Two new Michelin-starred restaurants in Malaysia

(19 November 2025) - The Michelin Guide rates 151 restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and Penang in Malaysia for 2026. Nine receive one or two stars, 58 a Bib Gourmand for their good value for money.

"The Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026 celebrates a country where culinary heritage and modern innovation blend in perfect harmony. From cuisines that preserve centuries-old traditions to talents that redefine excellence, Malaysia's gastronomic scene continues to thrive and is one of the most inspiring in Asia," said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. The 151 establishments recognised this year reflect the remarkable energy and diversity of Malaysia's gastronomic scene. Together, they form a mosaic of flavours and passion and tell the culinary story of a modern Malaysia - a story of confidence, expression and innovation.

Dewakan - still leading the way

Chef Darren Teoh's Dewakan has once again defended its coveted two-star rating, putting it at the forefront of Malaysian fine dining for the third year running. Known for its innovative use of local ingredients and bold reinterpretation of traditional Malaysian flavours, Dewakan continues to be a culinary beacon as well as a cultural statement. The continued accolade not only recognises its excellence, but also its important role in shaping Malaysian cuisine.

Dewakan is now also part of the community of green star restaurants and has impressed the inspectors with its inspiring vision. The Green Star editorially recognises restaurants that have inspired and impressed the inspectors with their dedicated vision for the future of gastronomy. By bringing together a community of innovative businesses committed to progress in the role of gastronomy, the Green Star promotes dialogue and collaboration and encourages businesses to inspire each other and develop together.

Akar and Terra Dining honoured with one star

The guide presents eight restaurants with one star, including the two newly promoted restaurants from elected, Akar and Terra Dining. They also include Beta, Chim by Chef Noom, DC. by Darren Chin, Molina, Au Jardin and Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery.

• Akar - Under the direction of Chef Aidan Low, the restaurant receives its first star for reinterpreted European recipes with Japanese, French and Malaysian influences. The elegant fusion of tradition and innovation is underlined by carefully balanced textures and flavours.
• Terra Dining - Under the direction of chef Yu Cheng Chong, the restaurant receives its first star for its refined, ingredient-focused approach to contemporary Malaysian cuisine. Precision meets restraint, and every flavour is thoughtfully composed.

Special awards

This year, the Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang spotlights exceptional personalities whose passion, discipline and talent continue to enrich Malaysia's gastronomic scene.

• The Guide Michelin Young Chef Award: Chef Chin Hua Wong of Shu Restaurant. Chef Chin's work reflects a deep connection to his cultural heritage, identity and personal history. With solid foundations from renowned kitchens in Singapore, Bangkok and Shenzhen, he brings a wealth of experience from around the world to his own restaurant Shu, which is both a tribute to his Chinese roots and a platform to explore the evolution of diaspora cuisine. Through modern techniques and soulful storytelling, each dish is thoughtfully created - rooted in culture and rich in meaning. Chef Wong's discipline, curiosity and quiet passion make him a distinctive voice in the Malaysian gastronomic scene.
• The Guide Michelin Service Award: The Service Award is presented to Mr Maverick Fung of Restaurant K, a newly recommended Japanese gourmet restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. With over ten years of experience in the restaurant industry, Mr Fung combines attention to detail with in-depth knowledge of ingredients to deliver not just service, but a very special experience. His warmth, professionalism and intuitive feel for wine are exemplary of the often underrated art of service.
• Michelin Guide "Opening of the Year": The award goes to Bidou, the latest project from chef Darren Teoh. Unlike Dewakan, which interprets local cuisine in an innovative way, Bidou remains true to authentic French cuisine and pays tribute to French nouvelle cuisine. Inspired by legends such as Paul Bocuse and Michel Guérard, Bidou showcases chef Darren Teoh's French culinary heritage while paying homage to French gastronomic culture.

Bib Gourmand

Five new restaurants have earned the "Bib Gourmand" award - a distinction for exceptional cuisine at affordable prices. Gulainya and Lama in Kuala Lumpur showcase the warmth and complexity of Peranakan cuisine. In Penang, Awesome Char Koay Teow, Bee Hwa Cafe and Sifu are among the new restaurants that offer street food and local specialities with remarkable depth and consistency.

The Commendation award recognises 84 establishments, including eleven new ones, that impressed the testers with their quality, character and culinary potential. Each one offers an unforgettable culinary experience that demonstrates creativity, craftsmanship and care. These acclaimed restaurants reflect the dynamism of a vibrant gastronomic scene where new ideas, fresh perspectives and culinary ambitions are constantly emerging.

In Kuala Lumpur there are the following new openings:

• Bidou - A French bistro with refined yet hearty dishes.
• Jie - An innovative restaurant presenting modern Chinese cuisine with contemporary techniques.
• K - A modern Japanese restaurant known for its carefully prepared omakase menu.
• Kazu - A modern Japanese restaurant specialising in high-quality sushi and kappo dishes.
• Kuki - A vegan concept that redefines plant-based cuisine with sophistication.
• Shu - An innovative cuisine known for its creative, ingredient-based approach.

There are the following new openings in Penang:

• Blacklinen - A barbecue specialist that combines smoky flavours with elegant presentation.
• Du-An (Lebuh Pantai) - A tribute to Malaysian heritage through refined local flavours.
• Mémoire - Offers an innovative tasting menu inspired by personal stories and culinary nostalgia.
• Peninsula House - Combines Australian modern cuisine with Asian ingredients.
• Sood by Chef Ton - A modern Thai restaurant that brings sophisticated Bangkok flair to Penang's dining scene.

These new openings highlight the vibrancy of the Malaysian dining scene, where creativity, passion and cultural diversity continue to inspire unforgettable culinary experiences.