The Michelin Guide has revealed its 2024 Bib Gourmand selection for Kuala Lumpur and Penang, with a total of forty-five food establishments being recognised with the Bib Gourmand title, including twelve new entries and one moving from Michelin Selected.
In anticipation of the full restaurant selection making the Kuala Lumpur and Penang 2024 guide, Michelin has revealed the food establishments that have earned the Bib Gourmand recognition. These eateries, meticulously assessed by the famously anonymous and independent inspectors, were chosen for their good quality meals at a good value.
Fourteen new Bib Gourmand restaurants have been added to the guide, bringing the total to 45 food establishments that offer an outstanding dining experience at a reasonable price. The number is considerably higher than last year, which featured 32 food establishments.
The Bib Gourmand distinction, symbolised by the “Bibendum” or “Michelin Man”, recognises both restaurants and street food eateries that Michelin inspectors consider to be the best value for money within the selection. Bib Gourmand establishments fall within the $ and $$ price range, namely the categories “on a budget” and “a moderate spend”.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides, said, “The 45 Bib Gourmand establishments encompass a diverse range of culinary experiences, with a focus on providing excellent value for diners in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.”
“These newly recognised eateries enrich the local culinary landscape, showcasing the vibrant food scenes in both regions. Especially in Penang, where our inspectors were delighted to discover abundant street food and small shops with personality and quality food presenting different kinds of local snacks.”
In this year’s Bib Gourmand selection, 13 restaurants were newly awarded the recognition; among them, five are from Kuala Lumpur, and eight are from Penang. Notably, one of last year’s Michelin Selected restaurants, Sri Nirwana Maju in Kuala Lumpur, has been moved to Bib Gourmand.
Below is more detailed information on the Bib Gourmand establishments entering the guide.
Kuala Lumpur: 4 New Entries and 1 Moving from Michelin Selected
With the new addition of 5 food establishments, Kuala Lumpur now has a total of 20 Bib Gourmand establishments featuring more than ten different cuisine types.
Hor Poh Cuisine, located in a tucked-away neighbourhood, is a simple shop that has been selling authentic Hakkanese food for over 20 years. The must-try Hor Poh lui cha is a sheeny green soup served with steamed rice. The Hor Poh dumpling is also popular.
Jalan Ipoh Claypot Chicken Rice has been selling chicken rice that is cooked-to-order over charcoal in clay pots for over 30 years. The dish comes with Cantonese pork sausage and ginger and has a crispy crust at the bottom.
Roti by d’Tandoor is a North Indian restaurant brand that was founded in Malaysia in 1990. It has since expanded to other countries around the world. They offer a hearty range of fine Indian cuisine featuring a consummate blend of herbs and spices.
Sek Yuen serves mostly traditional Cantonese cuisine. Having opened in 1948 and remaining as popular as ever, it now takes up three shops on the same street. Depending on where the clients are seated, the room may feel vintage and nostalgic or simple and bright.
Sri Nirwana Maju, which is moved from being a MICHELIN Selected eatery, attracts diners for its distinctive flavours — a selection of regional dishes for anyone seeking an authentic taste of India.
Penang: 8 New Entries
With the new addition of 8 food establishments, Penang now has a total of 25 Bib Gourmand establishments, with almost 50% of them being street food stalls.
Ah Boy Koay Teow Th’ng is a family-run shop, now in its second generation of owners. This institution specialises in koay teow th’ng, and the broth is made from chicken and pork bones.
BM Cathay Pancake is a humble cart outside Cathay Food Court, which has been serving only one dish since 1962 — Apam Balik, or chargrilled pancake with sugar-peanut filling, made on the spot and served piping hot.
Ghee Lian serves three noodle dishes: the signature green tom yum, noodle soup, and fried noodles. The fresh green tom yum hits the right balance of sour and spicy. The fried fish topping has a crispy outer layer and a succulent centre, while the large prawns have a delicious umami flavour.
Hot Bowl White Curry Mee is a small shop offering one of the best curries in Penang. The mee is served in a coconut milk-based broth with a bowl of curry paste. The noodle soup in clear broth with chicken meatballs is also worth trying.
My Own Café is a charming family-run shop that serves Penang Asam laksa, Nyonya laksa, and fried spring rolls. The light and refreshing red soup of the signature Asam laksa strikes the right balance of sour and spicy and is nicely topped off with mint and pineapple.
Penang Road Famous Jin Kor Char Kuey Teow has been around for almost 40 years. Kuey teow is made to order and topped with shrimp, blood clams, pork sausage, and bean sprouts, boasting a lovely wok hei aroma.
Siam Road Char Koay Teow is a small store that draws long queues — mostly tourists and young customers. They serve just one dish: stir-fried koay teow. The wok-fried flat rice noodles that emit a charcoal aroma are well-seasoned and come with quality ingredients that can be spiced to taste.
Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak is run by three sisters who inherited their father’s life’s work, which he began in 1963. The speciality of the stall is char koay kak, a snack from the family’s ancestral home of Teochew. The rice cakes are fried with a nice wok hei aroma and the right amount of soya sauce, bean sprouts, egg, and spiciness.
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