The MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025 has revealed its highly anticipated list of MICHELIN Starred, Bib Gourmand, and MICHELIN Selected restaurants, showcasing a total of 143 exceptional dining establishments across Malaysia’s rich and diverse culinary landscape. This third edition of the guide highlights the country’s finest gastronomic experiences while introducing new award categories that underscore the growing importance of sustainability, innovation, and culinary excellence.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide, shared his excitement about the latest edition: "As we unveil the third edition of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025, we are deeply impressed by the remarkable progress of Malaysia’s culinary scene. Two new restaurants earning one MICHELIN Star and the addition of 12 new Bib Gourmand establishments underscore the incredible diversity of local flavours. From preserving cherished family recipes to adopting sustainability practices—like the introduction of our first MICHELIN Green Star restaurant—these awards celebrate the heart and soul of Malaysia’s culinary heritage. We are thrilled to honour the passion, creativity, and commitment that make Malaysia’s dining scene truly unique."
Dewakan: A New Benchmark for Sustainability and Excellence
Among the standout honorees, Dewakan in Kuala Lumpur sets a new benchmark in the culinary world by earning two MICHELIN Stars and becoming the first restaurant in Malaysia to be awarded the prestigious MICHELIN Green Star. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability, Dewakan, led by Chef Darren Teoh Min Guo, exemplifies the perfect blend of innovation and environmental responsibility. The restaurant sources local, often rare, ingredients and employs a nose-to-tail philosophy to reduce waste. Its focus on sustainability is further demonstrated by fermenting food scraps into homemade sauces, creating a dining experience that is as conscientious as it is delicious.
The inclusion of Dewakan as Malaysia's first MICHELIN Green Star recipient highlights the growing importance of sustainability in the culinary world. The MICHELIN Guide now emphasizes that great food should not only satisfy the senses but also contribute positively to both the community and the environment, encouraging other restaurants to follow Dewakan’s lead.
Six One MICHELIN-Starred Restaurants, Including Two New Additions
The 2025 edition also celebrates the elevation of two new restaurants to the one MICHELIN Star category: Chim by Chef Noom, which offers a creative twist on contemporary Thai cuisine, and Molina, a restaurant that marries French techniques with Nordic sensibilities and Asian influences. These additions bring the total number of one-starred restaurants to six, joining Au Jardin, Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, Beta, and DC. by Darren Chin in this prestigious category.
A Growing List of Bib Gourmand Establishments
The Bib Gourmand category, which recognizes exceptional value for money, sees 56 restaurants honoured in the 2025 edition, including 12 new entries. Among these are Foong Lian, a standout Cantonese restaurant, and Winn’s Cafe, known for its exceptional Peranakan cuisine. Also notable is BM Yam Rice, which has been upgraded from the MICHELIN Selected category to Bib Gourmand, reflecting its consistent quality and exceptional value.
This year's Bib Gourmand newcomers include:
Kuala Lumpur: Coast by Kayra, Foong Lian, Leen's, MTR 1924, and Sin Kiew Yee Shin Kee Beef Noodles.
Penang: BM Yam Rice, Laksalicious, Lum Lai Duck Meat Koay Teow Th'ng, Ravi’s Famous Apom Manis, Serabai Istimewa, Super Star Koay Teow Soup, and Winn’s Cafe.
These restaurants represent the best of Malaysia’s affordable dining scene, where local flavours and excellent value go hand in hand.
10 New Additions to the MICHELIN Selected Category
This year, 10 new entries join the MICHELIN Selected category, bringing the total number of establishments in this tier to 80. These establishments range from street food vendors to innovative kitchens, offering an exciting mix of culinary experiences. Among the newcomers are Atelier Binchotan and Bar Kar in Kuala Lumpur, known for their expertly grilled meats, as well as Potager, a contemporary French restaurant, and Terra Dining, which showcases modern Malaysian cuisine. In Penang, restaurants such as Christoph’s (Austrian), Jaloux (Italian), and Lucky Hole (innovative kitchen) reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of the city’s food scene.
The MICHELIN Guide 2025 Special Awards
Each year, the MICHELIN Guide recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the country’s culinary excellence. The 2025 MICHELIN Guide Special Awards celebrate top talents in key categories such as service, sommelier, young chef, and opening of the year.
Service Award: Mr. Azmi Ahmad Kamal of Chim by Chef Noom (new one MICHELIN Star) is celebrated for his exceptional service. Known for his warm, friendly demeanor and attentiveness, Azmi has earned a reputation as one of the hardest-working and most personable members of the restaurant team.
Sommelier Award: Mr. Han Lai of Terra Dining (new MICHELIN Selected) is honored for his deep expertise and passion for wine. Han offers curated wine pairings that perfectly complement the restaurant’s modern Malaysian dishes.
Young Chef Award: Mr. Waymann Cheong of Lucky Hole (new MICHELIN Selected) is recognized for his bold culinary vision. Drawing inspiration from his heritage and his experience in top restaurants such as Pollen and Burnt Ends in Singapore, Cheong is bringing a modern touch to Penang’s food scene.
Opening of the Year Award: The Opening of the Year Award, presented by UOB Malaysia, goes to Molina and its head chef Mr. Guillaume Depoortere. Since opening in June 2024, Molina has made an immediate impact on the culinary landscape, combining European culinary tradition with local influences to create a unique dining experience.
A Testament to Malaysia's Thriving Culinary Scene
The MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025 is a testament to the growth and vibrancy of Malaysia’s culinary scene. With two new MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, the introduction of the first MICHELIN Green Star, and a diverse range of Bib Gourmand and MICHELIN Selected establishments, this year’s guide highlights the creative energy and culinary expertise that define Malaysia’s food culture. Whether it’s street food stalls, family-owned eateries, or contemporary fine dining venues, Kuala Lumpur and Penang continue to offer an exceptional gastronomic journey that is unmatched in the region.
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