MICHELIN Guide 2023, Kuala Lumpur and Penang revealed 4 MICHELIN Star restaurants, 32 MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, 61 MICHELIN Selected, and 3 Special Awards.
The first selection of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang included 97 restaurants in Malaysia.
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4 Restaurants Awarded One MICHELIN Star
DC. by Darren Chin (Kuala Lumpur) – French Contemporary
DC. by Darren Chin receives one MICHELIN Star for their four- to seven-course menus and one for vegetarians. Their dishes range from classic French to novel creations with Japanese influences cooked with exquisite skill.
Dewakan (Kuala Lumpur) – Malaysian Contemporary
Dewakan has been awarded one MICHELIN Star for its truly Malaysian prix fixe tasting menu. Fermented or dry-aged in-house items are widely used alongside seasonal fruits and herbs.
Au Jardin (Penang) – European Contemporary
Au Jardin is recognized for its monthly-changing menu, which showcases sophisticated European fare with subtle local twists. Every item served has been well thought out, from homemade sourdough with tomato butter to a pleasantly surprising palate cleanser.
Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery (Penang) – Peranakan
Auntie Gaik Lean obtains one MICHELIN Star for its Peranakan cuisine crafted from secret recipes using quality produce. Many items here are made from scratch, including the heavenly pie tee and gulai tumis that uses over eight ingredients in the curry paste.
Photo: Michelin Guide
Michelin introduced the Bib Gourmand category for ‘good quality cooking for good value’ in 1955.
The award takes its name from the Bibendum nickname for the iconic Michelin man.
What is a MICHELIN Star?
A Michelin star is awarded to restaurants that offer outstanding cuisine.
Michelin considers five universal criteria: the quality of ingredients, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of techniques, and the chef’s personality expressed in his cuisine.
Equally important is the consistency of the entire menu over time.
What is a MICHELIN Selection?
Restaurants rated as “table excellente, mérite un detour” (excellent cuisine worth a detour). Michelin praises these restaurants for their exceptional cuisine, with skillfully and carefully prepared dishes of outstanding quality.
One Michelin star is awarded to restaurants [“worth a stop”], two to restaurants that are [“worth a detour”], and three to those [“worth a special journey”].
In 1926, the Michelin Guide began awarding stars to fine-dining restaurants, initially marking them with only one star.
Half a decade later, a zero-to-stars system was introduced.
In 1936, the criteria for the star rankings were published, with three stars being the most coveted.
Since its inception, the Michelin Guide has rated over 40,000 establishments in over 28 territories on three continents and sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
A culinary bible! The iconic red Michelin Guide booklet is revered by food enthusiasts worldwide for its meticulous reviews and recommendations of exceptional dining establishments.
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand
In addition, 32 hawker stalls and restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and Penang received the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand for offering reasonably priced good foods.
What Is The MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Award?
According to MICHELIN, “Since 1997, our best value for money restaurants – offering a three-course meal at a reasonable price – has been pointed out using a special award: the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand.
The price limit for Bib Gourmand consideration varies from country to country, depending on the cost of living.
Still, the inspectors are searching for the same high quality, wherever they happen to be in the world.”
Here’s the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand full list selected by the Michelin Guide inspectors around Kuala Lumpur and Penang:
15 MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Establishments in Kuala Lumpur
Ah Hei Bak Kut Teh, Jalan Imbi
Aliyaa, Damansara Heights
Anak Baba, Brickfields
Congkak, Bukit Bintang
Dancing Fish, Bangsar
De Wan 1958
Hai Kah Lang, Cheras
Heun Kee Claypot Rice, Pudu
Hing Kee Bak Kut Teh, Jalan Kepong
Lai Foong Lala Noodles
Nam Heong Chicken Rice
Nasi Ayam Hainan Chee Ming Jalan Klang Lama
Restoran Pik Wah
Sao NamWong Mei Kee, Pudu
17 MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Establishments in Penang
Bridge Street Prawn Mee
Duck Blood Curry Mee
Green House Prawn Mee and Loh Mee
Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine
Ming Qing Charcoal Char Koay Teow
Neighbourwood
Penang Road Famous Laksa
Rasa Rasa
Sardaaji
Taman Bukit Curry Mee
Tek Sen
Thara
Theebi Pandarams
Tho Yuen
Penang MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Eateries
Amid uproar on social media over the selection of eateries, some Malaysians got super excited that their favorite eatery didn’t win the Bib Gourmand.
Others think an eatery deserves more but didn’t make it.
Again, the food taste is very subjective when compared to local preferences.
The Michelin Award is in its infancy in Malaysia.
Remember that a Michelin “Mystery Inspector” will dine anonymously at least 2-4 times to ensure their ratings and consistency.
Be that as it may, the food stalls must be commended for their consistency over the years.
The MICHELIN Guide heralds the beginning of Malaysia’s gastronomic journey and brings it to the world’s foodies.
