Michelin moves: Asia & Mérida
Big Michelin updates this week: Hong Kong’s Lai Ching Heen at the Regent earned two Michelin stars in the 2026 Hong Kong & Macau Guide, while the Michelin Guide announced expansion into Mérida, Yucatán — a clear signal Mérida is being positioned as a global culinary destination. Separately, Michelin delayed its Florida 2026 announcement and canceled the awards ceremony, disappointing chefs and diners who follow the guide closely (traveldailymedia.com) (travelandtourworld.com) (miaminewtimes.com).
Regent Hong Kong’s press release credits Executive Chef Lau Yiu Fai and his team with maintaining Lai Ching Heen’s techniques and signature plates such as Golden Stuffed Crabmeat and Wok‑Fried Lobster, and notes the restaurant has held MICHELIN recognition for 17 consecutive years. (hongkong.regenthotels.com) The MICHELIN Guide’s official entry for Lai Ching Heen includes the inspectors’ point of view, practical details such as opening hours and price band, and the Guide’s descriptive notes used to evaluate the restaurant. (guide.michelin.com) MICHELIN’s March 10, 2026 announcement named Jalisco, Puebla and Yucatán as additions to the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Mexico and quoted International Director Gwendal Poullennec on the move to “highlight outstanding culinary offerings from across the country.” (guide.michelin.com) The same MICHELIN release says the expansion will also extend the MICHELIN Keys hotel selection into those states and includes a CANIRAC statement that the Guide acts as a tourism catalyst, driving international visitor interest and brand value for the regions. (guide.michelin.com) Mérida’s Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport has been identified as one of Mexico’s fastest‑growing major airports and airlines including American, United and Air Canada have increased flights into Mérida, improving international access ahead of MICHELIN’s rollout in Yucatán. (travelandtourworld.com 1) (travelandtourworld.com 2) MICHELIN shifted the Florida 2026 release from an April 14 date to May 28, 2026 and confirmed the decision to replace the traditional invite‑only awards ceremony with a digital press‑release rollout on its channels. (miaminewtimes.com) MICHELIN’s transition to a statewide Florida selection for 2026 folds regions previously outside the Guide—Jacksonville, Sarasota, the Florida Keys and the Panhandle—into consideration, changing the geographic mix of eligible restaurants compared with prior years. (miaminewtimes.com) (guide.michelin.com)
