The 2023 edition of The Michelin Guide Malaysia will be identifying the best culinary talents and restaurants in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

After many years of anticipation, Malaysia is finally being graced with Michelin Guide recognition. The world’s most prestigious and respected food guide has chosen to focus on restaurants and eateries only in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, two important cities that are widely regarded as holding some of the best gastronomic experiences in the country.

For anyone unfamiliar, the Michelin Guide represents several region-specific culinary guides published by French tire company Michelin since 1900. The guides have become the pinnacle of restaurant ratings around the world, with the best chefs striving to achieve the prized third star — the holy grail of culinary industry recognition.

The world-renowned guide has seen entire businesses either raised to untouchable heights or humbled into closing by the awarding and revoking of these globally coveted stars. Malaysia will now get to witness how the organization operates first hand, and excitement is definitely in the air, being able to see which of our favourite restaurants has what it takes to truly impress.

The upcoming 2023 edition of The Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang will be identifying the best culinary talents and restaurants in the two cities, and the rankings will be based on five criteria — quality of ingredients, mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in the cuisine, value for money, and consistency of food.

How it works is, anonymous food critics or inspectors will be sent by Michelin multiple times before deciding on how well these points are met, and whether or not a restaurant is deserving of a coveted Michelin Star.

And with how strictly Michelin enforces its criteria, any Malaysian establishment that receives a star will — on paper — stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other Michelin-starred restaurants from across the globe.

THE HIGHEST OF RECOGNITION

Naturally, getting a star is easier said than done especially with the organization’s meticulous and stringent grading. However, things look rather promising with the guide’s International Director, Gwendal Poullennec, saying that inspectors have already frequented targeted establishments several times over the past few years.

“Kuala Lumpur and Penang have their own unique characteristics which benefit a variety of diners locally and abroad,” Poullennec said.

“Kuala Lumpur, the country’s economic and business hub is a fast-moving city flocked with sizeable venues, independent restaurants, and new inspirations for gastronomy.

“Penang, with its strong Peranakan influence, is a gastronomic hotbed of small-scale restaurants and street food that embodies Malaysia’s distinctive street-side dining culture,” she adds.

As always, the organization have remained tight-lipped over which restaurants and establishments are in the spotlight, but we can look forward to the full list when it’s announced during a special event in December.