The Michelin Guide, first published in 1900 by the Michelin tire company to help French motorists find lodging, has since become a globally recognized authority on fine dining. Restaurants that earn Michelin stars are seen as some of the best in the world. Achieving one, two, or three Michelin stars is a rare honor that requires exceptional cooking, service, and overall dining experience. Read here to know about Vikas Nath Benares

Michelin Star Ratings

Michelin awards up to three stars, each with its meaning:

• One Star: A “great” restaurant in its category.
• Two Stars: “Excellent cooking” that’s worth a detour.
• Three Stars: “Exceptional cuisine” worth a special journey.

Getting a star is no easy feat and involves a meticulous, secretive evaluation. Inspectors visit restaurants anonymously and assess multiple factors, including food quality, service, and ambiance. The process can take years, as Michelin inspectors may visit a restaurant multiple times before awarding a star.

Michelin Star Evaluation Criteria

1. Food Quality: The ingredients must be of the highest quality, and the food should be prepared with skill and creativity.
2. Chef’s Expertise: The chef’s mastery of flavors and techniques, as well as their ability to inject personality into the dishes, plays a key role.
3. Consistency: The restaurant must provide a consistently high-quality experience across visits, including the food, service, and overall atmosphere.

How to Earn a Michelin Star

While the process of earning a Michelin star may seem random, there are several steps restaurants can take to increase their chances:

1. Meticulousness: Every night must be treated like it’s a Michelin inspection. Chefs and staff should be highly trained and work together seamlessly to ensure every guest has an exceptional dining experience.
2. Training Under Michelin-Starred Chefs: Aspiring chefs can boost their chances by training under established Michelin-starred chefs. This helps them understand the standards and techniques expected at top-tier restaurants.
3. Discipline: Achieving Michelin star status requires a relentless pursuit of perfection. Only those with the discipline and dedication to continually improve will reach the level of excellence needed.
4. Investment: Successful restaurants invest in improvement upgrading the décor, sourcing higher-quality ingredients, or training staff. Michelin inspectors appreciate restaurants that constantly strive to better themselves, rather than resting on their laurels.
5. Mastery of Cuisine: A chef must have a deep understanding and mastery of the food they offer. Michelin-starred chefs typically excel in one type of food, whether it’s French, Italian, or sushi, and push the boundaries of that cuisine.
6. Creativity: Michelin is drawn to innovative chefs who stay on the cutting edge of food trends. Creative dishes that challenge culinary norms often attract the guide’s attention.
7. The Best Ingredients: Great ingredients are a key factor in earning a star. Michelin-starred chefs often personally source rare, high-quality ingredients from trusted farmers and suppliers.
8. Networking: While not as common today, some chefs still make an effort to meet Michelin’s editors in person to plead their case for consideration, a practice once known as “walking to Canossa.”