Helm keeps two Michelin stars as Boutwood expresses relief
The Makati restaurant remains the Philippines’ only two-star establishment in the 2027 guide, while Flow joins the one-star selection.
Makati restaurant Helm has retained its two-star rating in the Michelin Guide 2027, leaving it as the Philippines’ sole restaurant at that level. Chef Josh Boutwood told reporters after the guide’s unveiling that relief outweighed excitement, given the difficulty of keeping the distinction.
Boutwood credited his team and said he had not expected the restaurant to keep both stars. He described Michelin recognition as unpredictable: kitchens can experience difficult service days without knowing whether an inspector is among their diners.
Flow, also in Makati, received one star. Eight restaurants kept their one-star ratings: Asador Alfonso, Celera, Gallery by Chele, Hapag, Inatô, Kása Palma, Linamnam and Toyo Eatery. The Philippines still has no three-star restaurant.
Boutwood welcomed Pampanga’s inclusion after the province was absent from the inaugural Philippine selection. He said the broader restaurant selection better reflected the country’s culture.
Apag Marangle in Guagua and Tito Boy in Pampanga feature among the guide’s 31 Bib Gourmand restaurants. Mila’s Tokwa’t Baboy and Souq are included in its 86 Michelin-Selected establishments. Tito Boy restaurant manager Clyde Joshua Zafra received the Michelin Service Award.
Three other Boutwood restaurants—Ember, Juniper and The Test Kitchen—kept their Michelin-selected recognition. Boutwood, The Bistro Group’s corporate executive chef, said promoting Philippine cuisine internationally required an industry-wide effort, including contributions from restaurants outside the guide.
