The MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026 is finally unveiled, spotlighting 151 establishments across the MICHELIN Star, Bib Gourmand, and MICHELIN Selected categories.
Highlights include two new One MICHELIN Star restaurants – Akar and Terra Dining, both of which are in TTDI and placed in the MICHELIN Selected category last year; 11 additional MICHELIN Selected restaurants, and 5 new BIB Gourmand entries.
Now in its fourth edition, the Guide continues to chart the dynamic pulse of Malaysian gastronomy, capturing the historic and cultural identities of two unique cities that play key roles in the nation’s ever-evolving culinary landscape. Spanning humble hawker stalls to visionary fine dining destinations, this year’s selection reflects a country whose culinary voice grows more confident with every year.
“From kitchens that honour generations of tradition to talents that boldly redefine excellence, Malaysia’s dining landscape continues to flourish as one of Asia’s most inspiring,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide.
“Together, they form a mosaic of flavour and passion, telling the culinary story of a modern Malaysia; a story that’s confident, expressive, and innovative.”
Without further ado, scroll on for the complete MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026 list of new entries and restaurants that retained their MICHELIN Stars.
Two Michelin Stars
- Dewakan
Once again, Dewakan by Chef Darren Teoh retains its two MICHELIN Stars – marking its third consecutive year at the vanguard of Malaysia’s fine dining scene. Renowned for its innovative use of indigenous ingredients and its modern interpretations of Malaysian flavours, Dewakan continues to play a vital role in shaping the country’s culinary narrative.
In a new milestone, Dewakan has also been recognised with a MICHELIN Green Star, joining an international community of restaurants lauded for their sustainable vision and progressive approach to gastronomy.
One Michelin Star
Kuala Lumpur:
- Akar*
- Beta
- DC by Darren Chin
- Chim by Chef Noom
- Molina
- Terra Dining*
Penang:
- Au Jardin
- Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery
Two restaurants join Malaysia’s constellation of MICHELIN-starred venues this year:
- Akar, led by Chef Aidan Low, receives its first Star for reimagining European recipes with Japanese, French, and Malaysian sensibilities – thoughtfully balancing textures and flavours.
- Terra Dining, helmed by Chef Yu Cheng Chong, also earns its first Star for its elegant, ingredient-driven take on contemporary Malaysian cuisine.
Special Awards honourees
Beyond the stars, the 2026 Guide celebrates the individuals shaping Malaysia’s culinary future:
- Young Chef Award: Chef Chin Hua Wong of Shu – recognised for his heartfelt exploration of Chinese diaspora cuisine, blending heritage with modern storytelling.
- Service Award: Maverick Fung of K, honoured for his warm hospitality and mastery of the fine dining experience.
- Opening of the Year Award (presented by UOB Malaysia): Bidou, the new French restaurant by Chef Darren Teoh, a refined homage to nouvelle cuisine legends such as Paul Bocuse and Michel Guérard.
MICHELIN Selected
Kuala Lumpur:
- Bidou*
- Jie*
- K*
- Kazu*
- Kuki*
- Shu*
Penang:
- Blacklinen*
- Du-An (Lebuh Pantai)*
- Mémoire*
- Peninsula House*
- Sood by Chef Ton*
As mentioned, 11 new venues join the MICHELIN Selected list, each representing the diversity and creativity of Malaysia’s dining culture. Altogether, there are now 84 establishments that have impressed inspectors with their quality, character, and culinary promise – “reflecting the pulse of a dynamic dining scene in motion.”
Bib Gourmand
Kuala Lumpur:
- Gulainya
- Lama
Penang:
- Awesome Char Koay Teow
- Bee Hwa Cafe
- Sifu
The Bib Gourmand category – which celebrates exceptional food at reasonable prices – welcomes five new eateries this year. These include Kuala Lumpur’s Gulainya and Lama charm with their Peranakan flair, while Penang’s Awesome Char Koay Teow, Bee Hwa Cafe, and Sifu earned their stripes by elevating local comfort food into celebrated staples.
For more information, visit the MICHELIN Guide website or download the free app for iOS and Android.
Explore more of Malaysia’s dining scene here.