11 November 2025
Share
The MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026 has been unveiled, marking the fourth edition of this celebrated culinary journey through Malaysia’s most dynamic cities.
This year’s selection features 151 establishments across the MICHELIN Star, Bib Gourmand and MICHELIN Selected distinctions — including 2 newly promoted One MICHELIN Star restaurants, 58 Bib Gourmand eateries and 84 MICHELIN Selected venues. From time-honored street stalls to inventive fine-dining tables, this latest edition reflects a Malaysia in full creative bloom: a country where tradition and innovation continue to thrive side by side. This year’s selection also tells the story of a nation whose culinary voice grows more assured and expressive with every passing year. It is a flavorful portrait of a country that pays tribute to its roots while embracing the world.
“The MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026 celebrates a country where culinary heritage and modern imagination come together in perfect balance. From kitchens that honor generations of tradition to talents that boldly redefine excellence, Malaysia’s dining landscape continues to flourish as one of Asia’s most inspiring,” says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide.
“The 151 establishments recognized this year reflect the remarkable energy and diversity of Malaysia’s food scene. Together, they form a mosaic of flavor and passion, telling the culinary story of a modern Malaysia — one that is confident, expressive and innovative.”
RELATED: At a Glance: All the Restaurants in the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026
Dewakan Ever Still the Vanguard as Malaysia's Only 2 MICHELIN Star and Green Star Restaurant
Chef Darren Teoh’s Dewakan once again retains its coveted Two MICHELIN Stars, marking a third consecutive year at the pinnacle of Malaysia’s fine-dining scene. Known for its innovative use of indigenous ingredients and fearless reinterpretation of traditional Malaysian flavors, Dewakan remains both a culinary beacon and a cultural statement. Its continued recognition affirms not only its excellence but also its vital role in shaping Malaysia’s culinary narrative.
Dewakan also joins the MICHELIN Green Star community, having captured the Inspectors’ attention with its inspiring vision. The MICHELIN Green Star highlights restaurants within the MICHELIN Guide selection that have impressed Inspectors with their deep commitment to the future of gastronomy. By bringing together a community of forward-thinking establishments dedicated to progress and sustainability, the MICHELIN Green Star fosters dialogue and collaboration, encouraging restaurants to evolve and inspire one another toward a more sustainable future.
Akar and Terra Dining Earn Their First MICHELIN Star
This year’s selection features eight One MICHELIN Star restaurants, including two newly promoted from MICHELIN Selected: Akar and Terra Dining, joining the ranks of Beta, Chim by Chef Noom, DC. by Darren Chin and Molina in Kuala Lumpur; and Au Jardin and Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery in Penang.
Led by Chef Aidan Low, Akar receives its first MICHELIN Star for refashioning European recipes with Japanese, French and Malaysian influences, elegantly bridging heritage and innovation through finely layered textures and tastes. Terra Dining, under the helm of Chef Yu Cheng Chong, earns its first MICHELIN Star for its refined, ingredient-driven approach to contemporary Malaysian cuisine, where refinement and focus shape every flavor, and every element is thoughtfully composed.
Bib Gourmand: Quality at Great Value
The Bib Gourmand distinction celebrates restaurants that offer exceptional food at moderate prices — the places where comfort, flavor and value come together beautifully. In the 2026 edition of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang, 58 eateries earn this distinction, including 5 new additions that exemplify Malaysia’s deep culinary heritage and its spirit of everyday generosity.
New in Kuala Lumpur:
Gulainya and Lama bring the warmth and complexity of Peranakan cuisine to the fore, showcasing layers of spice and tradition in every dish.
New in Penang:
Awesome Char Koay Teow, Bee Hwa Cafe and Sifu join the ranks, celebrating the enduring charm of Malaysian street food and the culinary mastery found in its humble stalls, where wok hei, balance and depth of flavor reign.
MICHELIN Selected Restaurants: A Reflection of Malaysia’s Evolving Culinary Identity
Beyond the MICHELIN Star and Bib Gourmand distinctions, the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026 highlights 84 MICHELIN Selected restaurants, including 11 new additions that have impressed the Inspectors with their quality, character and culinary promise.
Each of these establishments represents the vibrant pulse of Malaysia’s dining landscape, from inventive fine-dining concepts to beloved neighborhood favorites — showcasing the creativity, craftsmanship and care that define the country’s evolving culinary identity.
In Kuala Lumpur, new additions include:
Bidou, a French bistro offering refined yet comforting fare; Jie, an inventive dining room showcasing modern Chinese cuisine through contemporary techniques; K, a modern Japanese restaurant renowned for its meticulous omakase experience; Kazu, specializing in high-quality sushi and kappo menus; Kuki, a vegan concept redefining plant-based cuisine with flair; and Shu, an innovative kitchen known for its creative, ingredient-driven approach.
In Penang, the newcomers include:
Blacklinen, a barbecue specialist that combines smoky depth with elegant presentation; Du-An (Lebuh Pantai), a celebration of Malaysian heritage through elevated local flavors; Mémoire, offering an innovative tasting menu inspired by personal stories and culinary nostalgia; Peninsula House, blending Australian contemporary sensibilities with Asian ingredients; and Sood by Chef Ton, a Thai contemporary restaurant bringing refined Bangkok flair to Penang’s dining scene.
Celebrating Excellence: MICHELIN Guide Special Awards
In addition to its Starred and Bib Gourmand distinctions, the MICHELIN Guide celebrates the people and places whose vision and craftsmanship enrich Malaysia’s culinary landscape. The 2026 edition of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang presents three Special Awards to honor exceptional contributions to the art of dining.
- Young Chef Award: Chin Hua Wong (Shu, MICHELIN Selected), for his thoughtful exploration of heritage and identity through cuisine. Drawing from his experience in acclaimed kitchens across Singapore, Bangkok and Shenzhen, Chef Wong presents dishes that pay homage to his Chinese roots while reflecting the evolution of diaspora cuisine. Through modern techniques and heartfelt storytelling, each creation is crafted with intention — rooted in culture and rich with meaning.
- Service Award: Maverick Fung (K, MICHELIN Selected), for his exceptional professionalism and intuitive hospitality. With over a decade of experience, Mr. Fung seamlessly blends attentiveness with deep ingredient knowledge, transforming service into a finely tuned experience. His warmth, composure and perceptive wine recommendations exemplify the artistry of the front-of-house.
- Opening of the Year Award (presented by UOB Malaysia): Bidou, the latest venture by Chef Darren Teoh of 2-Star Dewakan, for bringing a refined celebration of authentic French cuisine to Kuala Lumpur. Inspired by the visionaries of nouvelle cuisine such as Paul Bocuse and Michel Guérard, Bidou pays homage to French gastronomic heritage while showcasing Teoh’s mastery and enduring respect for culinary tradition.
A Nation in Flavorful Bloom
The fourth edition of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang marks a new chapter in Malaysia’s ever-evolving culinary story. From street stalls that capture the soul of tradition to fine-dining destinations that push creative boundaries, this year’s selection celebrates the depth, diversity and dynamism of Malaysia’s dining landscape. Together, these restaurants — from newly recognized gems to long-standing favorites — reflect a nation whose culinary identity grows more confident, expressive and globally resonant with each passing year.
“The passion and creativity we continue to witness across Malaysia are truly remarkable,” adds Poullennec. “This selection highlights a culinary community that honors its roots while embracing innovation, and we look forward to sharing Malaysia’s vibrant gastronomic story with the world.”
The restaurant selection joins the MICHELIN Guide’s hotel selection, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in Malaysia and across the globe.
Every hotel in the MICHELIN Guide is chosen for its exceptional style, service, and personality — with options for all budgets — and each can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app.
The MICHELIN Guide has long been a global 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 explore the full restaurant selection and book your next unforgettable stay.
The official MICHELIN Guide Asia Facebook page
The MICHELIN Guide Asia Youtube channel
Download the MICHELIN Guide App for iOS and Android
Every hotel in the MICHELIN Guide is chosen for its exceptional style, service, and personality — with options for all budgets — and each can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app.
The MICHELIN Guide has long been a global 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 explore the full restaurant selection and book your next unforgettable stay.
The official MICHELIN Guide Asia Facebook page
The MICHELIN Guide Asia Youtube channel
Download the MICHELIN Guide App for iOS and Android
