The highly anticipated MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2024 has been announced, marking the second edition of this celebrated guide. Inclusive of the Starred, Bib Gourmand, and Selected dining establishments, this year’s selection presents a total of 127 eateries that serve as a testament to the rich tapestry of culinary diversity found in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. These establishments offer a wide range of over 30 different cuisine types, including street food.
“As we unveil the second edition of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang, it is a testament to the gastronomic adventures that await everyone in these two remarkable cities. From traditional heritage dishes to contemporary interpretations, the culinary landscape continues to evolve, providing a true reflection of the diverse culinary artistry in Kuala Lumpur and Penang,” says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. “It is also delightful to learn that many young talents are joining the culinary industry, devoting their time and energy to serve great food that is dedicated in showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of Malaysian ingredients and cuisine.”
The First Two MICHELIN Starred Restaurant in Malaysia
Dewakan in Kuala Lumpur, which attained the one MICHELIN Star recognition in the first edition of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang, continues to perform and is the first restaurant to receive two MICHELIN Stars in Malaysia.
“Dewakan” means “food from God”, and the chef crafts a heavenly dining experience that is Malaysian down to its very core. Each ingredient is sustainably and locally sourced; even the dinnerware is handmade by local artists. The set tasting menu features many items that are fermented or dry-aged in-house, alongside seasonal fruits and herbs.
1 Restaurant Newly Promoted to one MICHELIN Star
Beta, a MICHELIN Selected restaurant in the 2023 edition, has been promoted to a one MICHELIN Star restaurant in the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2024. The restaurant offers discerning foodies an exciting way to taste Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage with a touch of finesse. The chef reimagines favourites from around the country, often jazzed up with modern techniques and soigné plating. Head to the lounge first for a round of cocktails and appetizers, before sampling the main courses in the theatrically appointed dining room with an open kitchen.
With the newly promoted restaurants, the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2024 has a total of 1 two MICHELIN Starred restaurant: Dewakan in Kuala Lumpur; and 4 one MICHELIN Starred restaurants: Au Jardin and Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, both located in Penang; and Beta and DC. by Darren Chin, both located in Kuala Lumpur.
In addition to the Starred restaurants and Bib Gourmand food establishments, the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2024 welcomes 25 new recommended establishments in the MICHELIN Guide 2024 selection, which showcase the region’s diverse culinary landscape, bringing the total number of MICHELIN Selected establishments to 77.
Of the 25 new MICHELIN Selected establishments, 16 are located in Kuala Lumpur, and 9 are in Penang.
The 16 newly added MICHELIN Selected establishments in Kuala Lumpur are: Bōl, Café Café, Entier, Frangipaani, Jwala, Ling Long, Malai, Marini’s on 57, Nadodi (relocation), Seed, Shanghai Restaurant, Sushi Masa, Tanglin (Bukit Damansara), Tenmasa, Teochew Lao Er, and Wagyu Kappo Yoshida.
The 9 newly added MICHELIN Selected establishments in Penang are: 888 Hokkien Mee (Lebuh Presgrave), Air Itam Duck Rice, Ceki, Fook Cheow Cafe, Jit Seng Hong Kong Roasted Duck Rice, Penang Famous Samosa, Richard Rivalee, Sambal, and The Pinn (relocation).
Each of these establishments offers a unique culinary journey, contributing to the rich tapestry of flavours that defines the region’s gastronomy. From innovative cuisines to time-honoured traditions, these new selections are a testament to the culinary excellence found in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Four MICHELIN Guide Special Awards
In addition to recommending quality restaurants, the MICHELIN Guide also aims to highlight talented individuals who contribute to enhancing the gastronomic dining experience. By doing so, it also acknowledges the diversity of jobs and know-hows involved in the restaurant industry.
The MICHELIN Guide Service Award
The 2024 MICHELIN Guide Service Award aims to highlight and encourage skilled and talented professionals who dramatically add to the customer experience. This year’s MICHELIN Guide Service Award, presented by FunNow, is awarded to Wan Mohd Zulkifeli, recognised for his exceptional knowledge, attentiveness, and composed demeanour as he leads the team at Gai by Darren Chin (Kuala Lumpur). Mr. Zulkifeli willingly shares his professional skills with the staff, contributing to the creation of a solid service team that ensures a harmonious dining ambiance.
The MICHELIN Guide Sommelier Award
The 2024 MICHELIN Guide Sommelier Award recognises the skills, knowledge, and passion of talented sommeliers of the industry. This year’s Sommelier Award is given to Yap Cze Ying, who serves as the sommelier and restaurant manager at Hide (Kuala Lumpur). Ms. Yap, although she may be somewhat reserved, possesses a well-groomed and welcoming attitude. She also exudes a genuine passion for wine management and hospitality.
The MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award
The 2024 MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award recognises a young chef working in a restaurant of the selection, and whose exceptional talent and great potential have impressed the inspectors. This year, the Young Chef Award is given to Johnson Wong Jia Liang from Gēn (Penang). A Le Cordon Bleu Sydney graduate, Mr. Wong, the chef-owner of Gēn, was born in 1991 and has honed his culinary expertise in some of the finest kitchens. He is committed to local ingredients and aims at presenting them with native flavours complemented by his memories of growing up in Malaysia.
The MICHELIN Guide Opening of the Year Award
The 2024 MICHELIN Guide Opening of the Year Award is given to a chef, host, or restaurant manager, for the successful opening of a dining venue over the past 12 months, with a creative degustation concept and a cuisine approach which has had an impact on the local gastronomic scene.
This award, presented by UOB, marks the first-ever Opening of the Year Award in Malaysia. The recognition is given to Remash Thangaraj from Jwala (Kuala Lumpur). Opened in 2023, with custom-made tandoors, Jwala, which means “flame” in Sanskrit, serves up refined charcoal-grilled specialties of Northern India.
The restaurant selection joins the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay in Malaysia and throughout the world. Every hotel in the MICHELIN Guide is chosen for its extraordinary style, service, and personality — with options for all budgets — and each hotel can be booked directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app.
The MICHELIN Guide is a benchmark in gastronomy. Now, it’s setting a new standard for hotels. Visit the MICHELIN Guide’s official website, or download the MICHELIN Guide mobile app (iOS and Android), to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable hotel.
*Source: press release
