Michelin Guide Arrives in Nepal: The Dwarika’s Hotel Earns Nepal’s First Michelin Key

Nepal has officially made its mark on the global hospitality map with The Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu receiving 1 MICHELIN Key, becoming the first property from the country to be recognized by the world-renowned Michelin Guide. This achievement celebrates Dwarika’s timeless legacy of Nepali art and heritage while marking Nepal’s entry into one of the most prestigious global rating systems for hotels. Now, Michelin Guides arrives in Nepal now

The Michelin Guide, first published in France in 1900, is one of the most respected authorities in the culinary world. Originally created to help travelers find quality dining options, it has evolved into a global benchmark for excellence in food and hospitality. Restaurants listed in the guide can earn Michelin Stars, awarded in three tiers to signify high-quality cooking and exceptional culinary experiences. Over the years, Michelin has expanded across continents, recognizing outstanding restaurants in cities like Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Dubai, and Seoul. Yet many countries, including India, Australia, and Nepal, have not yet had Michelin-starred restaurants — although the landscape is beginning to change as the brand extends its reach.

In 2024, Michelin extended its legacy from restaurants to hotels by launching the Michelin Key, a new distinction designed to recognize exceptional properties worldwide. The Michelin Key honors hotels for their design, comfort, service, and unique sense of place, much like the Michelin Star does for restaurants. The first global reveal of the Michelin Key took place in Paris on October 8, 2025, where 2,457 hotels across more than 100 countries received this prestigious recognition. Among them, The Dwarika’s Hotel earned 1 MICHELIN Key, making it the first hotel from Nepal to be officially listed in the guide.

Dwarika’s Hotel has long stood as a cultural icon of Nepalese architecture and hospitality. Every detail of the property, from its intricate woodwork to its preservation of Newari heritage, reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and authenticity. The Michelin Key recognizes this balance of cultural heritage, service, and comfort, celebrating Dwarika’s as a property that offers an exceptional and immersive experience.

This recognition is more than an individual achievement; it is a milestone for Nepal’s entire hospitality and culinary industry. It signifies that Nepal now has an official presence in the Michelin ecosystem, opening possibilities for more hotels and restaurants to be recognized globally in the coming years. Properties such as Sarangkot Mountain Lodge, Temple Tree Resort & Spa in Pokhara, Shinta Mani Mustang, Country Villa in Nagarkot, Meghauli Serai in Chitwan, and lodges in wildlife areas like Bardia could follow in Dwarika’s footsteps. Fine dining restaurants, including establishments like Tusa, may also find their way into the Michelin Guide as Nepal’s culinary standards continue to rise and attract international attention.

The arrival of Michelin in Nepal marks the beginning of a new era for the country’s hospitality and gastronomy. It sets a global benchmark, encouraging hotels, restaurants, and chefs to elevate their quality, creativity, and consistency. For the Nepali culinary community, this recognition is not just an international validation but also a reminder that Nepali cuisine, culture, and hospitality have the potential to shine on the world stage. As Michelin’s presence in Nepal grows, it is likely to inspire a new generation of chefs, hoteliers, and entrepreneurs to aim higher, ensuring that the flavors, stories, and warmth of Nepal continue to earn global recognition.