The Complete List of MICHELIN Guide Malaysia 2023

We’ve all heard about restaurants abroad being awarded MICHELIN Stars, but it was never heard of in Malaysia’s F&B industry. That’s because the MICHELIN Guide only arrived in Malaysia, particularly Kuala Lumpur and Penang, in 2022! Here’s the complete list of the MICHELIN Guide recommended restaurants. 

Upon the announcement of the selection in December 2022, 4 restaurants in total have been recognized with one MICHELIN Star and 32 establishments were awarded Bib Gourmand among the first selection of 97 restaurants in total. This is especially exciting for Malaysia as we are a multi-ethnic country, which carries so much diversity and culture in our cuisines! Experience the pinnacle of Malaysian cuisine with the MICHELIN Guide's coveted star ratings and recommendations.

4 Restaurants awarded one MICHELIN Star 

Being awarded one MICHELIN Star is a significant achievement for any restaurant and is based on five criteria: quality of the ingredients; mastery of cooking; harmony of the flavours; expression of the chef’s personality in the cuisine; and consistency, both over time and across the entire menu. 

A one MICHELIN Star distinction indicates that the restaurant offers high-quality cuisine that is worth a stop on any culinary journey. The restaurant may have a unique culinary concept, an exceptional location, or a particular ambiance that sets it apart. One MICHELIN Star restaurants offer a refined and carefully crafted dining experience with exceptional food, attentive service, and a pleasant atmosphere.

From left to right: Darren Chin from D.C (Kuala Lumpur), Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery (Penang), Dewakan (Kuala Lumpur), DC. by Darren Chin (Kuala Lumpur), au Jardin (Penang)

1. Dewakan (Kuala Lumpur) is a restaurant that truly pays homage to our homeland by sourcing its ingredients locally and incorporating them into modern Malaysian cuisine.
2. DC. by Darren Chin (Kuala Lumpur) serves not only French classics, but also innovative dishes with Japanese influences, cooked to perfection with precise skills. 
3. au Jardin (Penang), the brainchild of chef Kim Hock Su, showcases European cuisine with subtle local twists and redesigns its menu monthly.
4. Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery (Penang) is known for Peranakan dishes crafted mostly from scratch and using local produce by Auntie Gaik Lean’s secret recipes. 

Photo via @restaurantaujardin on IG

32 Establishments awarded Bib Gourmand distinction 

The MICHELIN Guide comprises fine-dining restaurants only… is a myth! The Bib Gourmand recognition is given to restaurants that are not necessarily formal or fancy, but offer delicious, high-quality food in a comfortable and unpretentious setting. These restaurants are usually popular with locals and are often hidden gems that offer a unique and authentic dining experience. Here’s the list of establishments that are pocket-friendly!

List of Bib Gourmand in Kuala Lumpur

1. Ah Hei Bak Kut Teh 

2. Aliyaa 

3. Anak Baba 

4. Congkak (Bukit Bintang)

5. Dancing Fish 

6. De.Wan 1958

7. Hai Kah Lang 

8. Heun Kee Claypot Chicken Rice (Pudu)

9. Hing Kee Bakuteh (Jalan Kepong)

10. Lai Fong Lala Noodles

11. Nam Heong Chicken Rice

12. Nasi Ayam Hainan Chee Meng (Jalan Kelang Lama)

13. Restoran Pik Wah 

14. Sao Nam 

15. Wong Mei Kee 

List of Bib Gourmand in Penang

1. Bridge Street Prawn Noodle 

2. Communal Table by Gēn 

3. Duck Blood Curry Mee 

4. Green House Prawn Mee & Loh Mee 

5. Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine 

6. Ming Qing Charcoal Duck Egg Char Koay Teow 

7. Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Kuay

8. Neighbourwood 

9. Penang Road Famous Laksa 

10. Rasa Rasa

11. Sardaarji 

12. Taman Bukit Curry Mee

13. Teksen 

14. Thara

15. Theeni Pandarams 

16. Tho Yuen 

17. Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa 

Photo via @dewan.space on IG

61 MICHELIN Selected restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and Penang

MICHELIN Selected restaurants are dining establishments that have been evaluated and recommended by the MICHELIN Guide. They are not awarded a MICHELIN Star, but they have been identified by the Michelin inspectors as noteworthy dining destinations that offer quality cuisine, service, and ambience. Being recognized as a MICHELIN Selected restaurant is a significant achievement for any restaurant and indicates that it is well worth a visit for discerning foodies. 

MICHELIN Selected in Kuala Lumpur        MICHELIN Selected in Penang

For more information, visit the official MICHELIN Guide Malaysia’s website MICHELIN Guide Malaysia.

For the epicures and gourmets, you can now book MICHELIN restaurants on FunNow, the official booking partner of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang 2023. Oh, have we told you that there’s an additional RM20 welcome gift for new FunNow app users? 😉

Disclaimer: All of the information provided is correct at the time of publication. If you come across any changes or updates that we are not aware of, please comment or drop us an email and we will make the changes accordingly.