitely achieved a net positive effect on the dining scene here.

I have seen excellent-but-previously-unheralded restaurants flourish after Michelin’s recognition, and unwelcome price hikes in some others in response to increased popularity. It has also given the tireless Jay Fai international fame that she totally deserves but didn’t ask for.

So, with the 2019 Michelin Guide, which will include Phuket and Phang Nga on top of Bangkok (I’m all for more recognition, but what about Udon Thani, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui etc.?), many questions will be answered.

Will there be a 3* restaurant in Thailand? Which country’s cuisine will it represent?

Will more Thai food be adorned with stars in Thailand?

Will surprising drop-outs last year be recognized?

Will any restaurant return their stars?

Which new restaurants will achieve immediate gratification?

michelinguidethailand2019groupphoto

Here’s the newly minted list of Michelin-starred Restaurants in Bangkok and Phuket:

2-STARS (BANGKOK & SURROUNDING PROVINCES):

  1. Gaggan
  2. Le Normandie
  3. Mezzaluna
  4. Suhring
    [NEW, Previous 1-star]

1-STAR (BANGKOK & SURROUNDING PROVINCES):

  1. Bo.Lan
  2. Elements
  3. J’aime by Jean-Michel Lorain
  4. Raan Jay Fai
  5. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon Bangkok
  6. Ginza Sushi Ichi
  7. Chim by Siam Wisdom
  8. Nahm
  9. Paste
  10. Saneh Jaan
  11. Savelberg
  12. Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin
  13. Upstairs at Mikkeller
  14. Canvas [NEW]
  15. Gaa [NEW]
  16. Le Du [NEW]
  17. Methavalai Sorndaeng [NEW]
  18. R.Haan [NEW]
  19. Ruen Panya [NEW]
  20. Saawaan  [NEW]
  21. Sorn [NEW]
  22. Suan Thip Baan Chao Phraya [NEW]

1-STAR  (PHUKET & PHANG-NGA):

  1. Pru

BIB GOURMAND (BANGKOK & SURROUNDING PROVINCES):

  1. Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai
  2. ArunwanBaan
  3. Baan Phadthai
  4. Baan Somtum (Sathon)
  5. Baan Yai Phad Thai
  6. Baannai
  7. Chakki
  8. Charoen Saeng Silom
  9. Elvis Suki (Soi Yotse)
  10. ERR
  11. Go-Ang Kaomunkai Pratunam (Pratunam)
  12. Guay Jub Mr. Joe
  13. Guay Jub Ouan Pochana
  14. Guay Tiew Kua Gai Suanmali (Khlang Hospital Intersection)
  15. Guay Tiew Mu Rung Rueang
  16. Hia Wan Khao Tom Pla
  17. Jay Oh
  18. Jok Prince
  19. Khua Kling Pak Sod (Prasanmit)
  20. Krua Apsorn (Sam Sen)
  21. Lay Lao
  22. Lim Lao Ngow (China Town)
  23. Nai Mong Hoi Thod
  24. Polo Fried Chicken (Soi Polo)
  25. Sanguan Sri
  26. Sanyod (Sathon-Bang Rak)
  27. Soul Food Mahanakorn
  28. The Local
  29. Tung Sui Heng Pochana (Rama 4)
  30. Baan Benjarong Pai [NEW]
  31. Beer Hima (Prachachuen)  [NEW]
  32. Bokkia Tha Din Daeng  [NEW]
  33. Chai Phochana  [NEW]
  34. Choy (Phuttha Monthon Sai 2)  [NEW]
  35. Eat Pad Thai  [NEW]
  36. Jao Nai Fish Ball  [NEW]
  37. Jidori Cuisine Ken  [NEW]
  38. K. Panich  [NEW]
  39. Khao  [NEW]
  40. Khao Phad Pu Chang Phueak (Woeng Nakhon Kasem)  [NEW]
  41. Lai Rot (Rama 6)  [NEW]
  42. Mae Khlong Hua Pla Mo Fai  [NEW]
  43. Maverick (Soi Yotse)  [NEW]
  44. 100 Mahaseth  [NEW]
  45. Ongtong  [NEW]
  46. Poon Lert Room (Phlapphla Chai intersection)  [NEW]
  47. Phan Fa  [NEW]
  48. Rat Na Yot Phak 40 years  [NEW]
  49. Ruen Ton  [NEW]
  50. S.B.L.  [NEW]
  51. Sa-at Sawoei (Kanchanapisek Road)  [NEW]
  52. Sae Phun  [NEW]
  53. Sawang Bami Kam Pu (Si Phraya)  [NEW]
  54. Somsak Pu Ob (Charoen Rat)  [NEW]
  55. Ten Suns  [NEW]
  56. Thai Niyom [NEW]
  57. Watsana Khao Man Gai  [NEW]

BIB GOURMAND (PHUKET & PHANG-NGA):

  1. Bang Pae Seafood [NEW]
  2. Chomchan  [NEW]
  3. Chuan Chim  [NEW]
  4. Go Benz  [NEW]
  5. Hong Khao Tom Pla  [NEW]
  6. Khrua Luang Then  [NEW]
  7. Khrua Nong  [NEW]
  8. Mor Mu Dong  [NEW]
  9. One Chun  [NEW]
  10. Raya  [NEW]
  11. Roti Taew Nam  [NEW]
  12. Surf & Turf by Soul Kitchen  [NEW]
  13. Ta Tuay  [NEW]
  14. The Charm  [NEW]

A big congratulations to all the recognized restaurants, I am sure every single one of you deserves it.

Worthy recommendations in the list, according to us (which we have tried personally), will be Gaa, Savelberg, Saawaan, Suhring and R.Haan.