Jin Xuan, a Cantonese restaurant in Ritz Carlton Pudong, and Kanpai, a Japanese-style establishment on the Bund, both lost their only stars in the current edition.

A total of 34 restaurants were awarded Michelin stars in the 2019 edition, up by four last year. The winners this year include one new two-star restaurant and five debutants in the one-star category.

Although some have pointed out the departure of Tang Court's chef as the reason behind the loss of its star, industry insiders told China Daily that it is not so much a matter of the restaurant resting on its laurels but more of the tire manufacturer's response to criticism in China.