12-04-2024
The First MICHELIN Guide dedicated to the Province of Fujian introduce 5 new Stars and an impressive number of affordable local shops
The first provincial selection of the MICHELIN Guide in mainland China is dedicated to the Province of Fujian, which the Inspectors started to explore focusing on the cities of Fuzhou, Xiamen and Quanzhou
This inaugural selection recommends a total of 69 restaurants, of which 5 received One MICHELIN Star
47 affordable restaurants are awarded a Bib Gourmand
2 talented professionals received MICHELIN Special Awards
Michelin is delighted to present the first restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide dedicated to the Province of Fujian. Recommending a total of 69 restaurants located in Fuzhou, Xiamen and Quanzhou, the list includes 5 restaurants awarded One MICHELIN Star and 47 Bib Gourmand. The MICHELIN Guide Fujian Province also shed a light on two outstanding professionals who received individual awards – the MICHELIN Young Chef Award and the MICHELIN Service Award.
During a Press Conference, Gwendal Poullennec also revealed the unique way in which the MICHELIN Guide is made. The restaurant selection is carried out by anonymous Inspectors. Former professionals of the restaurant or hospitality industry, and currently full-time employee of Michelin, the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors work anonymously and behave like any other customer when assessing restaurants. They always pay for their bills and maintain the independence that gives The MICHELIN Guide’s recommendations their strength and credibility. Each decision made is a team decision, based on multiple tests realized by different Inspectors.
Whatever restaurant’s cuisine style, concept or location, whether they are luxury fine dining restaurants or street food eateries, the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors only focus on the quality of the food proposed which they evaluate following 5 universal and historical criteria: the quality of the ingredients used, the mastery of the cooking techniques, the harmony of flavors, the personality of the chef as expressed in the food, and the consistency between the visits and through the menu as a whole.
5 restaurants receive One Michelin Star
Fujian Province is located at the intersection of mountains and seas, rich in natural resources and unique geographical advantages. As one of China's eight culinary traditions, Fujian cuisine combines the culinary styles of different regions to produce diverse and unique flavors. The culinary cultures of the three cities spotlighted in the Guide are rich and diverse, with many historic restaurants preserving family recipes and traditional flavors, as well as high-quality gourmet restaurants.
The inaugural selection of the MICHELIN Guide Fujian awarded One MICHELIN Star to five restaurants located in Fuzhou and Xiamen, highlighting the potential and charm of local cuisines: Jiangnan Wok‧Rong and Wenru No.9 in Fuzhou; Fleurs Et Festin, Hokklo and Yanyu (Jiahe Road) in Xiamen.
Jiangnan Wok‧Rong - (Huai Yang cuisine)
The interior sports a tasteful green colour scheme with plant motifs and fish scale tiles for a style poised between Jiangnan and Fuzhou. In the same vein, the menu features authentic Huaiyang classics alongside Fujian produce and Minnan twists. Braised yellow croaker ‘lion’s head’ meatball impresses with rich silky texture and deep umami and the ginger eight-treasure duck is a must-try.
Wenru No.9 – (Fujian cuisine)
The restaurant is located in a historic area where many famous scholars lived during the North Song Dynasty. The interior sports original architectural details, while the menu pays homage to traditional Fujian food culture. The head chef has been cooking professionally for over 30 years; his sliced conch in red vinasse sauce accentuates the briny-sweet taste of the sea snail. Hand-pounded rice cake is the perfect companion to any seafood dish.
Fleurs Et Festin – (Chao Zhou cuisine)
A three-storey historic building is home to this Chaoshan restaurant. The ground floor sports several tables, while private rooms on the upper floors require a minimum spend. The kitchen team of Chaoshan natives excels in authentic dishes made with fresh produce. Braised goose web in spiced marinade is flavoursome and gelatinous in texture and the local green lobster with taro-scented wax gourd hits the spot every time.
Hokklo – (Fujian cuisine)
“Hokklo” means "hospitable" in Fujian, in keeping with the welcoming space furnished in elegant East-meets-West style. Hailing from the Minnan region, the head chef champions a refined modern take on traditional Fujian cooking. Signatures include steamed wine-scented yellow croaker, mud crab braised in aged wine with dried longans, and Hakka-style braised He Tian chicken claypot with salt and wine. Peruse the seasonal offerings and extensive wine list, too.
Yanyu (Jiahe Road) – (Fujian cuisine)
For 10-plus years, this flagship establishment has been packed with loyal patrons. The modern stylish interior showcases top-notch dried seafood which is used in the famous Fujian Buddha jumps over the wall dish, but you can also enjoy other first-rate dishes without breaking the bank. Try Minnan prawn noodles in orange coloured tomalley soup or made to order black mochi packed with black sesame aroma. The seasonal menu is also worth exploring.
47 restaurants recommended with a Bib Gourmand
Over the past year, the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have also been scouring the streets of the 3 cities looking for delicious and affordable restaurants, which have been included in the well-acclaimed Bib Gourmand list. The first Bib Gourmand Fujian provincial selection includes an impressive total of 47 restaurants, of which 11 restaurants are in Fuzhou, 26 in Xiamen and 10 in Quanzhou. In addition to the cuisine styles like Fujian, seafood, vegetarian and Sichuan, there are also many small eateries providing congee, noodles or local snacks. Many local specialties jumped on the list, from snacks such as Lao hua (Fujian-style noodle soups), oyster fritter, peanut soup, taro paste, shrimp noodles, etc., to iconic dishes such as ginger duck, lychee pork, or sea clams blanched in boiling chicken soup, showing the rich and vivid food scenes of the three places. This special selection is the ideal companion for gourmets looking for authentic, traditional Chinese flavors.
In addition to MICHELIN Starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants, the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have also discovered many restaurants that use fresh ingredients to prepare high-quality dishes. The first restaurant selection for Fujian province includes a total of 17 MICHELIN Selected restaurants, including 8 in Fuzhou, 5 in Xiamen and 4 in Quanzhou, covering a variety of cooking styles such as Fujian, Sichuan, Cantonese, vegetarian and fashionable European cuisine.
Two MICHELIN Special Awards are handed out to talented restaurant professionals
In addition to recommending quality restaurants, the MICHELIN Guide is also committed in highlighting talented professionals whose talent and know-how contribute to elevate the gastronomic experience and have impressed the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors. In this inaugural selection, two dedicated professionals received either the MICHELIN Young Chef Award or the MICHELIN Service Award.
Chef Zhenlong YOU, from MICHELIN Selected restaurant, Lucheng, won this year's MICHELIN Young Chef Award. Chef YOU is a remarkable chef from Zhangzhou, Fujian, whose culinary journey is marked by passion and dedication.
With a strong foundation in cuisine techniques, he is committed to exploring local ingredients and infusing his unique creativity into each menu. He proudly presents the diverse culinary landscape of Fujian, crafting dishes that invite guests to experience the region's rich flavors. He prioritizes both food quality and exceptional service, ensuring that every meal is memorable.
The winner of this year's MICHELIN Service Award is from MICHELIN Selected restaurant Hatter. Mr. Bob LIN, the owner, was born in Fuzhou. Although he went abroad to study architectural design in his early years, he has always held a deep love for his hometown. After returning, he opened this exquisite restaurant. Mr LIN is eager to share his philosophy with customers. He personally attends to every table, from introducing the ingredients to explaining cooking techniques and sharing the stories behind the dishes. He also has a passion for wine and serves as the restaurant's sommelier. The wine collection, filled with his personal favorites, reflects his enthusiasm. Dinners can always find him bustling around the restaurant, handling everything himself.
The Fujian restaurant selection joins the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in China and throughout the world.
Visit the MICHELIN Guide website, or download the free app for iOS and Android, to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable hotel.
The MICHELIN Guide Fujian Province 2025 summary:
69 recommended restaurants of which:
5 One MICHELIN Star restaurants (2 in Fuzhou, and 3 in Xiamen)
47 Bib Gourmand restaurants (11 in Fuzhou, 26 in Xiamen, and 10 in Quanzhou)
17 MICHELIN-selected restaurants (8 in Fujian, 5 in Xiamen, and 4 in Quanzhou)
The 2025 Selection of the MICHELIN Guide Fujian Province is also attached.
About MICHELIN
MICHELIN is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, MICHELIN is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, MICHELIN is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare. The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire MICHELIN to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide.
In 1989, MICHELIN established its first representative office in Beijing in mainland China. With the spirit of innovation, MICHELIN brought advanced technology and high-quality products to China. At the end of 1995, MICHELIN Shenyang Tire Co., Ltd. was established. In 2001, MICHELIN (China) Investment Co., Ltd. was established in Shanghai. MICHELIN has nearly 7,000 employees and five factories in China, and its sales network covers the whole country. (www.MICHELIN.com.cn)