Taipei: The Michelin Guide Taiwan 2026 was unveiled Tuesday, highlighting significant developments in the country's culinary scene. Nine restaurants earned their first One Michelin Star, two received Two Michelin Stars, and all three establishments that previously held Three Michelin Stars retained their prestigious ratings. According to Focus Taiwan, the ninth edition of the annual guide now features a total of 434 restaurants across Taiwan, an increase from 419 last year. A total of 61 restaurants were awarded Michelin Stars, comprising three three-star, nine two-star, and 49 one-star venues. Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of the Michelin Guide, emphasized the unique blend of local culture and stunning landscapes contributing to exceptional dining experiences beyond Taiwan's urban centers. Taipei's Mizue made a remarkable debut with Two Michelin Stars, thanks to its Japanese tasting menu that features sushi and seasonal ingredients. The chef, trained in Kanazawa, Japan, incorporates premiu m seafood such as amaebi shrimp and koubako crab. Nobuo, another standout, was elevated from one to two stars for its seafood-focused menu that skillfully blends Japanese culinary techniques with Taiwanese ingredients and tea. The three restaurants that maintained their Three Michelin Star status are JL Studio in Taichung, and Le Palais and Taïrroir in Taipei. These establishments continue to set the standard for excellence in the Taiwanese culinary landscape. Among the nine new One Michelin Star restaurants, six were promoted from last year's selected establishments, while three received their first star upon debut: Habu in Kaohsiung, Restaurant 12 in Taipei, and Yu Dao in Tainan. These newcomers reflect the evolving and dynamic nature of Taiwan's gastronomic offerings.