The MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025 has been unveiled, marking a triumphant third chapter for this gastronomic nation.
With 143 establishments spanning Starred, Bib Gourmand, and Selected categories, this year's lineup showcases the full, vibrant spectrum of dining in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. From bustling street food stalls to elegant fine-dining venues, this edition celebrates over 30 diverse cuisines that make Malaysia a true gastronomic paradise.
“As we reveal the third edition of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025, we are truly impressed by the remarkable progress of Malaysia’s culinary landscape. It’s inspiring to see two new restaurants earn one MICHELIN Star, and the addition of 12 new Bib Gourmand establishments showcases the rich diversity of local flavours. From preserving cherished family recipes to embracing sustainability with our first MICHELIN Green Star restaurant, these dining spots reflect the heart and soul of Malaysia’s culinary heritage. We are excited to celebrate the passion, creativity, and dedication that make this country’s cuisine special,” says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide.
The First MICHELIN Green Star Restaurant in Malaysia
Dewakan, the celebrated contemporary Malaysian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, has made history by being the first restaurant in Malaysia to receive the prestigious MICHELIN Green Star for its commitment to sustainability, while also retaining two MICHELIN Stars for its outstanding cuisine.
Chef Darren Teoh Min Guo leads Dewakan’s efforts to source local ingredients — especially some unique local produce — and makes the best use of them to promote local Malaysian flavours, setting a great example. Taking a nose-to-tail approach to ensure every part of the ingredients is utilised and reducing waste by fermenting food scraps into homemade sauces, Dewakan exemplifies how fine dining and sustainability can go hand in hand.
RELATED: Dewakan’s Darren Teoh on the Process of Creating a Dish
2 New Restaurants Receive One MICHELIN Star
The 2025 edition also celebrates the addition of two new restaurants to the prestigious one MICHELIN Star category: Chim By Chef Noom, offering innovative contemporary Thai cuisine that serves Thai dishes rooted in tradition but with creative twists and stylish plating; and Molina, recognised for innovative dishes that are a delectable amalgam of French techniques, Nordic sensibility, and Asian twists.
These two restaurants join a select group of 6 MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, including Au Jardin, Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, Beta, and DC. by Darren Chin.
12 New Bib Gourmand Eateries
In the third edition of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025, the MICHELIN Guide continues to recognise exceptional value with its Bib Gourmand category, recognising 56 restaurants this year for their high-quality and affordable dining experiences.
Of particular note is BM Yam Rice has been moved from the MICHELIN Selected category to the Bib Gourmand list, acknowledging its consistent quality and value. Known for its rich and flavourful broth served with savoury yam rice, this beloved establishment in Penang has earned its place among the country’s most notable affordable dining options.
Kuala Lumpur:
Penang:
10 New Entries Added to the MICHELIN Selected Category
This year’s MICHELIN Selected list includes 80 establishments, with 10 new additions. These restaurants range from street food vendors to steakhouses and innovative kitchens, offering diners a wide assortment of culinary experiences.
Notable newcomers in Kuala Lumpur include barbecue specialists Atelier Binchotan and Bar Kar, contemporary French restaurant Potager, and contemporary Malaysian venue Terra Dining.
In Penang, the Austrian dining room Christoph’s, Italian trattoria Jaloux, and innovative kitchen Lucky Hole are among others.
This year's new entries showcase the exciting future of Malaysia’s dining scene, bringing unique perspectives to the nation and blending tradition with innovation.
4 MICHELIN Guide Special Awards
Each year, the MICHELIN Guide highlights the exceptional individuals who elevate Malaysia’s dynamic dining scene. The MICHELIN Guide 2025 Special Awards continue this tradition, recognising top talents in Service, Sommelier, Young Chef, and Opening of the Year categories, all of which play an integral role in shaping the destination’s gastronomic landscape.
The 2025 MICHELIN Guide Service Award
Mr. Azmi Ahmad Kamal of Chim by Chef Noom (new One MICHELIN Star) takes home the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025 Service Award for his unwavering commitment to exceptional service. Humble, polite, and friendly, Kamal's professionalism shines from the moment you sit down. His keen observational skills and warm service make dining a delightful experience, earning him recognition as one of the hardest-working and friendliest staff members in the restaurant.
The 2025 MICHELIN Guide Sommelier Award
Recognised for his exceptional knowledge and passion for wine, Mr. Han Lai from Terra Dining (new MICHELIN Selected) receives the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025 Sommelier Award. With around three years of service experience and a background in the wine industry, Lai offers curated wine pairing options with either three or five glasses, enhancing the dining experience and complementing each meal perfectly.
The 2025 MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award
Mr. Waymann Cheong from Lucky Hole (new MICHELIN Selected) is this year’s Young Chef Award winner. Born into a food industry family in Penang, he developed a passion for cooking early on. After graduating from a local culinary hospitality college and gaining experience at renowned restaurants like Pollen and Burnt Ends in Singapore, he returned to Penang, aiming to introduce modern culinary concepts to his hometown. As the leader of a young team at Lucky Hole, he fosters creativity and energy, boldly blending modern techniques with local ingredients.
The 2025 MICHELIN Guide Opening of the Year Award
The Opening of the Year Award, presented by UOB Malaysia, celebrates the success of a newly opened dining venue that has significantly impacted the local culinary scene. This year’s recipient is Mr. Guillaume Depoortere, the head chef of Molina (new One MICHELIN Star). Since its opening in June 2024, the core team, with a strong background in Europe’s top-class restaurants, brings extensive industry experience and expertise, establishing a new standard in the city's culinary scene.
These Special Awards reflect the dedication, skill, and passion of Malaysia’s culinary professionals and contribute to the nation’s evolving gastronomic excellence.
With two new one-MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, an unprecedented MICHELIN Green Star recognition, and a wide range of new Bib Gourmand and MICHELIN Selected establishments, this year’s guide celebrates the diversity and creativity that define the country’s cuisine. From street food stalls to contemporary fine dining, Kuala Lumpur and Penang continue to offer an unmatched culinary journey.
The restaurant selection joins the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in Malaysia and throughout the world. Every hotel in the MICHELIN Guide is chosen for its extraordinary style, service, and personality — with options for all budgets — and each hotel can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app.
The MICHELIN Guide is a benchmark in gastronomy. Now, it’s setting a new standard for hotels. Visit the MICHELIN Guide’s official website, or download the MICHELIN Guide mobile app (iOS and Android), to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable hotel.
The official MICHELIN Guide Asia Facebook Page
The MICHELIN Guide Asia Youtube Channel
Download the MICHELIN Guide App for iOS and Android
