PENANG has once again earned top honours in The Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026, announced at the Four Seasons Hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, further cementing its reputation as Malaysia’s culinary capital.
Five restaurants from Penang have made it to the list of Michelin Selected establishments, and three have gained the Bib Gourmand status.
The five newly Michelin Selected establishments are:
- Blacklinen – A barbecue specialist that combines smoky depth with elegant presentation.
- Du-An (Lebuh Pantai) – A celebration of Malaysian heritage through elevated local flavours.
- Mémoire – Offering an innovative tasting menu inspired by personal stories and culinary nostalgia.
- Peninsula House – Blending Australian contemporary sensibilities with Asian ingredients.
- Sood by Chef Ton – A Thai contemporary restaurant bringing refined Bangkok flair to Penang’s dining scene.
Awesome Char Koay Teow, Bee Hwa Café, and Sifu Nyonya Cuisine have joined the Bib Gourmand ranks, showcasing beloved local dishes with remarkable depth and consistency.
State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai noted that all restaurants that held a Michelin Star last year maintained their rating, and two restaurants were upgraded from Michelin Selected in 2025 to a Michelin Star this year.
Wong expressed his delight that Au Jardin and Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, both long-standing Michelin Star restaurants in Penang, have retained their status with an unwavering commitment to quality and culinary excellence.
“Penang’s continued performance on the Michelin stage reflects the state’s successful integration of rich culinary culture with international recognition. The Michelin selection process is rigorous and meticulous, and Penang’s repeated inclusion is a testament to the ingenuity, dedication, and pursuit of perfection of its culinary professionals.
“Whether preserving traditional flavours in heritage establishments or innovating in modern restaurants, Penang’s eateries have won the favour of Michelin inspectors with their unique local flavours and heartfelt hospitality,” Wong said.
Of the 151 eateries listed for 2026, Penang boasts 74 restaurants and street food stalls, accounting for nearly half of all entries. Among these, two earned a Michelin Star, 39 were recognised as Michelin Selected, and 33 received the Bib Gourmand distinction. This remarkable achievement further reinforces Penang’s reputation as a ‘Food Paradise’ and highlights the depth and richness of the state’s diverse culinary culture.
Wong pointed out that among the 16 new entrants in the 2026 Guide, Kuala Lumpur and Penang are evenly matched, with eight new eateries each.
“In Penang, this includes three new Bib Gourmand and five new Michelin Selected restaurants; in Kuala Lumpur, two restaurants received the Bib Gourmand recognition and six were listed as Michelin Selected. These achievements continue to enrich Malaysia’s culinary landscape and affirm the strength and heritage of Penang’s gastronomy,” Wong said proudly.
In the Bib Gourmand category, which signifies exceptional food at affordable prices, five new restaurants were added nationwide, bringing the total number of Bib Gourmand eateries in Malaysia to 58.
“Within The Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2026, a total of 84 restaurants received Michelin Selected recognition, including 11 newcomers. Penang contributed five new entries this year, bringing its total to 39, while Kuala Lumpur added six, reaching 45 in total,” Wong said.
He further emphasised that as a globally recognised benchmark in the culinary world, the Michelin Guide serves as a key reference for food-seeking travellers.
“The increasing number of Penang eateries listed in the guide not only highlights the international rise of Penang cuisine but also brings tangible benefits to the local dining industry. Recognition from Michelin, especially among international and Western visitors, will further strengthen the Penang Food brand, attract gourmands from around the world, and contribute significantly to Penang’s tourism economy.”
He highlighted that earning a Michelin Star, Bib Gourmand, or Michelin Selected recognition is a high honour for any restaurant, as it enhances reputation, boosts international visibility, and draws discerning diners to Penang.
Wong expressed hope that the prestigious guide will continue to inspire Penang’s culinary operators to strive for excellence, refine their skills, and elevate service standards, so that even more Penang eateries may join the Michelin ranks in the future, earning greater international acclaim and further cementing Penang’s status as a ‘Food Paradise.’
Pix courtesy of Penang Tourism and Creative Economy office