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The Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang 2027 has unveiled its fifth edition, recognising 159 restaurants across the two cities and celebrating a dining scene shaped by local traditions, family recipes and contemporary culinary influences.
This year’s selection comprises one Two Michelin Star restaurant, nine One Michelin Star restaurants, 60 Bib Gourmand establishments and 89 Michelin Selected eateries. Kuala Lumpur accounts for 80 recognised establishments, while Penang has 79.
Among the highlights, Potager has earned its first One Michelin Star, joining eight other restaurants in the category. Dewakan, meanwhile, retains its Two Michelin Stars, continuing to stand out for its interpretation of Malaysian flavours and use of indigenous ingredients.
Potager earns first Michelin Star
Potager’s entry into the One Michelin Star selection brings the category’s total to nine restaurants across Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
The full list includes Akar, Beta, Chim by Chef Noom, DC. by Darren Chin, Molina, Potager and Terra Dining in Kuala Lumpur, alongside Au Jardin and Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery in Penang.
Potager’s recognition marks a new milestone for the restaurant, which now joins a group of establishments recognised for their cooking in the guide’s latest edition.
Dewakan, led by chef Darren Teoh, retains its Two Michelin Stars for its approach to Malaysian flavours and indigenous ingredients. The restaurant remains the sole establishment in the selection to hold the distinction.
Four new Bib Gourmand entries
Four establishments have joined the Bib Gourmand category, which recognises good-quality cooking at accessible prices.
In Kuala Lumpur, 7 Chai Ipoh Hor Fun is recognised for its flat rice noodles served in a chicken and shrimp broth, while Minji Bak Kut Teh draws on an 80-year-old family recipe for its herbal pork broth.
Penang’s new entries are Lemon Koay Teow Soup, known for its silky noodles in pork bone broth, and Serabai Istimewa, a local favourite serving coconut milk rice pancakes with palm sugar syrup.
12 new Michelin Selected restaurants
The Michelin Selected category welcomes 12 new establishments across Kuala Lumpur and Penang, recognising restaurants that contribute to the breadth of the local dining scene.
In Kuala Lumpur, additions include As I Am by Chef Ton, which serves contemporary Thai cuisine, and Indian restaurant Jhol. Merdeka Grill brings European dining to the selection, while Tangram offers contemporary Asian cuisine.
The city’s new entries also include White N Black Kampong, a kampung-style eatery, and Mediterranean-inspired Yellow Fin Horse.
Penang’s new selections include Deens Maju and Hameediyah, both known for their nasi kandar offerings. Peranakan-inspired Flower Mulan and contemporary Thai restaurant Khaosan also join the list.
Root House by Gēn explores Malaysian Chinese culinary traditions, while See Kong Ooi occupies a heritage shophouse and serves Chinese and Malaysian dishes.
Special awards recognise culinary talent
Four Special Awards were presented alongside the restaurant selection, recognising achievements across different areas of the industry.
Aidan Low of Akar received the Michelin Young Chef Award, while Potager’s Mr Nazahar took home the Michelin Service Award.
The Michelin Sommelier Award went to Joyin Goh of Tangram for her wine selection. Root House by Gēn received the Michelin Opening of the Year Award.
Located at George Town’s 1926 Heritage Hotel, Root House by Gēn explores Malaysian Chinese cuisine through Hokkien, Teochew, Hakka, Cantonese and Hainanese influences.
The latest selection brings together a broad mix of dining experiences, from traditional local favourites and long-standing family recipes to contemporary interpretations of regional and international cuisines.
With new additions across its Starred, Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected categories, the 2027 guide offers another look at the evolving food culture of Kuala Lumpur and Penang, while recognising the restaurants and culinary talent contributing to it.
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