The MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025: Celebrating Malaysia’s Culinary Excellence
The third edition of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025 has revealed its eagerly awaited list, spotlighting 143 exceptional restaurants across Malaysia. This year's guide not only honours the best gastronomic experiences but also introduces new awards focusing on sustainability, innovation, and culinary artistry.
A Milestone in Malaysia’s Culinary Journey
“The evolution of Malaysia’s culinary landscape is truly inspiring,” says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. The 2025 edition welcomes two new restaurants into the prestigious MICHELIN Star category, along with 12 new Bib Gourmand entries. “From preserving family recipes to embracing sustainability with our first MICHELIN Green Star restaurant, these establishments embody Malaysia’s culinary heritage and innovation,” Poullennec adds.
Dewakan: Leading Sustainability and Excellence
Kuala Lumpur’s Dewakan has set a new benchmark, retaining its two MICHELIN Stars while becoming the first in Malaysia to earn a MICHELIN Green Star for sustainability. Under Chef Darren Teoh Min Guo’s leadership, Dewakan champions local ingredients, creative utilisation of food scraps, and a nose-to-tail approach, showcasing how fine dining and eco-conscious practices can harmoniously coexist. This recognition reflects the growing emphasis on sustainability within the culinary world.
Expanding the MICHELIN Star Family
Two new restaurants join the ranks of one MICHELIN Star this year:
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Chim by Chef Noom: Celebrated for its contemporary Thai cuisine that reimagines traditional dishes with a creative flair.
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Molina: Renowned for its fusion of French techniques, Nordic influences, and Asian flavours.
They join established favourites like Au Jardin, Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, Beta, and DC. by Darren Chin, bringing the total of one MICHELIN Starred restaurants to six.
Bib Gourmand: Affordable Culinary Gems
The guide recognises 56 Bib Gourmand establishments this year, with 12 new additions. These include Kuala Lumpur’s Foong Lian and MTR 1924, and Penang’s Laksalicious and Super Star Koay Teow Soup. A standout is Penang’s BM Yam Rice, upgraded from the MICHELIN Selected category for its consistently excellent yam rice and savoury broth.
Fresh Talent and New Openings
This year also highlights emerging culinary talent and noteworthy new establishments. The MICHELIN Selected category now includes 10 new entries, such as Kuala Lumpur’s Atelier Binchotan and Penang’s Christoph’s.
Special Awards: Honouring Culinary Heroes
The MICHELIN Guide 2025 also recognises individuals shaping Malaysia’s gastronomic scene:
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Service Award: Azmi Ahmad Kamal from Chim by Chef Noom for his exceptional hospitality.
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Sommelier Award: Han Lai of Terra Dining for his expertise in wine pairing.
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Young Chef Award: Waymann Cheong of Lucky Hole for his bold fusion of modern techniques and local ingredients.
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Opening of the Year Award: Molina, led by Chef Guillaume Depoortere, for redefining culinary standards in Kuala Lumpur.
A Celebration of Diversity and Innovation
The MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025 underscores Malaysia’s dynamic food scene, celebrating everything from street food to avant-garde dining. With sustainability taking centre stage, the guide sets a hopeful tone for the future of gastronomy in Malaysia.
Congratulations to all the awardees! Your dedication to showcasing Malaysian flavours and unique local ingredients has truly put our culinary heritage on the global map.
Thank you for sharing the heart of Malaysia with the world!
