Michelin stars: How a tyre company’s rating became culinary gold standard

What does a popular tyre company have to do with the best restaurants in the world? Of course, they run an elite rating system in which the eateries are starred according to the dining experience they deliver. Are you shocked yet?

The prestigious Michelin star rating system is a culinary rating system originated from the Michelin Guide, which was created by the French tyre company Michelin! Read on to know how it became the benchmark for the best culinary experiences provided by restaurateurs across the world.

How it came to be
In the early 20th century, Michelin published the Michelin Guide as a means to promote automobile tourism and boost demand for cars and, consequently, tyres. The guide provided useful information for motorists, including maps, tyre repair instructions, and lists of hotels and restaurants.

Over time, the Michelin Guide evolved to focus more on dining recommendations, eventually introducing the Michelin star rating system to denote exceptional restaurants. Despite its origins as a marketing tool for a tyre company, the Michelin Guide has become one of the most respected authorities in the culinary world, with its star ratings highly coveted by chefs and restaurants worldwide.

What does the stars mean?
Restaurants are awarded Michelin stars based on the quality of their food, the skill of their chefs, the creativity of their menus, and the overall dining experience they offer. The Michelin Guide uses a system of one to three stars to rate restaurants:

One star: A restaurant with one Michelin star is considered very good in its category. It indicates high-quality cooking and is often a destination for food lovers.

Two stars: A restaurant with two Michelin stars is excellent and worth a detour. The cuisine is exceptional, and it offers a more refined dining experience than one-star establishments.

Three stars: A restaurant with three Michelin stars is exceptional and worth a special journey. These restaurants represent the pinnacle of culinary achievement, with superlative cuisine, impeccable service, and a unique atmosphere.

Earning even a single Michelin star is considered a significant accomplishment in the culinary world, and chefs and restaurateurs often strive for this recognition as a mark of excellence. The Michelin Guide is published annually and covers various cities and regions worldwide, with each edition featuring a selection of the best restaurants in the area, as judged by Michelin’s team of anonymous inspectors.

Why there are no Michelin-starred restaurants in India?

The Michelin Guide traditionally covers specific regions and cities, focusing primarily on Europe, the United States, and parts of Asia. Until now, the guide had not extensively covered India, which could explain the absence of Michelin-starred restaurants there. However, there are several popular restaurants in other countries that serve Indian cuisine and were awarded with Michelin stars. Gymkhana located in London, Junoon located in New York CityRasoi by Vineet situated in Geneva, Switzerland, Tamarind in London, The Song of India in Singapore and Veeraswamy in London are some among them.

Despite the absence of Michelin-starred restaurants, India boasts a rich and diverse culinary landscape with numerous acclaimed restaurants and chefs. Recognition in the Michelin Guide is just one aspect of culinary prestige, and many Indian chefs and establishments have earned accolades and acclaim through other avenues.