Malaysia currently has six one-Michelin starred restaurants and a two-star dining establishment.
By Kong Wai Yeng
The third edition of the guide showcased 143 remarkable establishments, including 56 Bib Gourmand venues and 80 Michelin Selected restaurants (All photos: Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur) and Penang.
Malaysia’s little Red Book just got thicker. Earlier today, Thai restaurant Chim by Chef Noom and European fine-dining Molina were awarded one star at the Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang 2025 award ceremony held in Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur.
Both establishments are no strangers to the guide though. Chef Noom, who peddles Thai food with a twist while advocating Malaysian ingredients, runs the one-Michelin starred Chim by Siam Wisdom in Bangkok. Molina was brought in by chef Sidney Schutte of Spectrum fame, the two-star fine dining favourite located in the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Amsterdam.
Chef Guillaume Depoortere of Molina, which debuted on the 51st floor The Face Style hotel in June, also bagged the Opening of the Year award. The accolade recognises a chef, host or restaurant manager for the successful opening of a dining venue over the past 12 months, with a creative degustation concept and a cuisine approach which has had an impact on the local gastronomic scene.
Kuala Lumpur’s Beta and DC by Darren Chin, as well as Penang’s Au Jardin and Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery retained their one star.
Dewakan also kept its two stars but the Malaysian-leaning restaurant also picked up the Michelin Green Star, awarded to those at the forefront of the industry when it comes to their sustainable practices. They take responsibility for upholding both ethical and environmental standards, partnering with sustainable producers and suppliers to minimise waste and reduce or eliminate plastic and other non-recyclable materials from their supply chain. It is the first time a Green Star is awarded in Malaysia.
”I didn’t expect to receive this Green Star award at all. At Dewakan, we just do what we do best, that is to highlight our local ingredients and produce dishes that continue to stir one’s imagination,” says chef-founder Darren Teoh.
Special awards were also handed out to highlight talented individuals who enhance the dining landscape and experience. Azmi Ahmad Kamal (Chim by Chef Noom) picked up The Service Award; Han Lai (Terra Dining), Sommelier Award; and Waymann Cheong (Lucky Hole), Young Chef Award for introducing modern culinary concepts with home-grown ingredients.
Additionally, ten new restaurants joined the ranks of Michelin Selected, a category whereby these eateries have met the criteria set by inspectors but do not qualify for a Bib Gourmand and a Michelin Star just yet. The additions are: Atelier Binchotan, Bar.Kar, Blanc, Christoph’s, Firewood, Jaloux, Lucky Hole, Nyonya Willow, Potager and Terra Dining.
Dewakan winning the Green Star
See the full list of Selected restaurants below:
Michelin Selected Restaurants — Kuala Lumpur
Michelin Selected Restaurants — Penang
For more info, see here.
As published: The Edge
