Malaysia’s Dining Scene Shines in Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026

From bustling street stalls to refined fine-dining tables, Malaysia’s culinary landscape continues its evolution. The 2026 Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang celebrates a decade of growth, showcasing new stars, enduring favourites, and the creative spirit that makes these cities a must-visit for food lovers.

The 2026 edition of the Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang showcases a dining scene that has grown in confidence, creativity, and range over the past decade. Now in its fourth edition here in Malaysia, and with an impressive 151 recognized establishments across Michelin Star, Bib Gourmand, and Selected categories, the guide showcases dining in a country where tradition and modern technique thrive side by side. The highly anticipated 2026 Michelin Guide ceremony was held at the beautiful Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur on November 11, 2025.

Malaysia’s love of food has always been evident, but the last 10 years or so have seen the dining scene mature in ways that might surprise even seasoned visitors. Fine-dining tables share space on the same streets with neighbourhood favourites and celebrated stalls at hawker centres, creating an F&B ecosystem where heritage, innovation, and sheer enjoyment coexist. Kuala Lumpur and Penang, in particular, have become magnets for culinary talent, reflecting a culture that values both excellence and experimentation.

Two new restaurants join the one-Michelin-star ranks this year: Akar and Terra Dining in Kuala Lumpur. Both were previously in the Selected category and now join Beta, Chim by Chef Noom, DC by Darren Chin, and Molina in Kuala Lumpur, as well as Au Jardin and Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery in Penang. Chef Aidan Low of Akar described the accolade as “a big reflection of what Malaysia has to offer,” while Terra Dining’s chef-owner YC Chong added, “It’s a win for Malaysian cuisine with all of its diversity and there’s more to come.” Conveniently, both restaurants sit along the same stretch in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, forming a new destination for food enthusiasts exploring the city. Chef Darren Chin’s celebrated restaurant DC is also in TTDI, which is now home to fully half of KL’s Michelin One Star restaurants!

Meanwhile, it was a big day for Chef Darren Teoh and his entire team spanning two restaurants, as they picked up three separate honours at the ceremony. Kuala Lumpur’s Dewakan retained its two Michelin stars and continues to earn the Green Star for sustainable restaurant practices. Chef Darren Teoh’s inventive use of indigenous ingredients and reimagined Malaysian flavors has made the restaurant a benchmark for both creativity and responsibility. Teoh also celebrated his second venture, Bidou, which received the Opening of the Year Award for bringing French cuisine infused with Malaysian sensibilities to the city.

As Teoh’s first restaurant, however, Dewakan has long stood at the forefront of Malaysia’s fine-dining scene. Its name, drawn from the Malay words dewa (god) and makan (to eat), reflects a philosophy that honours nature and the land. Since opening in 2015, the restaurant has built a reputation for redefining Malaysian cuisine through indigenous ingredients and thoughtful storytelling. Each menu is a reflection of the country’s biodiversity – from jungle fruits and foraged herbs to sustainably sourced seafood – presented with contemporary flair. As Malaysia’s first and only two-star restaurant, first earning the award last year and retaining the two-star rating this year, Dewakan continues to inspire a generation of chefs to take pride in local produce while pursuing global standards of creativity and precision.

CELEBRATING TALENT AND DIVERSITY

Special awards highlighted the individuals shaping the dining experience. Maverick Fung of K received the Service Award for his intuitive, attentive approach, while Chef Wong Chin Hua of Shu earned the Young Chef Award for exploring his Teochew heritage and the Chinese diaspora through cuisine. These accolades underscore that Malaysia’s culinary scene is about both the food on the plate and the people behind it.

Beyond the Michelin stars and special awards, the Bib Gourmand category continues to highlight everyday excellence, recognizing 58 establishments in the two cities that balance quality with value. New additions include Gulainya and Lama in Kuala Lumpur, celebrating Peranakan cuisine, and Awesome Char Koay Teow, Bee Hwa Cafe, and Sifu in Penang, reflecting the enduring craft of Malaysian street food. These venues demonstrate that exceptional dining can be found at every price point and that local flavors remain a well-earned source of pride.

Across both cities, the diversity of restaurants tells a story of growth and ambition. Michelin-starred venues show innovation, excellence, and culinary precision; Bib Gourmand eateries combine skill and quality with accessibility; and Selected restaurants capture the heartbeat of the best the local dining scene has to offer. Each category reflects a different layer of Malaysia’s culinary identity, emphasizing that excellence is not confined to fine dining alone.

The 2026 guide also illustrates, perhaps more than any previous edition, how chefs are connecting with diners through sustainability and storytelling. Dewakan models environmental responsibility, while new ventures such as Akar and Terra Dining show that originality and tradition can coexist. Restaurants are increasingly creating memorable experiences that extend beyond a mere meal, engaging diners through presentation, narrative, and thoughtfulness.

Dining in Malaysia has become a multi-layered experience, and the scene has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade or so. A meal at a one-star restaurant can be complemented by a stroll through Penang’s street markets or a casual Bib Gourmand stop in Kuala Lumpur. Beyond offering innovation in the kitchen, stops at these restaurants can also communicate the traditions, creativity, and ongoing evolution of Malaysia’s dining scene.

The fourth edition of the Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang showcases a wide range of tastes, techniques, and talents. Chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality teams have raised the bar, showing that Malaysia is a place where food is central to culture, identity, and social life.

Whether diners are seeking luxury, innovation, or comfort, the guide confirms that Kuala Lumpur and Penang are cities where culinary skill, passion, and heritage meet. The 2026 selections are not just a reflection of talent and a lot of hard work; they are an ongoing celebration of a country where food continues to inspire, connect, and delight. Congratulations to all the winners for the 2026 edition of the Michelin Guide – in both Kuala Lumpur and Penang!

The full 2026 list of Michelin Guide restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and Penang can be found HERE.

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