The MICHELIN Guide announced its arrival in Malaysia today, covering two key culinary hubs of Kuala Lumpur and Penang, with restaurant and hotel selections to be released in December 2022. The coveted MICHELIN Guide recognizes the best culinary talents and the latest gastronomical experiences these destinations have to offer, based on the company’s independent inspection and selection criteria.
Known for its bold flavours stemming from the country’s multiethnic influences and heritage which form a significant part of its national identity, Malaysia’s food culture provides a positively extraordinary edge that immediately captivates the tastes buds of the most conscientious epicurean both locally and abroad.
“We are ecstatic to welcome Kuala Lumpur and Penang to the MICHELIN Guide family,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. “This upcoming selection will unveil a new page in Asia’s gastronomic prowess, spotlighting the wonders of Malaysian cuisine and the abundance of home-grown culinary talents. Our famously anonymous inspectors are already in the field to experience this colorful culinary scene and find the best local gems.”
The MICHELIN Guide is dedicated to fostering a culture of travel and conceiving unforgettable experiences accessible to all diners on all budgets; it is this promise along with its independent restaurant inspectors and selection criteria that puts the MICHELIN Guide at the forefront of all restaurant guides. With the aim to search for exceptional gastronomical experiences, the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have found Kuala Lumpur and Penang to be the two cities that present very distinct yet vibrant culinary complexity which truly reflects the uniqueness of Malaysia’s multiethnic culture.
“Kuala Lumpur and Penang have their own unique characteristics which benefit a variety of diners locally and abroad. Kuala Lumpur, the country’s economic and business hub is a fast-moving city flocked with sizable venues, independent restaurants, and new inspirations for gastronomy.”
“Penang, with its strong Peranakan influence, is a gastronomic hotbed of small-scale restaurants and street food that embodies Malaysia’s distinctive streetside dining culture,” added Poullennec.
The Selection Criteria
In months to come, the MICHELIN Guide will highlight the diverse gastronomy of Malaysia and recommend the best restaurant selections in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, through its independent restaurant inspections based on the company’s international selection criteria, ensuring consistency of standards across the world:
- the quality of the ingredients;
- the mastery of cooking;
- the harmony of flavours;
- the personality of the chef through the cuisine; and
- the consistency both over time and across the entire menu.
The MICHELIN Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through an extensive system of distinctions, the most revered of which are its globally renowned MICHELIN Stars. One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” two MICHELIN Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three MICHELIN Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”
Besides the coveted star ratings, the selection will also include the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to establishments that provide value-for-money meals.
The full selection of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang 2023 will be unveiled during a dedicated event in December 2022. Visit the MICHELIN Guide website or download the free application for iOS and Android, to discover The MICHELIN Guide’s worldwide restaurants in the selection.