Kuala Lumpur

Led by Chef Aidan Low, Akar earned its first MICHELIN Star in the 2026 edition of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang. Here, our Inspector reflects on what they encountered during their visits.

With the reveal of the complete selection of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026, our Inspectors describe the three defining trends they observed that are shaping the culinary landscape of the two Malaysian cities.

An inside look at the tradition of staff meals at Kuala Lumpur’s Two-MICHELIN-Starred Dewakan, and the care, sense of ritual and philosophy behind every meal.

The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors reveal their favourite dishes in the 2026 Kuala Lumpur and Penang selection, ranging from a faithful French classic to a beloved Malaysian hawker staple.

The MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026 celebrates Malaysia’s ever-evolving dining scene with 151 establishments: 2 new MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, 58 Bib Gourmand picks and 84 MICHELIN Selected venues, reflecting a country where creativity, culture and craft continue to flourish.

Discover the full MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026 selection, showcasing every Starred restaurant, Bib Gourmand address and MICHELIN Selected venue across both cities.

This year’s Bib Gourmand selection welcomes five new additions: two from Kuala Lumpur and three from Penang, bringing the total to 58 value-for-money eateries across Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

At Kuala Lumpur’s MICHELIN Key hotels, storied heritage and sky-high luxury meet the city’s blend of tradition, modernity and ever-evolving cuisine.

The MICHELIN Guide announces its selection of the best hotels in Malaysia for 2025.

The chef revives ancient Thai recipes with modern flair, preserving heritage while crafting unforgettable dining experiences at his Kuala Lumpur restaurant.

Shaped by migration and memory, Hakka food blends humble ingredients with heritage, preserving a culture through bold, soulful dishes.

At Leen’s, Hide and Terra Dining, three chefs defy convention, trading law, finance and copywriting for kitchens, conviction and MICHELIN recognition.

From millennia-old Javanese sweet noodles to Jewish-inspired Indian pancakes, desserts here promise a delightful treat at any time of the day.

Rooted in centuries of culinary exchange, Malaysia’s seafood scene is a treasure trove of flavors. From fiery curries to tamarind-laced broths, these MICHELIN-recommended restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and Penang are must-stops for any seafood lover.

Think great food needs booze to shine? Think again. These nine Malaysian restaurants are proving that non-alcoholic pairings can be just as complex, refined, and downright delicious — no buzz required.

Chef-proprietor Aidan Low of MICHELIN-Selected restaurant Akar in Kuala Lumpur unearths a host of native Malaysian gems, inviting diners to marvel at uncommon ingredients of the country's indigenous culinary landscape.

From fiery sambals to sweet coconut palm elixirs, Malaysia’s sauces are the soul of its cuisine — each one a flavour-packed journey through the country’s rich, multicultural dining traditions.

As the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang marks its third year, Malaysia’s culinary scene continues to thrive. With new MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, more Bib Gourmand additions, and the debut of a Green Star, our Inspectors break down this year’s selection and highlight trends shaping the future of Malaysian dining.