A true testament to Malaysia’s extraordinary gastronomic heritage and diversity, this year’s Guide celebrates over 30 cuisines, with entries ranging from humble food stalls to upscale dining destinations.
The Michelin Guide KL and Penang, which was launched in December 2022, is divided into Starred, Bib Gourmand, and Selected categories. Notably, two new restaurants have earned one Michelin star, while 12 establishments have been added to the Bib Gourmand list, which celebrates restaurants that serve high-quality food at reasonable prices.
“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. We are excited to celebrate the passion, creativity and dedication that make this country’s cuisine special,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Guide.
For its firm commitment to sustainability, celebrated contemporary restaurant Dewakan has made history by becoming the first Malaysian dining establishment to receive the prestigious Michelin Green Star. This award highlights restaurants around the world whose sustainable practices are at the forefront of the industry.
Led by chef Darren Teoh Min Guo, Dewakan is also currently the only restaurant in Malaysia with two Michelin stars.
The two new restaurants receiving one Michelin star are Chim by Chef Noom, which offers contemporary Thai cuisine, and Molina, whose menu combines French techniques, Nordic sensibility, and Asian twists.
The other one-Michelin-starred Malaysian restaurants are Au Jardin, Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, Beta, and DC. by Darren Chin.
In the Bib Gourmand category, 56 restaurants are listed. New additions from KL are Coast by Kayra, Foong Lian, Leen’s, MTR 1924, and Sin Kiew Yee Shin Kee Beef Noodles.
Penang’s BM Yam Rice (previously in the Selected category), Laksalicious, Lum Lai Duck Meat Koay Teow Th’ng, Ravi’s Famous Apom Manis, Serabai Istimewa, Super Star Koay Teow Soup, and Winn’s Café also make their debut in Bib Gourmand this year.
The Selected Category, meanwhile, lists 80 local dining establishments, with street food vendors, steakhouses, innovative kitchens and more making a mark here.
The 10 new category additions include KL’s Atelier Binchotan, Bar.Kar, Potager, and Terra Dining, as well as Penang’s Christoph’s, Jaloux, and Lucky Hole.
The Guide also awarded four special awards to exceptional individuals who have elevated the local dining scene. Azmi Ahmad Kamal of Chim by Chef Noom won the Service Award for his commitment to exceptional service, while Han Lai of Terra Dining received the Sommelier Award.
Waymann Cheong of Penang’s Lucky Hole received the Young Chef Award, while Guillaume Depoortere, head chef of Molina, took home Opening of the Year.
The latter award, presented by UOB Malaysia, celebrates the success of a newly opened dining venue that has significantly impacted the local culinary scene.
The full selection of the Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang 2025 can be found here.