Rwanda's capital, Kigali, is about to welcome an unprecedented culinary experience as a Michelin-rated restaurant is set to relocate to the city under the Choose Kigali banner. The aforementioned restaurant is one of the top urban destinations in the region for creative dining and wine experiences. This includes multicourse omakase menus crafted by international guest chefs and sommeliers. Set to open next month, this relocation marks another big step taken, assuring Kigali's rapidly evolving food scene, further establishing the city as a rising star in global gastronomy and ultimately contributes to its broader appeal as a cosmopolitan destination. Choose Kigali located in Nyarugenge District has established itself as the premier closed event space in Kigali. It has become a favourite venue for prestigious events, including those by the Basketball Africa League and NBA Africa. During the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali in 2022, HRH then-Prince Charles transformed Choose Kigali into Terra Carta House, where he and his team hosted various events and parties throughout the summit. The venue remains a preferred destination for high-profile gatherings. ALSO READ: Promoting gastronomy and traditional dishes from Rwanda at the Kigali Triennial How restaurants get Michelin stars A Michelin star is a prestigious award given to restaurants by the Michelin Guide, a series of guidebooks published by the French tire company Michelin. The stars are recognised as a hallmark of fine dining, with restaurants receiving one, two, or three stars to signify their quality. Receiving a Michelin star is a highly coveted honour that signals a restaurant’s superior quality, exceptional food, and outstanding service. The guide's rigorous selection process involves anonymous inspections by professional food critics who evaluate restaurants based on criteria, such as the quality of ingredients, mastery of flavour and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in the cuisine, and consistency over time and across the entire menu. ALSO READ: In culinary shadows: How Rwandan chefs can step into the spotlight Origins of the Michelin Guide The invention of the Michelin Star rating coincides with the invention of the automobile. Michelin Tire founders and French industrialist brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin compiled the first Michelin Guide in 1900 with the aim of creating a demand for automobiles—and therefore, a need for more Michelin tires. The French guide was handed out for free and included maps, plus instructions on how to repair and change tires. To encourage drivers to use their cars and explore a little more, the guide also included a list of restaurants, hotels, mechanics, and gas stations along popular routes in France. Within a decade, the Michelin Guide expanded rapidly, becoming available across Europe and Northern Africa. It evolved over time and today, it covers 37 countries across Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. Additionally, the Michelin Green Star is awarded to the best and most sustainable restaurants globally. The restaurant's move to Kigali is particularly notable, for instance, across the United Kingdom, it requires diners to book reservations months or a year in advance, bolding its popularity and the high demand for its unique dining experience.
