Michelin guide lands in Shanghai

Mainland China’s first ever Michelin guide has launched in Shanghai with 26 stars handed out around the city which now boasts the “world’s cheapest” two-star restaurant.

The tiny six-table T’ang Court at the Langham Hotel was the only place to scoop three stars in Michelin guide 2017 and follows in the footsteps of its sister restaurant which was awarded three stars last year.

Another Hong Kong haunt, 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana gained two stars – not quite matching its fellow Hong Kong eatery which has three – and celebrated chef, Paul Pairet’s ethereal Ultra Violet also was also bestowed with two.

Unlike Singapore and Hong Kong’s guides which duly include cheap and cheerful pavement dai pai dongs and hawker centres, Shanghai’s guide appears to aim staunchly at the high end of things, though one brave dim sum restaurant, Canton 8 made it into the guide with two stars and the tag, “world’s cheapest two Michelin starred restaurant” as it serves up 45 RMB dim sum (around HK$52 or £5).

Shanghai’s inclusion has placed China firmly on the Asian gastronomic map according to Michelin alongside Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Japan.

“The richness and quality of Shanghai’s culinary scene completely won us over,” said Michael Ellis, international director of the Michelin guides.

“The city is an economic and cultural crossroads, and its gastronomy is the result of a strong culinary heritage which makes the dining scene very exciting.”

In total Shanghai now has one three Michelin starred restaurant, seven two-starred restaurants, 16 one-star restaurants and 25 Bib Gourmand restaurants.

An in depth look at Shanghai and Beijing will appear in the next issue of the drinks business Hong Kong.