Malaysia's culinary scene just got a little brighter with two new MICHELIN-Starred restaurants joining the ranks in the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang 2025, alongside a fresh wave of Bib Gourmand establishments.
Wondering which dishes wowed our inspectors? You’re in luck — they’ve shared their tasting notes, and we’re thrilled to reveal the standout offerings that made the cut. Dive in and discover what makes these dishes unforgettable.
The Lost Recipe
Chim by Chef Noom (Kuala Lumpur)One MICHELIN Star
MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025
This "Lost Recipe", once a royal delicacy for Siam’s elite in the early 19th century, reimagines Tom Yum with an exquisite twist. Picture wild-caught river fish adding a delightful texture, while the broth — bursting with homegrown chillies, fresh Thai herbs, and tangy starfruit — strikes a perfect balance of sour, spicy, and sweet.
As the fragrant soup is poured over tender fish fillets and herbs table-side, the aroma wraps around you like a warm, delicious embrace.
Molina's dish called "Sepia"
Sepia
Molina (Kuala Lumpur)One MICHELIN Star
MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025
Imagine a dish where caramelised cuttlefish unfurls like a flower on your plate, each tender bite practically melting in your mouth. This stunner comes alive with a velvety butter sauce laced with lemon verbena, balanced by a punchy peanut dressing, pickled seaweed, and an airy cloud of goat cheese foam. The caramelised sweetness plays beautifully with the fresh, briny flavours, while the herbaceous and fruity notes add an unexpected twist. And that goat cheese foam? It leaves a rich, creamy finish that makes this dish unforgettable — truly the star of the meal.
Kerala Fish Curry
Coast by Kayra (Kuala Lumpur)Bib Gourmand
MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025
This Kerala Fish Curry is a family treasure, perfected over generations and bursting with flavour. Its tangy kick comes from a secret mix of raw mango and yoghurt, creating a sauce that’s rich with raw mango, fenugreek, tomatoes, and a handful of cherry tomatoes for extra pop. Choose your favourite fish to make it your own, and let the fragrant, perfectly tart sauce take you on a journey. Pro tip: pair it with warm naan to soak up every drop of that irresistible curry goodness.
The Smoked Hummus at Leen's
Smoked Hummus
Leen's (Kuala Lumpur)Bib Gourmand
MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025
Leen’s Smoked Hummus is a showstopper, taking a classic to new heights with its velvety, savoury base. Each bite delivers a masterful mix of smokiness and zing, rounded out by a dash of charcoal chilli oil that brings a deep, spicy richness. Whole chickpeas add a satisfying bite, while four pieces of freshly baked Arabic bread — crispy outside, soft and chewy inside — make the perfect, piping-hot companion. This is hummus, but not as you know it to be!
Assam Laksa with Prawn Cracker
Laksalicious (Penang)Bib Gourmand
MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025
Laksalicious in Penang serves up an Assam Laksa with Prawn Cracker experience that’s nothing short of spectacular. The noodles swim in a rich, simmered-for-hours fish broth made with mackerel and a medley of other fish, packing a punch of flavour. The thick, tangy broth, laced with tender shredded fish and a zesty kick of tamarind, dances with every bite, while the light, bouncy noodles soak up all that glorious essence.
To top it off, fresh mint and torch ginger flower bring an aromatic burst, and a crispy prawn cracker on the side adds the perfect crunch with every delicious slurp.
The Otak Otak at Winn's Cafe in Penang. (Photo: MICHELIN)
Otak Otak
Winn's Café (Penang)Bib Gourmand
MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025
This dish is a celebration of vibrant flavours — fresh fish, eggs, and coconut milk all steamed together to create a melt-in-your-mouth texture that lets the fish’s delicate flavour and the sweetness of the coconut shine. Infused with the tangy kick of local Breynia androgyna leaves, it brings a burst of herbal freshness and a subtle spice that elevates every bite. It’s the perfect way to kick off your meal, offering a tantalising mix of flavours and textures that will leave you craving more.
All the images are from the restaurants unless otherwise stated. Header image is from Chim by Chef Noom.
