The MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026, Highlighting Malaysia’s Diverse and Vibrant Culinary Scene, from Street Stalls to Fine Dining

The MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026 has revealed its latest restaurant selection consisting of 151 distinguished restaurants, spanning the MICHELIN Star, Bib Gourmand, and MICHELIN Selected distinctions. Now in its fourth year, the Guide captures the culinary identities of two cities which are currently in full creative bloom, with everything from humble street stalls to refined tasting menus.

This year’s selection tells a story of a country whose culinary voice grows more assured and expressive with every passing year. It is a flavourful portrait of a nation that pays tribute to its roots while embracing the world.

Dewakan Ever Still the Vanguard

Chef Darren Teoh's Dewakan once again retains its coveted Two MICHELIN Stars, marking a third consecutive year at the pinnacle of Malaysia’s fine dining echelon. Known for its innovative use of indigenous ingredients and fearless reinterpretation of traditional Malaysian flavours, Dewakan remains both a culinary beacon and a cultural statement. Its continued recognition affirms not only its excellence, but its vital role in shaping Malaysia’s culinary narrative.    

Dewakan also joins the MICHELIN Green Star community and has captured the Inspectors’ attention for their inspiring visions. The MICHELIN Green Star editorially highlights restaurants that, among the MICHELIN Guide selection, have inspired and impressed Inspectors with their committed vision for the future of gastronomy. By gathering a community of innovative establishments driven to pursue progress in the role of restaurants, the MICHELIN Green Star fosters dialogue and collaboration, encouraging establishments to inspire and evolve together.

Akar and Terra Dining promoted to one MICHELIN Star      

The Guide features eight One MICHELIN Star restaurants, including two restaurants newly promoted from MICHELIN Selected - Akar and Terra Dining – alongside these restaurants Beta, Chim by Chef Noom, DC. by Darren Chin, Molina, Au Jardin, and Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery.

• Akar - Led by Chef Aidan Low, receives its first MICHELIN Star for refashioned European recipes with Japanese, French and Malaysian influences, elegantly bridging heritage and innovation through carefully layered textures and tastes.

• Terra Dining - Under the helm of Chef Yu Cheng Chong, the restaurant earns its first MICHELIN Star for their refined, ingredient-focused approach to contemporary Malaysian cuisine, where precision meets restraint and every flavour is thoughtfully composed.

MICHELIN Guide Special Awards      

This year, the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang casts a warm spotlight on exceptional individuals, whose passion, discipline, and talent continue to elevate Malaysia's dining experience.

The MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award

Honouring Chef Chin Hua Wong of Shu (newly MICHELIN Selected restaurant). Chef Chin’s work reflects a deep connection to heritage, identity, and personal history. With solid foundations in acclaimed kitchens across Singapore, Bangkok, and Shenzhen, he brings a wealth of global experience to his own restaurant, Shu, that serves as both a tribute to his Chinese roots and a platform for exploring the evolution of diaspora cuisine. Through modern techniques and heartfelt storytelling, each dish is crafted with intention—rooted in culture and rich with meaning. Chef Wong’s discipline, curiosity, and quiet passion make him a distinctive voice in Malaysia’s culinary landscape.

The MICHELIN Guide Service Award

The Service Award is bestowed upon Mr. Maverick Fung of K, a newly MICHELIN Selected  Japanese fine dining restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. With over a decade of experience in hospitality, Mr. Fung blends attentiveness with deep knowledge of ingredients, offering not just service but a crafted experience. His warmth, professionalism, and intuitive wine recommendations exemplify the often-unsung artistry of the front-of-house.

The MICHELIN Guide Opening of the Year Award, presented by UOB Malaysia

The award is given to Bidou, the latest brainchild of Chef Darren Teoh. Unlike Dewakan’s innovative exploration of local cuisine, Bidou remains faithful to authentic French cuisine, paying homage to French “nouvelle cuisine”. Inspired by legends like Paul Bocuse and Michel Guérard, Bidou showcases Chef Darren Teoh's French culinary heritage while paying heartfelt tribute to French gastronomic culture.    

Celebrating the Joys of New Discoveries, from Humble Pleasures to Selected Rising Stars

In the beloved Bib Gourmand distinction — which celebrates exceptional food at affordable prices — 5 new eateries have earned their stripes.

• Kuala Lumpur’s Gulainya and Lama bring Peranakan warmth and complexity to the fore.

• In Penang, Awesome Char Koay Teow, Bee Hwa Cafe, and Sifu join the ranks, showcasing street food and local favourites with remarkable depth and consistency.

Meanwhile, the MICHELIN Selected distinction shines a light on 84 establishments, with 11 new additions that have impressed inspectors with their quality, character, and culinary promise, each one offering a memorable dining experience that speaks to creativity, craftsmanship, and care.

These MICHELIN Selected restaurants reflect the pulse of a dynamic dining scene in motion, where new ideas, fresh perspectives, and culinary ambition are constantly in motion.

In Kuala Lumpur, new additions include:

• Bidou - A French bistro offering refined yet comforting fare.

• Jie - An inventive dining room showcasing modern Chinese fare through contemporary techniques.

• K - A modern Japanese restaurant renowned for its meticulous omakase experience.

• Kazu - A contemporary Japanese restaurant specializing in high-quality sushi and kappo menus.

• Kuki - A vegan concept redefining plant-based cuisine with flair.

• Shu - An innovative kitchen known for its creative, ingredient-driven approach.

  In Penang, the newcomers include:
  

• Blacklinen - A barbecue specialist that combines smoky depth with elegant presentation.

• Du-An (Lebuh Pantai) - A celebration of Malaysian heritage through elevated local flavours.

• Mémoire - Offering an innovative tasting menu inspired by personal stories and culinary nostalgia.

• Peninsula House - Blending Australian contemporary sensibilities with Asian ingredients.

• Sood by Chef Ton - A Thai contemporary restaurant bringing refined Bangkok flair to Penang’s dining scene.

Together, these new entries exemplify the vibrant spirit of Malaysia’s dining scene, where creativity, passion, and cultural diversity continue to inspire memorable culinary experiences.

The full list of restaurants is provided in the attachment of this press release.

The MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026 at a Glance:

*Moved from MICHELIN Selected

To receive the latest news and updates all year round, visit the MICHELIN Guide website, or download the free app for iOS and Android.

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