11 November 2025
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The MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang kicks off its 2026 awards season with a celebration of flavor, heritage and local soul.
The 2026 Bib Gourmand selection shines the light on 58 eateries across Kuala Lumpur and Penang, showcasing time-honored street food stalls to beloved neighborhood restaurants that serve up memorable meals at great value.
This year’s list welcomes five new additions: Gulainya and Lama in Kuala Lumpur; and Awesome Char Koay Teow, Bee Hwa Cafe and Sifu in Penang. Together, they join a vibrant line-up of eateries that capture Malaysia’s culinary diversity, from smoky wok hei noodles and spice-laden curries to comforting home-style classics passed down through generations.
2 New Bib Gourmand Establishments in Kuala Lumpur
In the nation’s capital, two new eateries join the Bib Gourmand selection, each offering a delicious snapshot of Malaysia’s multicultural table, from elevated Peranakan flavors to inventive takes on local heritage.
Located in the lively Plaza Damansara, this Peranakan spot stands out for its refined take on cherished family recipes. The menu features comforting, home-style dishes prepared with fresh local produce and house-made sauces crafted by the owner himself. The creamy basil boneless chicken is a highlight: tender, velvety meat enveloped in a rich, herb-forward sauce. For a relaxed experience, opt for alfresco dining on warm, breezy evenings.
Housed in a two-storey space that also serves as a living museum for the owner’s antique collection, this restaurant exudes warmth and nostalgia. Run by a father-and-daughter duo, it offers authentic Nyonya home-style dishes designed for sharing. Don’t miss the pie tee: delicate, crispy pastry cups filled with finely diced vegetables, fried onions and shrimp, topped with a fragrant homemade chilli sauce. Complement your meal with the refreshing pandan lemongrass tea, which comes with unlimited refills and perfectly tempers the spice.
3 New Bib Gourmand Addresses in Penang
Up north, three new names make their debut on the list, reflecting Penang’s enduring reputation as a street food paradise. These spots celebrate the island’s dynamic food scene, where tradition, nostalgia and bold local character come together in every plate.
Now helmed by the third generation, this family-run stall continues to serve aromatic plates of koay teow fried to order, each imbued with irresistible wok hei. The noodles are perfectly smoky and satisfying, best enjoyed with a dab of house-made chilli sauce. For an extra indulgence, top it with a runny egg or a slice of melted cheese.
Serving halal Malaysian-Chinese fare, this charming café replaces pork with chicken and seafood without compromising on flavor. What began as a humble street stall in 1992 has evolved into a family-run establishment, now managed by the owner alongside her son and daughter. The char kway teow is sautéed with minced garlic instead of lard and tossed in a secret soy sauce blend that delivers a spicy-sweet kick. Made fresh daily, the broth for the hae mee brims with seafood umami, while the house-made curry paste lends an aromatic heat to the noodles.
The kitchen here is led by a seasoned Peranakan cook in her seventies, whose decades of experience shine through in every dish. The extensive menu features over 40 à la carte classics celebrating the depth and nuance of traditional Nyonya cuisine. Among the standouts is the asam prawn: plump and bouncy, coated in a glossy, tamarind-laced sauce that balances sweet and sour notes beautifully. The mang kuang char, sautéed shredded yam bean with dried squid and mushrooms, delights with its sweet flavor and crisp texture.
The complete restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026 can be found directly on the MICHELIN Guide’s official website and the MICHELIN Guide mobile app (iOS and Android).
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