The IFTM Educational Restaurant is the first Macao establishment to claim a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainable gastronomy. The restaurant at the Macao Institute for Tourism Studies (IFTM) was recognised during the release of the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2021 in late January.
The French tyre manufacturer’s famed guide to gastronomy introduced the Green Star category in 2020 and has since rolled out the classification across its regional guides. The 2021 guide saw the debut of the Michelin Green Star tag for Macao and Hong Kong, with just two restaurants awarded the accolade, namely the IFTM Educational Restaurant and Hong Kong’s Roganic.
The IFTM Educational Restaurant was recognised for its sustainability practices that see food waste composted into fertiliser, herbs and greens grown on-site, the use of solar power, a paperless policy to reduce waste, and appliances controlled by infrared sensors.
Michelin Guides International Director Gwendal Poullennec said the Green Star category highlighted the best and most innovative practices among leading restaurants to inspire other hospitality businesses and the public.
The IFTM Educational Restaurant offers a practical education environment for students from the Institute. Undergraduates, coached and supervised by the restaurant’s team of instructors, can acquire experience of serving paying customers in a food and beverage operation. The establishment boasts a selection of Macanese- and Portuguese-cuisine dishes with a modern flourish.
The 13th edition of the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau recognises 18 starred restaurants in Macao. Three Macao establishments – Jade Dragon, Robuchon au Dôme and The Eight – have held their three-star ratings in the current edition.
The 2021 guide lists six restaurants with a two-star rating: Alain Ducasse at Morpheus, Feng Wei Ju, Golden Flower, Mizumi (Macau), Sichuan Moon and Wing Lei. In the one-star category there are nine restaurants: Lai Heen, 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Pearl Dragon, The Golden Peacock, The Kitchen, Tim’s Kitchen, Wing Lei Palace, Ying and Zi Yat Heen.
A new entry in the one-star category is Wing Lei Palace, led by celebrated chef Tam Kwok Fung, that offers Cantonese dishes against the backdrop of Wynn Palace’s Performance Lake.
The Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2021 also recognised seven Bib Gourmand restaurants in Macao (including the IFTM Educational Restaurant), 25 Michelin Plate restaurants and a further nine Michelin Plate street food addresses. The Bib Gourmand selection highlights eateries offering a high-quality three-course meal (excluding drinks) for MOP400 or under, and the Michelin Plate categories identify high-quality establishments.
More information on the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2021 is available at www.guide.michelin.com.