Malaysia Boleh! Michelin Awards Four Malay Restaurants With One-Star Rating

The famed Michelin Guide, which has been the authority on fine dining in its 122-year existence, has landed in Malaysia. In an unveiling ceremony held in Berjaya Times Square Hotel on Dec. 13, 2022, Michelin revealed four restaurants from Kuala Lumpur and Penang to have received a “One MICHELIN Star” rating:

• Dewakan (KUL)
• DC (KUL)
• Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery (PNG)
• Au Jardin (PNG)

Dewakan and Auntie Gaik are dear to the heart of many locals, as these eateries focus on putting the best that Malaysia can offer to the world of gastronomy. Dewakan, led by maverick Malay chef Darren Teoh, puts indigenous produce, such as buah keluak and bulim, on the spotlight. Meanwhile, Auntie Gaik, spearheaded by Peranakan cuisine master Beh Gaik Lean, places Penang’s food heritage on the forefront.

In total, 97 restaurants have made it into the local iteration of the Michelin Guide. Aside from the star ratings, the guide also bestowed the “Bib Gourmand” distinction to 32 restaurants (17 from Kuala Lumpur, 15 from Penang) that it considers “friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.” The other 61 fell into the “Selected Restaurants” category—places that did not get either a “Bib Gourmand” or star rating but can attain a higher status in the future.

The Michelin Guide also eyed the people who played a key supporting role in the kitchen. Leanne Lim (Service Award, Dewakan) and Mahammad Hafiz bin Abdullah (Sommelier Award, DC) both received the guide’s Special Awards during the ceremony. On the other hand, Lim Yan You (Au Jardin) received the Young Chef Award.