The eagerly awaited MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2024, commemorating the second edition of this acclaimed guide, was recently announced at a ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur. This year’s selection includes 127 eateries from the Starred, Bib Gourmand, and Selected categories, reflecting the rich tapestry of culinary diversity available in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. These restaurants serve over 30 distinct types of cuisine, 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. 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.”

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide

Dewakan in Kuala Lumpur, which received one MICHELIN Star in the first edition of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang, continues to excel and is the first restaurant in Malaysia to receive two MICHELIN Stars. “Dewakan” means “food from God,” and the chef creates a divine eating experience that is authentically Malaysian. Every ingredient is sourced sustainably and locally, and even the dinnerware is handcrafted by local artists. The tasting menu includes numerous products fermented or dry-aged in-house, as well as seasonal fruits and herbs.

In the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2024, Beta, a MICHELIN Selected restaurant in the 2023 edition, has been promoted to a one MICHELIN Star restaurant. The restaurant provides discerning diners with a novel approach to taste Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage with finesse. The chef reimagines regional staples, typically jazzing them up with modern techniques and soigné plating. Start with cocktails and appetisers in the lounge before moving on to the main courses in the theatrically embellished 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.

The MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2024 added 25 new recommended establishments to the selection of the MICHELIN Guide 2024, which highlights the region’s varied culinary landscape. This brings the total number of MICHELIN Selected establishments to 77. These additions join the Starred restaurants and Bib Gourmand food establishments. 16 of the 25 new MICHELIN Selected restaurants are in Kuala Lumpur, while 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).

These restaurants all contribute to the diverse range of flavours that characterise the gastronomy of the region by providing a distinctive gastronomic experience. These new selections, which range from novel cuisines to time-honoured traditions, are an affirmation of the gastronomic excellence found in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

The MICHELIN Guide seeks to recognise exceptional individuals who contribute to the enhancement of the gastronimic dining experience in addition to recognising quality establishments. It also recognises the variety of vocations and know-hows employed in the restaurant industry.

The 2024 MICHELIN Guide Service Award seeks to recognise and reward competent and talented people that significantly improve the customer experience. Wan Mohd Zulkifeli received this year’s MICHELIN Guide Service Award, presented by FunNow, for his remarkable knowledge, attentiveness, and composed demeanour as he leads the team at Gai by Darren Chin (Kuala Lumpur). Mr. Zulkifeli willingly shares his professional expertise with the personnel, helping to build a strong service team that offers a pleasant dining ambiance.

The 2024 MICHELIN Guide Sommelier Award acknowledges the abilities, knowledge, and passion of the industry’s talented sommeliers. Yap Cze Ying, sommelier and restaurant manager at Hide (Kuala Lumpur), received the Sommelier Award this year. Ms. Yap, despite her reserved demeanour, exudes a well-groomed and welcoming attitude. She also has a genuine interest in wine management and hospitality.

The 2024 MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award acknowledges a young chef working in a restaurant from the selection who has impressed the inspectors with his or her excellent talent and tremendous potential. Johnson Wong Jia Liang of Gēn (Penang) is this year’s recipient of the Young Chef Award. Mr. Wong, the chef-owner of Gn and a Le Cordon Bleu Sydney alumnus, was born in 1991 and has honed his culinary expertise in some of the finest restaurants. He is committed to using local ingredients and hopes to offer them with unique flavours inspired by his childhood in Malaysia.

The 2024 MICHELIN Guide Opening of the Year Award is presented to a chef, host, or restaurant manager who successfully launched a dining establishment in the previous 12 months with an innovative degustation concept and cuisine approach that has had an impact on the local gastronomic scene.

This award, awarded by UOB, is Malaysia’s first-ever Opening of the Year Award. Ramesh Thangaraj of Jwala (Kuala Lumpur) has been recognised. Jwala, which means “flame” in Sanskrit, opened in 2023 and serves sophisticated charcoal-grilled Northern Indian delicacies.

The full selection of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2024 is available on the MICHELIN Guide’s official website, and mobile app (iOS and Android).

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Photo credits: Michelin Guide and author’s own