KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 — The Michelin Guide for Kuala Lumpur and Penang 2026 revealed two new entrants, Akar and Terra Dining, who were awarded one-Michelin-stars.
It’s a big win for Malaysian cuisine as both restaurants showcase local ingredients reinterpreted based on the two chefs’ overseas experiences.
Coincidentally, both Akar and Terra Dining are located along the same stretch in Taman Tun Dr Ismail.
Previously both restaurants were in the Michelin Selected category.
When picking up the award, Akar’s chef-owner Aidan Low said, “This is a big reflection of what Malaysia has to offer.”
Terra Dining chef-owner YC Chong also said, “This afternoon it’s a win for Malaysian cuisine with all of its diversity and there’s more to come.”
Dewakan retained its two-Michelin-stars which was picked up by Darren Teoh. — Picture by Choo Choy May
The six one-Michelin star restaurants, namely Au Jardin, Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old Eatery, Beta, Chim by Chef Noon, DC by Darren Chin and Molina, retained their status
A slew of special awards were also presented to recognise excellence in enhancing the dining experience in KL and Penang..
Maverick Fung from K Kaiseki won the Service Award for his warm hospitality, which he also credited to his whole team.
Chef Wong Chin Hua from Shu was lauded with the Young Chef Award for his dedicated work to trace his Teochew heritage and the Chinese diaspora journey.
Dewakan retained its two stars and also won the Green Star for a second time, which is awarded to restaurants with sustainable practices and dining experience.
Darren Teoh who leads Dewakan reminded everyone when he picked up his Green Star that, “We only have one Earth so let’s take care of it”.
Teoh also acknowledged gratitude for Michelin and their partners’ support for the F&B industry which has faced a hard year.
Bidou, the second venture of Teoh, picked up the Opening of the Year Award, given to restaurants with a successful opening in the past 12 months, which has impacted the local culinary scene.
The French restaurant which is also a new entrant to the Michelin Selection list is what Teoh explained, “focused on bringing some of the food he grew up cooking which interestingly was French.”
The list of one-Michelin-stars have now grown to eight establishments. — Picture by Choo Choy May
The Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang 2026 list of Michelin-starred restaurants is as follows:
Two Stars
Dewakan, Kuala Lumpur
One Star
Akar, Kuala Lumpur (New)
Au Jardin, Penang
Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, Penang
Beta, Kuala Lumpur
DC by Darren Chin, Kuala Lumpur
Chim by Chef Noom, Kuala Lumpur
Molina, Kuala Lumpur
Terra Dining, Kuala Lumpur (New)
Green Star
Dewakan
