The second edition of The Michelin Guide for Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2024 has included 127 eateries featuring more than thirty types of cuisine. Among the stand-outs in this year’s Guide is Dewakan in Kuala Lumpur, which received its second star and Beta, becoming a Michelin-starred restaurant.
The restaurants that have made it into the highly anticipated Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2024 have been announced. Inclusive of the Starred, Bib Gourmand, and Selected dining establishments, this year’s selection showcases a total of 127 eateries that serve as a testament to the rich tapestry of culinary diversity found in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
“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,” says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide.
“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 to showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of Malaysian ingredients and cuisine.”
Dewakan Becomes Malaysia’s First Two-Michelin Starred Restaurant
Dewakan in Kuala Lumpur, which was awarded a Michelin Star in the first edition of the Guide, has maintained its excellent standards by becoming the first restaurant in the country to be awarded a second star.
“Dewakan” means “food from God”, and its mission is to create a ‘heavenly’ dining experience that is Malaysian down to its very core. Each ingredient used is sustainably and locally sourced, and even the dinnerware is handmade by local artists. The set tasting menu features many items that have been fermented or dry-aged in-house alongside seasonal fruits and herbs.
Beta Promoted to a One-Michelin Star Restaurant
Beta, a Michelin Selected restaurant in the 2023 edition, becomes a full Michelin Star restaurant in the latest Guide.
The restaurant is known for its ability to offer an exciting way to taste Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage with a touch of finesse. The chef reimagines favourites from around the country, enhanced with modern techniques and soigné plating. Head to the lounge first for a round of cocktails and appetisers before sampling the main courses in the theatrically appointed dining room with an open kitchen.
With the newly promoted restaurants, the Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2024 now features a two Michelin Starred restaurant in the form of Dewakan in Kuala Lumpur, four 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.
In addition to these awarded restaurants, 25 new dining establishments joined the Michelin Guide selection.
Alongside the Starred restaurants and Bib Gourmand food establishments, the Guide has welcomed 25 new recommended establishments in its 2024 selection, each showcasing the region’s diverse culinary landscape. It brings the total number of Selected establishments in the Guide to 77.
Of the 25 new Selected establishments, sixteen are located in Kuala Lumpur, and nine are in Penang.
The sixteen 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
- Wagyu Kappo Yoshida
The nine 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
- The Pinn (relocation)
Each of these establishments offers a unique culinary journey, contributing to the rich tapestry of flavours that defines the region’s gastronomy. From innovative cuisines to time-honoured traditions, these new selections are a testament to the culinary excellence found in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Four Michelin Guide Special Awards
In addition to recommending quality restaurants, the Guide also aims to highlight talented individuals who contribute to enhancing the gastronomic dining experience. By doing so, it also acknowledges the diversity of jobs and know-how involved in the restaurant industry.
The Service Award
The Service Award aims to highlight and encourage skilled and talented professionals who dramatically add to the customer experience. This year’s Guide Service Award, presented by FunNow, was awarded to Wan Mohd Zulkifeli, who has been recognised for his exceptional knowledge, attentiveness, and composed demeanour as he leads the team at Gai by Darren Chin (Kuala Lumpur).
Mr Zulkifeli willingly shares his professional skills with the staff, contributing to the creation of a solid service team that ensures a harmonious dining ambience.
The Sommelier Award
The 2024 Sommelier Award is a recognition of the skills, knowledge, and passion of talented sommeliers in the industry. This year’s Sommelier Award is given to Yap Cze Ying, who serves as the sommelier and restaurant manager at Hide (Kuala Lumpur).
Ms Yap, although she may be somewhat reserved, possesses a well-groomed and welcoming attitude. She also exudes a genuine passion for wine management and hospitality.
The Young Chef Award
The Young Chef Award recognises a young chef with exceptional talent and great potential. For 2024, the Young Chef Award went to Johnson Wong Jia Liang from Gēn (Penang).
A Le Cordon Bleu Sydney graduate, Johnson, the chef-owner of Gēn, was born in 1991 and has honed his culinary expertise in some of the finest kitchens. He is committed to local ingredients and aims to present them with native flavours complemented by his memories of growing up in Malaysia.
The Opening of the Year Award
The Opening of the Year Award is given to a chef, host, or restaurant manager for the successful opening of a dining venue during the past 12 months, with a creative concept and a cuisine approach which has had an impact on the local gastronomic scene.
This award, presented by UOB, marks the first-ever Opening of the Year Award in Malaysia. The recognition is given to Ramesh Thangaraj from Jwala (Kuala Lumpur).
Opened in 2023 with custom-made tandoors, Jwala, which means “flame” in Sanskrit, serves up refined charcoal-grilled specialities from Northern India.
The Michelin Guide is a benchmark in gastronomy. Now, it’s setting a new standard for hotels. Visit the Michelin Guide’s official website or download the Guide’s mobile app (iOS and Android) to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable hotel.
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