The inaugural launch of the MICHELIN Guide in Doha is a significant milestone in the culinary world. This prestigious invite-only event marks the first time in history that the MICHELIN Guide selection will arrive in Doha, Qatar. The ceremony is set to take place on Thursday, December 12th, 2024, at the Katara Hall, Raffles Doha.
“The MICHELIN Guide, renowned for its meticulous and independent reviews of dining establishments, has been exploring Doha’s vibrant culinary scene, where our famously anonymous inspectors have thoroughly reviewed the city’s top eateries, from the bustling Corniche to the luxurious hotels and diverse restaurants representing cuisines from around the world. We are delighted to finally announce the MICHELIN Guide’s arrival in Doha,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides.
The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide in Doha is supported by Qatar Tourism, highlighting Qatar’s emergence as a global culinary destination. This inclusion is a testament to the talented chefs and culinary teams in Doha, who bring passion, creativity, and respect for local traditions to their craft.
The ceremony will not only celebrate the best of Doha’s dining scene but also aim to put the city on the international culinary map. It is expected to attract affluent travelers and food enthusiasts from around the world, eager to experience the unique gastronomic culture of Doha.
The MICHELIN Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through an extensive system of distinctions, the most famous of which are its globally renowned MICHELIN Stars awarded to the best culinary experiences within the Guide’s restaurant selection. One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” Two MICHELIN Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three MICHELIN Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”
Alongside the coveted Star ratings, the selection will also include the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide value-for-money meals.
All establishments are chosen according to the same five criteria used by Michelin inspectors around the world: quality of the ingredients; mastery of cooking techniques; the harmony of the flavors; expression of the chef’s personality in the cuisine; and consistency, both over time and across the entire menu.
The full selection will be available exclusively in digital format on all the MICHELIN Guide’s official platforms: website, mobile application, and social networks.
Celebrating the Inaugural Launch in Doha:
The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony includes an exclusive cocktail reception celebrating the restaurant’s achievements, featuring guest chefs that will showcase their culinary excellence and present their innovative gastronomic which will be an unforgettable dining experience for all attendees.
- Alleno Paris – Three MICHELIN Stars, MICHELIN Guide France 2024
- Jordanær – Three MICHELIN Stars, MICHELIN Guide Nordics 2024
- BO Innovation– Two MICHELIN Stars, MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong 2024
Invited guests will have the opportunity to watch the chefs in action, taste a dedicated menu of creative canapés celebrating Doha’s culinary scene, and mingle among the industry’s most notable figures. Stay tuned for further announcements on the MICHELIN Guide Doha 2025 selection
GWENDAL POULLENNEC
International Director of the MICHELIN Guide
Gwendal POULLENNEC joined the Michelin group in 2003 after leaving ESSEC Business School in France, and has spent more than the past decade in charge of the international deployment of the MICHELIN Guide in the United States and Asia. He was also the initiator of the MICHELIN Guide launches in New York, San Francisco, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Kyoto and more recently Bangkok and Taipei.
Appointed general secretary of the MICHELIN Guide in 2014, he was at the origin of the creation of new digital interfaces for the group’s gastronomic activities.
With over 15 years of experience in the world of gastronomy, Gwendal Poullennec is in charge of the MICHELIN Guide in over 37 countries.
In his role, Gwendal continues to embody the values of generosity, passion and independence, which are dear to the Michelin Group, and lead the global team of Michelin inspectors.
