Michelin Guide Penang: Starred and Bib Gourmand Picks
Last updated: October 2026
The Michelin Guide expanded to Penang in 2023, recognising the island's street food heritage alongside its growing fine-dining scene. The selection includes hawker stalls serving RM5 char koay teow alongside restaurants charging RM300+ for tasting menus.
This guide lists key Michelin-recognised spots in Penang, verified in October 2026. Prices are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM).
Au Jardin
Set inside a restored 1920s bungalow, Au Jardin serves modern European cuisine using Malaysian ingredients. The tasting menu changes seasonally and the garden setting is Penang's most romantic dining room.
What to order: 7-course tasting menu with wine pairing.
Gen
Japanese-French omakase restaurant with just 16 seats at the counter. Chef prepares each course using Japanese technique with local Penang ingredients. Expect 10+ courses over two hours.
What to order: Omakase dinner (chef's course), sake pairing.
Kebaya Dining Room
Peranakan fine dining inside the Seven Terraces heritage hotel. The Nyonya recipes are elevated with premium ingredients — think blue swimmer crab curry and slow-braised duck with buah keluak.
What to order: Nyonya tasting menu, crab curry, buah keluak duck.
Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery
Bib Gourmand Nyonya restaurant serving home-style Peranakan dishes. Auntie Gaik Lean cooks daily specials from family recipes. The assam fish and curry kapitan are the most ordered. Cash only.
What to order: Assam fish, curry kapitan chicken, jiu hu char.
Tek Sen Restaurant
Bib Gourmand Chinese restaurant famed for its double-roasted pork belly and claypot dishes. Queues form from 6 pm nightly. No reservations — arrive early for dinner.
What to order: Double roast pork, salted fish fried rice, claypot yee mee.
Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang
Bib Gourmand nasi lemak stall serving rice wrapped in banana leaf. The sambal is rich, sweet and spicy. The fried chicken is crispy. Rated by Michelin as one of the best nasi lemak in the country.
What to order: Nasi lemak with fried chicken and sambal sotong.
Siam Road Charcoal Char Koay Teow
Bib Gourmand char koay teow stall. The uncle fries each plate over charcoal, producing the signature wok hei (breath of the wok). Expect 30–60 minute queues.
What to order: Char koay teow with extra cockles and duck egg.
Hameediyah
Bib Gourmand nasi kandar restaurant, established in 1907. The oldest nasi kandar shop in Penang. The mutton curry and fried chicken with dalca gravy are the essentials.
What to order: Nasi kandar with mutton curry, fried chicken, dalca.
Line Clear Nasi Kandar
Bib Gourmand 24-hour nasi kandar stall. The late-night crowd is a mix of locals and tourists. The curries are layered generously — ask for kuah campur (mixed gravy) for maximum flavour.
What to order: Nasi kandar with mixed curry, ayam goreng, papadom.
Penang Road Famous Laksa
Bib Gourmand assam laksa stall on Penang Road. The tamarind-based fish broth is tangy and spicy, topped with shredded mackerel, pineapple and shrimp paste. A Penang essential.
What to order: Assam laksa (large bowl).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Michelin stars does Penang have?
As of ${MONTH} ${YEAR}, Penang has multiple Michelin-starred restaurants including Au Jardin and Gen. The Bib Gourmand list is longer, recognising hawker stalls and affordable restaurants for good value.
Can you eat Michelin food in Penang on a budget?
Yes. Bib Gourmand picks like Ali Nasi Lemak (RM5), Siam Road Char Koay Teow (RM7) and Penang Road Laksa (RM5) are some of the cheapest Michelin-recognised meals in the world.
Do I need reservations for Michelin restaurants in Penang?
Fine-dining spots like Au Jardin, Gen and Kebaya require reservations, especially on weekends. Hawker stalls and Bib Gourmand eateries are first come, first served.