Did you know that the Michelin company, the ones who make tyres, is the same company that rates the restaurants? It all started over a century ago, when brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin created a guide for travellers that included places of interest, petrol stations, and of course, restaurants to stop at. Now, the Michelin Guide has become something that makes or breaks a restaurant! In 2022, Michelin finally revealed the best restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, so let’s take a look at the best Michelin restaurants in Malaysia that are *actually* worth burning tyres for.
Although few restaurants can win the coveted MICHELIN star, restaurants can also be awarded the Bib Gourmand. A total of four restaurants in KL and Penang won one MICHELIN star in 2022, and 93 restaurants were awarded the Bib Gourmand.
You can check out the full Michelin Guide here.
Best Michelin Restaurants in KL & Penang
Contents
Kuala Lumpur
1. DC Restaurant By Darren Chin (1 MICHELIN Star)
Winner of one Michelin star, DC Restaurant By Darren Chin is a force to be reckoned with in the tastiest of ways. Located in TTDI, this 3-storey illustrated eatery boasts a beautiful bar that offers drinks and tapas on the ground floor, and its main dining area on the first floor. There are also three private rooms on the main dining area that can hold up to 10 patrons each, as well as as a private room on the second floor, in collaboration with Grand Maison Louis xiii Cognac. As if it couldn’t get better, DC offers fine dining, in addition to an immersive omakase experience, and even a cheese trolley!
For more information or to make a reservation, click here.
| Address: | No 44 Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating hours: | Tue – Sun: 6pm – 11pm Closed on Mondays |
| Contact details: | +603 7731 0502 |
2. Dewakan (1 Michelin Star)
The second restaurant in Kuala Lumpur to win the coveted MICHELIN star is Dewakan, a contemporary Malaysian restaurant located on the 48th level of Naza Tower. The restaurant was acknowledged for its prix fixe tasting menu, which starts at RM788.80 per pax. A wholly Malaysian restaurant, this establishment celebrates the use of fermented and dry-aged items made in-house, alongside with seasonal fruits and herbs. Every ingredient is sustainably and locally sourced down to even the dinnerware, which were handmade by local artists.
For more information or to make a reservation, click here.
| Address: | Platinum Park, Level 48, Skyviews, Naza Tower @, Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating hours: | Mon – Sat: 6pm – 11.30pm Closed on Sundays |
| Contact details: | 6012 789 6720 |
3. Congkak (Bib Gourmand)
Trust us, you haven’t had Malay cuisine like this. Congkak, located in Jalan Beremi, offers traditional and authentic Nusantara dishes, like the Rusuk Panggang Masak Hitam (pictured), Ayam Panggang Berlado, and Itik Goreng Berempah. However, if there’s one thing you need to try at this place, it’s the Nasi Ambeng platter, a savoury rice dish with tons of side dishes and spice. All of their dishes are a flavour explosion in your mouth, and it’s a taste reminiscent of home to some. Fair warning that most of their dishes have a lot of spice, so get ready to sweat if you’re not used to heat.
For more information or to make a reservation, click here.
| Address: | 24, Jalan Beremi, Off, Jln Sultan Ismail, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating hours: | Sun – Thur: 12pm – 10pm Fri – Sat: 12pm – 11pm |
| Contact details: | +6019 289 7008 |
4. Nam Heong Chicken Rice (Bib Gourmand)
Don’t be fooled by the fancy picture; Nam Heong Chicken Rice is a cosy, small restaurant in Jalan Sultan that serves out of this world classic Hainanese dishes. It’s been around since 1938, so you know they’re doing something right. They serve two kinds of chicken for their chicken rice; leaner veggie farm chicken, and fattier free-range chicken. Both are absolutely delectable and freshly poached every morning. Combined with the flavoursome rice, soup, and chilli, it makes for an incredible yet comforting meal.
| Address: | 56, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating hours: | 10am – 4pm daily |
| Contact details: | 03 2022 3818 |
Penang
1. Au Jardin (1 Michelin Star)
As the name suggests, Au Jardin is a celebration of French cusine, with hints of Asian inspiration. The restaurant itself used to be Hin Depot, but the interior is chic and stately, providing an immaculate backdrop for what is to be one of the best meals you’ve ever had in your life. Helmed by Chef Kim Hock, the menu changes monthly and showcases his journey and travels through Europe over the years. Every ingredient, placement, and technique is carefully thought-out, and every bite is a step into the streets of France.
For more information or to make a reservation, click here.
| Address: | The Warehouse @ Hin Bus Depot, 125, Jalan Timah, 10150, Georgetown, Penang |
| Operating hours: | Thur – Sun: 11.30am – 2pm, 5.15pm – 10pm |
| Contact details: | 6012 428 9594 |
2. Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery (1 MICHELIN Star)
For a taste of Michelin-awarded Peranakan cuisine, there’s literally nowhere else better than Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery. Dishes are completely made from scratch and with love, and the use of high quality produce really shows in this star-studded establishment. It’s been hailed cheapest Michelin star restaurant in the world, but there’s nothing cheap about the taste or quality of the cuisine. Housed in a former jewellery shop, the restaurant’s exterior and interior is just as colourful as the Nyonya dishes served.
For more information or to make a reservation, click here.
| Address: | 1, Bishop St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang |
| Operating hours: | Thur – Sun: 11.30am – 2pm, 5.15pm – 10pm |
| Contact details: | +6017 4344 398 |
3. Sardaarji
Warm, comforting, and absolutely delectable, Sardaarji was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its North Indian dishes. Patrons can find favourites like Butter Chicken, Lamb Shank Masala, and Aloo Paratha, but trust us, it’s next level. Besides amazing authentic Punjabi dishes, patrons are also treated to live performances to add to the eclectic ambience. And worry not, this establishment is also Muslim-friendly.
For more information or to make a reservation, click here.
| Address: | 6, Lebuh China, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang |
| Operating hours: | Weekdays: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm Weekends: 11.30am – 3pm, 4pm – 10pm |
| Contact details: | 04 263 7069 |
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