Several restaurants in the Boston area are celebrating their inclusion in the prestigious Michelin Guide for the first time. The announcement was made on March 6, 2024, marking a significant milestone for the city’s culinary scene. Among the honorees, Sumiao Hunan Kitchen in Cambridge received the Bib Gourmand designation, which recognizes eateries that offer “great food at a great value.”
Owner Sumiao Chen expressed her excitement and gratitude to her staff for their hard work. “Me and my chef were shaking, saying, ‘Hey, we are not included. We are not included,'” Chen recalled. The moment of truth came during a ceremony in Philadelphia, where she was present to receive the award. “And then they moved to the category, the Bib Gourmand. And then ours is the last one from Boston. My phone dropped on the ground. I patted my chef saying, ‘Let’s go. We need to go on the stage,'” she added.
Celebrated Establishments
In total, six restaurants from Massachusetts earned the Bib Gourmand honor this year. Alongside Sumiao Hunan Kitchen, Bar Volpe and Fox & The Knife received the award in Boston. In Cambridge, Pagu and Jahunger were also recognized, while Mahaniyom was the sole recipient in Brookline.
Additionally, another Boston establishment, 311 Omakase, made headlines by being awarded the city’s first Michelin star. This new recognition highlights a growing appreciation for diverse dining options within the city.
A New Chapter for Boston’s Culinary Landscape
The inclusion of Boston in the Michelin Guide is a notable development, as this year marks the first time the city has been featured. The partnership between Meet Boston and the Cambridge Office for Tourism was announced in May 2023, paving the way for Michelin’s anonymous inspectors to evaluate local restaurants.
The Michelin Guide, which began recommending restaurants in France over a century ago, has expanded its reach over the years to include major U.S. cities. Boston’s debut in the guide signifies an evolving culinary landscape that emphasizes quality and innovation.
As the year progresses, Michelin will reassess the awarded restaurants to determine if they will maintain their status in future editions. The excitement surrounding this year’s selections reflects a vibrant and competitive restaurant scene in Boston, promising to enhance the city’s reputation as a culinary destination.
