October 30, 2025 | 8:18pm
MANILA, Philippines – Josh Boutwood still could not believe as his Helm earned the coveted 2 Michelin stars at the inaugural Michelin Guide Philippines.
Boutwood’s Helm is the sole Philippine restaurant to get the distinction at the unveiling and ceremony held at the grand ballroom of Marriott Hotel Manila in Pasay City on Thursday.
“I’m not really sure, it hasn’t really sunk in yet…It’s a remarkable achievement that my team we’ve we’ve been able to achieve. I can get back to you tomorrow once it’s sunk in, but right now I’m just, over the moon, excited, still shaking and a little bit emotional as well and it’s been a wonderful, a wonderful evening to share this moment with all of my ideas and thoughts,” he said.
Apart from Helm, eight other Philippine restaurants earned 1 Michelin star.
These are:
- Asador Alfonso
- Celera
- Gallery by Chele
- Hapag
- Inato
- Kasa Palma
- Linamnam
- Toyo Eatery
The anonymous Michelin inspectors toured Cebu in the Visayas and Manila and its environs in Luzon to taste the best that the Philippines has to offer.
A total of 108 establishments were visited by the anonymous Michelin Guide inspectors to come up with the inaugural list of 74 selected restaurants, 25 Bib Gourmand establishments, eight 1 Michelin-starred restaurants and the only 2 Michelin-starred restaurant Helm.
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