Filipino diner in Atlanta makes it to Michelin Guide
Photo from kamayan_atl/Instagram
“Para ito sa bawat Filipino, sa bawat imigrante na nangangarap, saan mang sulok kayo ng mundo,” a sentiment that resonates with Filipinos and immigrants worldwide, reflecting the dreams and aspirations that lead people to unfamiliar shores.
These were also the exact words of a Filipino restaurant in Atlanta named Kamayan ATL as they shared the news on Instagram when they earned a spot in the world-renowned Michelin Guide.
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In July, the restaurant authority made an announcement that their anonymous inspectors would be visiting Atlanta for the very first Michelin Guide in the city. The news sparked excitement throughout Atlanta’s dining scene, and Kamayan ATL, with its dedication to authentic Filipino cuisine, was about to become one of the standout establishments on the city’s culinary map.
During that time, the Filipino diner noted that there were challenges, including “heavy rain, flash floods, temperatures ranging from 20 degrees to 110 degrees, limited parking, pop-up locations in parking lots, and even a pandemic.” However, none of these obstacles deterred Michelin from recognizing their “really good Pinoy food.”
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Serving Filipino flavors in the US, the team, who eagerly shared their exhilaration with their loyal customers and the global community, has been overwhelmed with joy and gratitude as they secured a place in the list.
“These are the hands, these are the people who butcher, ferment, brine, smoke, cure, bake, cook, and serve Filipino food to you,” the caption reads, featuring the people behind its success.
Famous for their signature dish, “lechon sisig,” the eatery has emerged as a culinary inspiration in a foreign land. Their journey began with a simple yearning—a desire for Filipino flavors prepared just the way their “nanay” (mother) used to make them. It was also a deep longing to see the rich and diverse Filipino cuisine embraced in Atlanta, the place they now fondly call home.
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The Michelin Guide is an internationally recognized restaurant and hotel rating system which has become one of the most coveted accolades to achieve in the industry.
In their review, they remarked that lumpia consistently delights, and the sinigang, featuring tender pork ribs in a tamarind-based broth, is impeccably prepared.
“Thank you Michelin, this is such an honor but we would also like to thank the people of Atlanta, the rest of GA and everyone who traveled from other states and did not wait for any accolades or recognition to try Filipino food,” they added.
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Prior to its recognition by Michelin, Kamayan ATL had already been acknowledged in “We Cook Filipino 2022,” “Easter Cookbook 2023” and as a 2022 James Beard semifinalist, as well as ATL magazine 2022 best chef category.
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