Ahead of the announcement of Michelin Guide Thailand 2024 on Dec 13, 196 eateries in various provinces have been awarded Bib Gourmand distinctions, signifying that they are the best value-for-money restaurants. The world-famous guide also covers wallet-friendly places in addition to fine dining establishments.
There are 32 Bib newcomers, four of which were last year's Michelin Selected, to join the affordable rank. Koh Samui and Surat Thani are two new destinations that the seventh edition of the guide covers for the first time and 12 eateries from both places received the Bib Gourmand distinction.
The Bib Gourmand award started in 1997 for places that offered a three-course meal at a reasonable price. While there's no set formula for a Bib place, according to Michelin Guide's website, what they have in common are "simpler style of cooking" and satisfaction from "having eaten so well at such a reasonable price". Affordability is a major factor and the price limits are based on local economic standards.
This year's awardees are spread across 13 cuisines, ranging from Thai, Isan, Thai-Chinese, Vietnamese and European. 68 of them are in Bangkok and adjacent provinces and 7 of them are new entries. 15 are in Ayutthaya and two of them are new entries. 27 in Chiang Mai and three of them are new entries. 13 in Khon Kaen and two of them are new entries. 10 in Nakhon Ratchasima and one of them is a new entry. Six Bib places in Ubon retain their status with no newcomers. Nine in Udon Thani and two of them were assigned Michelin Selected last year. 11 Bib places in Phang Nga all retain their status. Phuket boasts 25 places, one of which is a newcomer and two of which were assigned Michelin Selected last year. Four Bib places on Ko Samui and eight places on Surat Thai are all newcomers.
Aunglo By Yangraek.
A few highlights from 28 newcomers include contemporary Thai restaurant Aunglo By Yangreak in Bangkok's Bang Rak, chicken rice specialist Khao Man Gai Nai Ho in Nakhon Pathom, Halal restaurant Sanae Thai Cuisine in Ayutthaya, pho specialist Pho Tha Bo in Khon Kaen, restaurant-in-coconut-plantation Ban Suan Lung Khai in Ko Samui and charcoal-deep-fried patonggo shop Lian Tai in Surat Thani.
Baan Suan Lung Khai.
Pho Tha Bo.
Lian Tai.
The four Michelin Selected places from last year that have been awarded Bib Gourmand are Vietnamese restaurant Khao Piak Udon in Udon Thani, contemporary Isan restaurant Samuay & Sons in Udon Thani, southern Thai cuisine specialist Krua Phraya Phuket and moo krob master Crispy Pork Ji Hong in Phuket.
Samuay & Sons.
Krua Phraya Phuket.
Besides eateries, the guide will include selected hotels from across the globe that are deemed to have distinctive features from different tiers to accommodate any budget. They will be bookable through Michelin Guide's website and app.
