India, May 22 -- It is the ultimate gastronomic accolade. And yet when it came it took much of the global foodie community by surprise. On Thursday night, Tresind Studio, an Indian restaurant in Dubai, was awarded three stars by the Michelin guide.

This makes Tresind Studio the only Indian restaurant in the world to hold three stars. It is also the only restaurant in West Asia, across all cuisines, to have won this culinary accolade.

Michelin stars are highly valued by chefs because of the incorruptibility, expertise and credibility of the guide. One star means that a restaurant is very good. Two stars make it one of the finest in the region. Three stars are only given to restaurants regarded as being among the best in the world.

Tresi...