AdminThe MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025 has unveiled its latest culinary honors, highlighting Malaysia’s finest dining experiences with awards across MICHELIN Starred, Bib Gourmand, and MICHELIN Selected categories.
This third edition celebrates 143 restaurants, showcasing Malaysia’s thriving culinary diversity and, notably, marking the country’s first MICHELIN Green Star for sustainability.
Malaysia’s first Green Star
Dewakan, a contemporary Malaysian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur, has set a historic precedent by becoming Malaysia’s first MICHELIN Green Star recipient for its commitment to sustainable dining practices. Led by Chef Darren Teoh Min Guo, Dewakan retains its two MICHELIN Stars, demonstrating both culinary and environmental excellence. Dewakan’s approach includes sourcing local ingredients, practicing nose-to-tail cooking, and reducing waste by fermenting food scraps into sauces.
This prestigious Green Star reflects the MICHELIN Guide’s dedication to promoting sustainable practices, with Dewakan leading by example to inspire greener practices in fine dining. “As we reveal the third edition…we are truly impressed by the remarkable progress of Malaysia’s culinary landscape…and the addition of 12 new Bib Gourmand establishments showcases the rich diversity of local flavours,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide.
Expanding the MICHELIN Star Family
The MICHELIN Guide 2025 edition also welcomes two new one-MICHELIN-Starred restaurants: Chim by Chef Noom, known for its innovative Thai cuisine with artful twists, and Molina, which combines French techniques, Nordic influences, and Asian flavors.
These two new establishments join the ranks of Malaysia’s six one-MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, including the renowned Au Jardin, Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, Beta, and DC. by Darren Chin, solidifying Malaysia’s position as a distinguished dining destination.
Bib Gourmand and MICHELIN selected categories
This year, the Bib Gourmand category, which honors high-quality, affordable dining, grew to 56 establishments, with 12 new entries. Notable additions include Foong Lian in Kuala Lumpur, a Cantonese eatery known for its authentic offerings, and Winn’s Cafe in Penang, which serves traditional Peranakan flavors.
The popular BM Yam Rice has also been promoted from MICHELIN Selected to the Bib Gourmand list, recognized for its hearty yam rice paired with a rich, savory broth. Kuala Lumpur’s new Bib Gourmand additions include Coast by Kayra, Leen’s, MTR 1924, and Sin Kiew Yee Shin Kee Beef Noodles, while Penang’s list expanded with Laksalicious, Lum Lai Duck Meat Koay Teow Th’ng, and Ravi’s Famous Apom Manis.
Additionally, the MICHELIN Selected list has grown with 10 new establishments, covering diverse cuisine types, from Kuala Lumpur’s barbecue haven Atelier Binchotan and contemporary French Potager to Penang’s innovative kitchen Lucky Hole and the Italian trattoria Jaloux. This expanding list of restaurants showcases Malaysia’s culinary range, from street food to fine dining, reflecting both tradition and modernity.
Special Awards recognizing culinary talent
The MICHELIN Guide 2025 also highlighted exceptional talent with four Special Awards:
- Service Award: Azmi Ahmad Kamal of Chim by Chef Noom was recognized for his attentive, warm service, creating a memorable dining experience.
- Sommelier Award: Han Lai from Terra Dining received the Sommelier Award for his expertly curated wine pairings, enhancing each dish’s flavors.
- Young Chef Award: Waymann Cheong from Lucky Hole was honored for his innovative cooking techniques that bring modern flair to Penang’s culinary scene.
- Opening of the Year Award: Chef Guillaume Depoortere of Molina was celebrated for the establishment’s impact since opening in June 2024, bringing refined, multicultural cuisine to Kuala Lumpur.
Honoring Malaysia’s vibrant culinary scene
The MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025 shines a spotlight on Malaysia’s evolving dining scene, recognizing an extraordinary mix of culinary talent, innovative approaches, and environmental consciousness.
This year’s additions across all categories, combined with the awarding of Malaysia’s first MICHELIN Green Star, reflect the nation’s vibrant food culture and its dedication to sustainable practices.
CJMY
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