For the first time, the prestigious food guide will give recognition to top culinary talents in Malaysia
Considering the richness of its cuisine, some would argue that it's long overdue but better late than never: Michelin Guide will finally come out with a list for Malaysia. For its debut here, the guide will focus on Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
What started out as a guide for motorists in 1900 in France has grown to become a prestigious name in the culinary world, its guides often referenced by travellers and gourmands. The restaurants are assessed anonymously by a team of trained inspectors based on the following criteria:
- Quality of the ingredients
- Mastery of cooking
- Harmony of flavours
- Personality of the chef through the cuisine
- Consistency over time and across the entire menu
The restaurants will be rated one ["worth a stop"], two ["worth a detour], or three stars ["worth a special journey"]. The Michelin Guide currently covers over 30 destinations; in Southeast Asia, so far only Singapore and Thailand have their own guides.
See also: Chef Mano Thevar on Running a Michelin-Starred Restaurant
"The upcoming selection will unveil a new page in Asia's gastronomic prowess, spotlighting the wonders of Malaysian cuisine, and the abundance of homegrown culinary talents," says Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide. "Kuala Lumpur and Penang have their own unique characteristics which benefit a variety of diners locally and abroad."
He elaborates that being the nation's economic hub, "Kuala Lumpur is a fast-moving city flocked with sizeable venues, independent restaurants, and new inspirations for gastronomy. [Meanwhile] Penang is a gastronomic hotbed of small-scale restaurants and street food that embodies Malaysia's distinctive streetside dining culture."
Michelin Guide Kuala Lumpur and Penang 2023 will be unveiled in December 2022, with the full list to be published on its website and its app.
Tatler speaks to Elisabeth Boucher-Anselin, Michelin experiences director of communications, to find out more about the mechanics of the guide and its expansion to Malaysia.