What is a Michelin Star? Learn About the Origin, History and Criteria

Many understand that a Michelin star is a symbol of culinary excellence and prestige, but its origins and the criteria for earning this special honor is not something most people know. This article explains the origins and history of the Michelin Star, and the rigorous standards chefs and restaurants must meet to earn this prestigious recognition.

Origin of the Michelin Star

The Michelin star system began in Clermont-Ferrand, France, in 1889, when brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin founded their tire company, Michelin. To boost car and tire sales, they created a guide with travel information, including maps, tire-changing tips, and listings of places to eat and stay. For two decades, the information was shared for free. Then in 1920, a brand-new version Michelin Guide was launched and sold for seven francs each. This version included a list of hotels and restaurants. 

Over the years, the Michelin guide’s restaurant section garnered more influence. It resulted in the brothers recruiting a team of mystery diners to visit and review eateries anonymously. It was in 1926 when the guide began to award stars for the finest establishments to dine at. Then five years later, a hierarchy of zero to three stars were introduced. The criteria for the star rankings were shared in 1936, changing the landscape of the dining industry forever. Today, the Michelin Guide rates over 30,000 businesses in over 30 countries across the world, and more than 30 million guides have been sold globally since.

Michelin Star Criteria

Michelin stars are awarded based on a strict evaluation process carried out by anonymous inspectors who visit restaurants. The criteria are as follows:

Value for Money: The quality of the overall experience compared to how much it costs, regardless of the price. 

Quality of Ingredients: The freshness, flavor, and sourcing of ingredients used in dishes.

Mastery of Cooking Techniques: The skill, creativity, and innovation demonstrated in food preparation.

Personality of Chef in The Cuisine: The chef's ability to express their unique culinary style, creative vision, and distinctive approach in the restaurant's cuisine. 

Consistency of Food: The ability to deliver high-quality dishes with consistent taste and presentation across multiple visits.

It was See-Kiat Yeo of Chaine des Rotisseurs who said, “Value is having a wow factor. It should include a total experience, from the attentiveness of the service staff and ambience to food.” At Michelin star-rated restaurants, thoughtful considerations must be taken from the moment a customer steps into an establishment to the moment they depart.

Train To Become Worthy of a Michelin Star Restaurant

Receiving a Michelin star can dramatically elevate a restaurant's reputation and business. To many serious chefs, it is a goal to strive towards. Much like winning an Oscar as an actor, earning one of these coveted stars symbolizes not just culinary prowess but also a commitment to excellence in every aspect of the dining experience. Chefs will endeavor for years to climb the ranks with the hopes of working at a restaurant that can earn this accolade. 

Ranked #1 culinary school in Switzerland, studying at Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland provides aspiring chefs with a strong foundation for pursuing the prestigious goal of earning a Michelin star. The academy has intensive programs focused on honing culinary expertise, teaching advanced cooking techniques, and nurturing a chef’s creativity in flavor profiles and presentation. Students are encouraged to innovate and develop their unique culinary styles, which is essential for standing out in the competitive culinary world and earning a Michelin star.

Learn from the industry professionals with years of experience at CAAS. Our school prepares aspiring professionals to not only earn a Michelin star but also uphold it through the years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Michelin Star?

A: A Michelin Star is a symbol of culinary excellence awarded to restaurants that meet the criteria under Michelin’s ranking system. 

Q: How many Michelin stars can a restaurant have?

A: A restaurant can be awarded up to three stars.