New taipei: The Michelin Guide Taiwan on Tuesday recognized 144 food establishments with the prestigious Bib Gourmand distinction, marking the first time that restaurants in New Taipei City, Hsinchu City, and Hsinchu County have been included.

According to Focus Taiwan, the Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded to restaurants offering a three-course meal at a fixed price not exceeding NT$1,000 (US$34). This year’s selection includes 37 venues in Taipei, 23 in Taichung, 30 in Tainan, 24 in Kaohsiung, 15 in New Taipei, eight in Hsinchu County, and seven in Hsinchu City.

Out of the 144 venues awarded, 37 are newly added. Nearly 60 percent of these establishments feature Taiwanese specialties and small eats that highlight local cuisine, as noted in a Michelin Guide press release. Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, described the inclusion of these new areas as a “meaningful milestone” that emphasizes Taiwan’s culinary diversity.

In Hsinchu County, the focus is on the traditions of Hakka cuisine, characterized by bold and savory flavors derived from recipes passed down through generations. New Taipei’s debut selection includes establishments such as Yonghe Chia Hsiang Soy Milk, Guang Xing Pork Knuckle, and A-ba’s Taro Ball sweets shop. Hsinchu County’s offerings feature Hakka cuisine spots like Bebu, Hung Chin, and Shou Wu EAT, while Hsinchu City’s selections include eateries such as He Jih Hsiang and Dongmen Rice Noodle Soup.

Taipei added three new Bib Gourmand establishments this year, while Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung each introduced new additions. In Taipei, the new establishments include Clavius, Su Lai Chuan, and Tableau by Craig Yang, each presenting a unique take on traditional Taiwanese dishes with innovative culinary techniques.

For the full list of recognized establishments, interested readers can visit the Michelin Guide Taiwan’s official website. The complete restaurant selection for the Michelin Guide Taiwan 2025 will be announced on August 19.