Michelin Guide set to arrive in India, says tourism official

India could soon get its first Michelin Guide, with a deal expected by year-end and a six-month audit of restaurants across the country to follow.

The Michelin Guide is set to enter India, with the Ministry of Tourism in the final stages of signing a deal with Michelin. Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and Director General, Ministry of Tourism, revealed this at The New Indian Express’ Tourism Summit in Chennai on Tuesday. Answering why India does not have a Michelin star system, Billa said, “It is coming. We are in the final stages of signing a deal with Michelin.” He said the deal is expected to be signed by year-end, after which Michelin will conduct a six-month audit across India.

The global restaurant guide is expected to sign a deal with the Ministry of Tourism (Adobe Stock)

The globally recognised restaurant guide uses anonymous inspectors to assess restaurants. India has no Michelin Guide yet, though Indian restaurants have earned stars overseas. Billa called the move a “big-ticket attraction” for gastronomy and tourism.