A selection of dishes from Vege Wonder in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Biggest winner

On the mainland, Xin Rong Ji was the biggest winner this year, with the 10 Michelin stars awarded to its branches and subsidiaries in Beijing and Shanghai.

Founded in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, in October 1995 by Zhang Yong, the business features Taizhou cuisine and now has more than 30 branches in cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Shenzhen, Guangdong.

In Beijing, the Xin Rong Ji outlet on Xinyuan South Road retained its three stars.

Jingji, a newcomer to the capital's dining scene this year, which was awarded two stars, is a Xin Rong Ji subsidiary. It features imperial cuisine and regional cooking at an average price of 1,749 yuan ($266), according to the business review and ratings platform Dazhong Dianping.

In Shanghai, the Xin Rong Ji outlet on Nanyang Road won two stars, while its West Nanjing Road branch in the city and the Beijing branches on Jianguomenwai Street and Jinrong Street were awarded one star.

Another of its subsidiaries in Beijing, Rong Cuisine on Baiziwan South Er Road, along with Rong Cuisine (Huangpu) in Shanghai, won Michelin Bib Gourmand awards.

Cao said that standardizing and stabilizing the dishes and service it provides is the reason so many Xin Rong Ji branches have received Michelin stars, unlike numerous other restaurants that rely on renowned head chefs.