Michelin Guide China launches in Shanghai

Restaurants in Mainland China have the chance to be recognised with the launch of the first edition of the Michelin Guide China.
It recognises quality by awarding stars to dining outlets, not only luxury establishments but also more humble traditional eateries and hawker-style stalls.
Shanghai’s commercial hub is covered in the inaugural edition, with stars going to 26 restaurants, including family dining establishment Canton 8 (two stars).
“Canton 8 is a reflection of what can be found in Shanghai – masterful, delicious and good-quality cooking,” says Michelin Guides international director Michael Ellis.
Chef Jian Jieming of Canton 8 says he had “never dreamed” of making the list, and credits fresh ingredients and the restaurant’s “comfortable atmosphere” for its success.
First published in France more than a century ago by the tyre company to promote automobile travel, the guides now cover 28 countries. Singapore’s guide launched in July, with Michelin inspectors awarding stars to street-food stalls. Other guides cover Hong Kong and Taipei.
“Our role is to promote quality food everywhere, not only French food,” says Michelin executive VP Claire Dorland-Clauzel.
The China guide’s highest three-star rating went to T’ang Court, a six-table Cantonese restaurant in The Langham hotel, known for such dishes as braised sea cucumber and Wagyu beef. It is a sibling to Hong Kong’s award-winning namesake, which has three Michelin stars.
“The talented and creative chef Justin Tan offers cuisine in which traditional Cantonese dishes rub shoulders with some very modern dishes,” says Ellis.
“What makes Shanghai particularly exciting is that it has been an economic and cultural crossroads for decades, and its gastronomy really reflects that rich history.”

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