Chef Josh Boutwood feels 'relief' as Helm retains Two Michelin Stars

Chef Josh Boutwood can finally breathe a sigh of relief after his restaurant, Helm, retained its Two Michelin Stars for another year.

At the Michelin Guide Ceremony: Manila and Environs & Cebu 2027, held Thursday night at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Newport World Resorts, Helm once again emerged as the only restaurant in the Philippines to receive Two Michelin Stars, the highest distinction awarded in the latest edition of the guide.

Speaking to GMA News Online, Boutwood admitted the anticipation of the announcement had left him nervous, especially with the possibility of losing the Two Michelin Stars.

“I think the apprehension of losing the two stars was going to be quite high, but now that we have retained it for another year, I feel a lot of relief,” he said.

For Boutwood, retaining the distinction is not just a personal achievement but also a moment of pride for the entire Helm team, who share the responsibility and pressure of maintaining the restaurant’s standards.

“We are a team, and the pressure that I’m under is shared between everyone. They feel it, and I think they would be relieved as well,” he said.

Despite earning the coveted recognition for another year, Boutwood said diners should not expect any major changes at Helm.

“At the end of the day, we remain the same, creating experiences so our guests can create memories in our restaurant,” he said.

Nine restaurants in the Philippines were awarded One Michelin Star each, with Restaurant Flow at the Green Sun Hotel on Chino Roces Extension in Makati becoming the lone newcomer of the lot.

Meanwhile, here is the full list of the Michelin Selection and Bib Gourmand awardees.

A total of 127 restaurants were honored during the ceremony.

— LA, GMA News