Four restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and Penang were awarded Malaysia’s first ever Michelin stars when the inaugural Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang 2023 was unveiled tonight at a ceremony at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur and Penang were selected as the first two cities for the guide’s debut in Malaysia, largely because both were deemed to have mature food scenes.

The Michelin Guide awards one, two or three stars to restaurants (three being the highest, most elusive and therefore most revered) to restaurants deemed worthy. Over the years, the guide has grown to become one of the most prestigious food guides in existence – one that has also successfully boosted both tourism as well as the visibility and repute of chefs all over the world.