Food Explorer & Home Chef
An exquisite culinary selection awaits at Four Seasons KL. Indulge in festive dishes, specially curated to bring joy and prosperity, merging cherished traditions with Four Seasons’ elegant flair. Starting on Jan 6 to Feb 12, there will be special events to commemorate Chinese New Year, …
Four Seasons presents Festive Wonderland at all its dining outlets where the curated Christmas offerings make the season all the more special. Come together for the festive buffet at Curate and enjoy the lavish spread. Taste and partake in the month’s Yuletide classics. Of course, …
Bistro Lea, helmed by the same people behind Atelier Binchotan, chef Lau Ka Hong and wife Celine Choong, debuts with a splash in the Hartamas scene, buzzing even on a mid-week Weds nite. Decor is decidedly French café bistro vibes, with outdoor seating replete with comfy sofas, high top tables for al fresco dining and a fountain in the centre. Lace curtains hanging from golden brass rods adorn the windows mid frame, French tunes play in the background, close your eyes and it’s quite possible to be transported to Paris for a couple hours as you sip on the range of selected French wines.
We had lovely slices of housemade sourdough before the Burrata (RM48) with beetroot and arugula, balsamic reduction – a simple but delicious starter. The Tuna nicoise (RM48) had tuna tataki, young corn, French beans, tomato, olives, pomegranate and quail’s eggs. Really enjoyed this rendition that had fresh tuna as the main draw rather than canned tuna lost under a mountain of lettuce.
On to more flavourful stuff, Lea’s Ratatouille (RM25) – eggplant, cell peppers, zucchini piperade – typical Gascon/Basque dish given the chef’s interpretation. This vegetarian offering, made famous by the animated film of the same name about a mouse that cooks, is as enticing and tasty as the burst of pretty colours it comes in.
For mains, Le Bar featured sea bass (RM58) with spinach cream, trout roe and mashed potatoes that were nice and flaky, without too rich or heavy a cream that would have been typical French. The roe gave that added pop of flavour while the sinful creamy mashed potatoes were worthy of the calories.
French staple Boeuf Bourguignon (RM88) – Wagyu beef cheeks with baby carrots, pearl onions with Swiss brown sauce – more than lived up to expectations, superbly tender with robust flavours that had us at first bite.
Bistro Lea has an attractive brunch menu as well, serving stuff like Shaksuka, Egg benedict and Hachis Parmentier (French style Shepherd’s pie) so there’s plenty of reasons to want to come back again. More importantly, the prices, for a French outpost, were happily quite affordable, starting from RM25 and won’t put you out of pocket for the month. Definitely worth return visits.
Add: 1, Jalan Sri Hartamas 7, Taman Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur. hp: 012-810 3638
I love kway chap and that’s the one thing I will look for when I’m in Singapore or Penang as KL doesn’t really have a good one. There have been more shops offering this homey dish in the last few years, some of Thai origin …
Hidden upstairs on the 2nd floor in a corner shoplot in Solaris, KL, blink and you might miss it as there’s no prominent signage if you’re not looking up. I was surprised that the small Korean resto Sigol Madang was mostly full. I’ve tried to …
Tagged as ‘a new concept store by Broom’, their interior decorators deserve top marks for nailing the ambience of the space convincingly, including a patio dining area. Very different from sister cafe Broom Artistry but just as warm and welcoming with its gorgeous kampung-inspired decor. Timber is used inside and outside to create the rustic look, contrasted against the grey cement floor with long wooden benches and and round tables for dining and bird cages hung up at the side for added aesthetics.
Tanaair features Muar delights, with robust hearty flavours that’s a fiesta in the mouth, including local kopi and tea at upmarket prices starting from RM6.
The simple menu offers 4 rice options – nasi lemak (kosong), nasi lemak Ayam berempah, nasi minyak (RM7.50) and pulut (RM4.50), to go with either ayam gulai or rendang, or similarly, beef or lamb.
Because it’s basmati rice, the grains are long and separate. Personally, normal rice would have served just as well for me, being stickier and will absorb the coconut milk fragrance better. It’s also the most expensive basic nasi lemak around PJ at RM9.80 (without chicken) and with ayam berempah at RM19.80. Sambal is crowd-pleasing, hardly sweet (whew) or too spicy, though I would have preferred a punchier version.
That being said, I can’t fault the flavours – the chicken rendang was superb, fragrant with herbs and spices, rich and thick while the berempah version, though it didn’t have much of a crispy skin, was beautifully moist and luscious to the bite.
We loved the sambal bendi (ladies fingers) (RM10.20), wished more of the sambal to go around. The gulai sayur (RM12.30) was very lemak (creamy) and rich. I was expecting something more like lodeh but this was like Negri masak lomak style with a tinge of sweet, with barely any taste of spice. Not my fav but I imagine others might like this.
A pleasant place to hang out, the resto was consistently full. A good place to bring foreign guests, the menu also has tea time snacks such as pisang goreng and local desserts like cendol and the famed Muar otak-otak. Prices are slightly on the high side but that’s how much many cafes charge these days. Nice to have a place like Tanaair for the gentrified Taman Paramount, but as with all things, it comes at a cost.
Add: 35, Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya. Hp: 010-656 9889
As 2024 draws to a close, EQ has planned a year-end of culinary extravaganza, from intimate festive tea for two to a grand party. The award-winning property has enjoyed an unprecedented year in the number of accolades it has collected and is living up to …
Jameson is having its very own pickle ball Christmas social. Taking over Pickle Social Club, Bukit Kiara at Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) on Dec 14, this one-of-a-kind event brings together the excitement of a pickle ball tournament, exclusive streetwear drops and live …
The MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025 has unveiled the latest list of the MICHELIN Starred, Bib Gourmand and MICHELIN Selected restaurants, honouring 143 restaurants across Malaysia’s dynamic culinary landscape. This third edition highlights the country’s finest gastronomic experiences and introduces new award categories emphasising sustainability, innovation, and culinary excellence.
“As we reveal the third edition of the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025, we are truly impressed by the remarkable progress of Malaysia’s culinary landscape. It’s inspiring to see two new restaurants earn one MICHELIN Star, and the addition of 12 new Bib Gourmand establishments showcases the rich diversity of local flavours. From preserving cherished family recipes to embracing sustainability with our first MICHELIN Green Star restaurant, these establishments reflect the heart and soul of Malaysia’s culinary heritage. We are excited to celebrate the passion, creativity, and dedication that make this country’s cuisine special,” says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide.
Contemporary Malaysian restaurant Dewakan in Kuala Lumpur has made history by being the first restaurant in Malaysia to receive the prestigious MICHELIN Green Star for its commitment to sustainability, while retaining two MICHELIN Stars for its outstanding cuisine. Chef Darren Teoh Min Guo leads Dewakan’s efforts to source local ingredients, especially unique local produce, and makes the best use of them to promote local Malaysian flavours, setting a great example. Taking a nose-to-tail approach to ensure every part of the ingredients is utilised and reducing waste by fermenting food scraps into homemade sauces, Dewakan exemplifies how fine dining and sustainability can go hand in hand.
The introduction of the first MICHELIN Green Star in Malaysia reflects the growing importance of sustainability in the culinary world. The MICHELIN Guide recognises that great food should not only tantalise the palate but also benefit the community and the planet. Dewakan’s efforts serve as an inspiration for other restaurants to adopt greener practices.
The 2025 edition also celebrates the addition of two new restaurants to the prestigious one MICHELIN Star category: Chim by Chef Noom, offering innovative contemporary Thai cuisine that serves Thai dishes rooted in tradition but with creative twists and stylish plating; and Molina, recognised for innovative dishes that are a delectable amalgam of French techniques, Nordic sensibility and Asian twists. These two restaurants join a select group of 6 MICHELIN-Starred restaurants: Au Jardin, Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, Beta, and DC. by Darren Chin.
The MICHELIN Guide continues to recognise exceptional value with its Bib Gourmand category, recognising 56 restaurants this year for their high-quality and affordable dining experiences. Among the 12 new entrants are Cantonese eatery Foong Lian and Peranakan establishment Winn’s Cafe, showcasing Malaysia’s local culinary gems.
Of particular note is BM Yam Rice has been moved from the MICHELIN Selected category to the Bib Gourmand list, acknowledging its consistent quality and value. Known for its rich and flavourful broth served with savoury yam rice, this beloved establishment in Penang has earned its place among the country’s most notable affordable dining options.
The 12 new Bib Gourmand establishments include a diverse range of culinary gems, including:
*Kuala Lumpur: Coast by Kayra, Foong Lian, Leen’s, MTR 1924, and Sin Kiew Yee Shin Kee Beef Noodles.
*Penang: BM Yam Rice, Laksalicious, Lum Lai Duck Meat Koay Teow Th’ng, Ravi’s Famous Apom Manis, Serabai Istimewa, Super Star Koay Teow Soup, and Winn’s Cafe.
This year’s MICHELIN Selected list includes 80 establishments, with 10 new additions. These restaurants range from street food vendors to steakhouses and innovative kitchens, offering diners a wide assortment of culinary experiences. Notable newcomers in Kuala Lumpur include barbecue specialists Atelier Binchotan and Bar Kar, contemporary French restaurant Potager, and contemporary Malaysian venue Terra Dining. In Penang, the Austrian dining room Christoph’s, Italian trattoria Jaloux, and innovative kitchen Lucky Hole are among others.
This year’s new entries showcase the exciting future of Malaysia’s dining scene, bringing unique perspectives to the nation and blending tradition with innovation.
The MICHELIN Guide 2025 Special Awards
Each year, the MICHELIN Guide highlights the exceptional individuals who elevate Malaysia’s dynamic dining scene. The MICHELIN Guide 2025 Special Awards continue this tradition, recognising top talents in service, sommelier, young chef, and opening of the year categories, all of which play an integral role in shaping the destination’s gastronomic landscape.
2025 MICHELIN Guide Service Award
Azmi Ahmad Kamal of Chim by Chef Noom (new One MICHELIN Star) takes home the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025 Service Award for his unwavering commitment to exceptional service. Humble, polite, and friendly, Azmi’s professionalism shines from the moment you sit down. His keen observational skills and warm service make dining a delightful experience, earning him recognition as one of the hardest-working and friendliest staff members in the restaurant.
2025 MICHELIN Guide Sommelier Award
Recognised for his exceptional knowledge and passion for wine, Han Lai from Terra Dining (new MICHELIN Selected) receives the MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2025 Sommelier Award. With around three years of service experience and a background in the wine industry, Lai offers curated wine pairing options with either three or five glasses, enhancing the dining experience and complementing each meal perfectly.
2025 MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award
Waymann Cheong from Lucky Hole (new MICHELIN Selected) is this year’s Young Chef Award winner. Born into a food industry family in Penang, he developed a passion for cooking early on. After graduating from a local culinary hospitality college and gaining experience at renowned restaurants like Pollen and Burnt Ends in Singapore, he returned to Penang, aiming to introduce modern culinary concepts to his hometown. As the leader of a young team at Lucky Hole, he fosters creativity and energy, boldly blending modern techniques with local ingredients.
2025 MICHELIN Guide Opening of the Year Award
The Opening of the Year Award, presented by UOB Malaysia, celebrates the success of a newly opened dining venue that has significantly impacted the local culinary scene. This year’s recipient is Guillaume Depoortere, the head chef of Molina. Since its opening in June 2024, the core team, with a strong background in Europe’s top-class restaurants, brings extensive industry experience and expertise, establishing a new standard in the city’s culinary scene.
These Special Awards reflect the dedication, skill, and passion of Malaysia’s culinary professionals and contribute to the nation’s evolving gastronomic excellence.
KUALA LUMPUR
Two MICHELIN Stars
| Restaurant Name | Type of Cuisine |
| Dewakan | Malaysian Contemporary |
One MICHELIN Star
| Restaurant Name | Type of Cuisine |
| Beta | Malaysian Contemporary |
| Chim By Chef Noom NEW | Thai Contemporary |
| DC. by Darren Chin | French Contemporary |
| Molina NEW | Innovative |
MICHELIN Green Star
| Restaurant Name | Type of Cuisine |
| Dewakan | Malaysian Contemporary |
Bib Gourmand
| Restaurant Name | Type of Cuisine |
| Ah Hei Bak Kut Teh | Malaysian |
| Aliyaa | Sri Lankan |
| Anak Baba | Malaysian & Peranakan |
| Coast by Kayra NEW | Indian |
| Congkak (Bukit Bintang) | Malaysian |
| De. Wan 1958 (Taman U Thant) | Malaysian |
| Foong Lian NEW | Cantonese |
| Hai Kah Lang (Taman Cheras) | Seafood |
| Heun Kee Claypot Chicken Rice (Pudu) | Cantonese |
| Hing Kee Bakuteh (121 Jalan Kepong) | Malaysian |
| Hor Poh Cuisine | Hakkanese |
| Jalan Ipoh Claypot Chicken Rice | Street Food |
| Lai Foong Lala Noodles | Noodles |
| Leen’s NEW | Middle Eastern |
| MTR 1924 NEW | Indian Vegetarian |
| Nam Heong Chicken Rice (City Centre) | Malaysian |
| Nasi Ayam Hainan Chee Meng (Jalan Kelang Lama) | Malaysian |
| Restoran Pik Wah | Cantonese |
| Roti by d’Tandoor | Indian |
| Sao Nam | Vietnamese |
| Sek Yuen | Cantonese |
| Sin Kiew Yee Shin Kee Beef Noodles NEW | Noodles |
| Sri Nirwana Maju | Indian |
| Wong Mei Kee | Street Food |
MICHELIN Selected
| Restaurant Name | Type of Cuisine |
| Akar | Malaysian Contemporary |
| Atelier Binchotan NEW | Barbecue |
| Bar Kar NEW | Barbecue |
| Bōl | Asian Contemporary |
| Café Café | French |
| Cilantro | French Contemporary |
| Dancing Fish | Malaysian & Indonesian |
| Dominic | French Contemporary |
| Eat and Cook | Malaysian Contemporary |
| Elegant Inn | Cantonese |
| Entier | French Contemporary |
| Flour | Indian |
| Frangipaani | Indian |
| Gai by Darren Chin (Taman Tun Dr Ismail) | Thai |
| Hide | Innovative |
| Jwala | Indian |
| Kayra | Indian |
| La Suisse | European |
| Li Yen | Cantonese |
| Limapulo | Peranakan |
| Ling Long | Innovative |
| Malai | Thai |
| Marble 8 | Steakhouse |
| Marini’s on 57 | Italian |
| Nadodi | Innovative |
| Passage Thru India | Indian |
| Potager NEW | French Contemporary |
| Qureshi | Indian |
| Seed | Innovative |
| Shanghai Restaurant | Shanghainese |
| Skillet | European Contemporary |
| Soleil | European Contemporary |
| Sushi Masa | Sushi |
| Sushi Ori | Sushi |
| Sushi Taka | Sushi |
| Tamarind Hill | Thai & Burmese |
| Tanglin (Bukit Damansara) | Malaysian |
| Tenmasa | Tempura |
| Teochew Lao Er | Teochew |
| Terra Dining NEW | Malaysian Contemporary |
| The Brasserie | French Contemporary |
| Ushi | Japanese |
| Vantador | Steakhouse |
| Wagyu Kappo Yoshida | Japanese |
| Yun House | Cantonese |
Penang
One MICHELIN Star
| Restaurant Name | Type of Cuisine |
| Au Jardin | European Contemporary |
| Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery | Peranakan |
Bib Gourmand
| Restaurant Name | Type of Cuisine |
| Ah Boy Koay Teow Th’ng | Street Food |
| Bibik’s Kitchen | Peranakan |
| BM Cathay Pancake | Street Food |
| BM Yam Rice Moved from MICHELIN Selected | Teochew |
| Bridge Street Prawn Noodle | Noodles |
| Communal Table by Gēn | Malaysian |
| Duck Blood Curry Mee | Street Food |
| Ghee Lian | Street Food |
| Green House Prawn Mee & Loh Mee | Street Food |
| Hot Bowl White Curry Mee | Noodles |
| Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine | Peranakan |
| Laksalicious NEW | Malaysian |
| Lum Lai Duck Meat Koay Teow Th’ng NEW | Street Food |
| Ming Qin Charcoal Duck Egg Char Koay Teow | Noodles |
| Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay | Small eats |
| My Own Café | Street Food |
| Neighbourwood | European Contemporary |
| Penang Road Famous Jin Kor Char Kuey Teow | Street Food |
| Penang Road Famous Laksa | Street Food |
| Rasa Rasa | Peranakan |
| Ravi’s Famous Apom Manis NEW | Street Food |
| Sardaarji | Indian |
| Serabai Istimewa NEW | Street Food |
| Siam Road Char Koay Teow | Street Food |
| Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak | Street Food |
| Super Star Koay Teow Soup NEW | Street Food |
| Taman Bukit Curry Mee | Street Food |
| Teksen | Cantonese |
| Thara | Thai |
| Tho Yuen | Cantonese |
| Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa | Street Food |
| Winn’s Cafe NEW | Peranakan |
MICHELIN Selected
| Restaurant Name | Type of Cuisine |
| 888 Hokkien Mee (Lebuh Presgrave) | Street Food |
| Air Itam Duck Rice | Street Food |
| Air Itam Sister Curry Mee | Street Food |
| Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang | Street Food |
| Bali Hai Seafood Market | Seafood |
| Bao Teck Tea House | Dim Sum |
| Bee See Heong | Malaysian |
| Bite N Eat Dindigul Biriyani | Indian |
| Blanc NEW | European Contemporary |
| Ceki | Peranakan |
| Christoph’s NEW | Austrian |
| Curios-City | Innovative |
| Fatty Loh Chicken Rice | Street Food |
| Feringgi Grill | European Contemporary |
| Firewood NEW | Barbecue |
| Flower Mulan | Peranakan |
| Fook Cheow Cafe | Noodles |
| Gēn | Innovative |
| Goh Thew Chik Hainan Chicken Rice | Street Food |
| Il Bacaro | Italian |
| Jaloux NEW | Italian |
| Jawi House | Indian |
| Jit Seng Hong Kong Roasted Duck Rice | Street Food |
| Kebaya Dining Room | Peranakan |
| Kota Dine & Coffee (Fort Cornwallis) | Peranakan |
| La Vie | European Contemporary |
| Lucky Hole NEW | Innovative |
| Nyonya Willow NEW | Peranakan |
| Penang Famous Samosa | Street Food |
| Pitt Street Koay Teow Soup | Noodles |
| Richard Rivalee | Peranakan |
| Sambal | Asian Contemporary |
| The Pinn | Small eats |
| Tok Tok Mee Bamboo Noodle | Noodles |
| WhatSaeb Boat Noodles | Thai |
Over 2,000 people were present when Guinness Malaysia, the Official Beer of the Premier League, crowned its first Grand Prize winner at the spectacular Guinness Matchday event held at Sentul Depot recently. The sheer joy on Gregory Isaac’s face was unmistakable when his name was …
