45 Best Michelin Guide Restaurants in Penang You Have to Try [2023]

Best Michelin Guide Restaurants in Penang You Have to Try

Finally, the first Malaysian version of the Michelin Guide has been released. Here are a list of amazing spots around Penang, carefully selected by the Michelin inspectors that are worth trying out. There are three catagories under the Michelin Guide which include the Michelin Selected, the Michelin Bib Gourmand and the Michelin Star Awards.

Let us proudly introduce the two dining establishment in Penang that has been awarded with one MICHELIN Star: Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery and Au Jardin.

Dining in Penang that has been awarded with one MICHELIN Star:

1. Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery

Michelin Star Penang’s restaurant - Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery

Image credit: Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery Facebook

At this Michelin Star Penang’s restaurant, Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, you are served with some of the most authentic and high quality Peranakan cuisine from Chef Gaik Lean long protected family’s secret recipes and her dedication on serving the best quality food for her customers.

You will get the chance to indulge in pie tee and gulai tumis, which employs more than eight ingredients in the curry paste, including fresh saffron. Traditional dish such as nasi ulam is also a must try when you visit this Michelin Star awarded establishment.

Address: 1 Lebuh Bishop, George Town, 10200, Malaysia
Operating hours: Daily from 12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 9.30pm, closed on Monday
Social media: Facebook

2. Restaurant Au Jardin

Michelin Star Penang’s restaurant - Au JardinImage credit: @restaurantaujardin

Another Michelin Star Awarded restaurant in Penang, Au Jardin is a fine dining restaurant serving French, Europeon fusion dishes. It is located in a storehouse within the Hin Bus Depot’s historic grounds of Penang Island with only 18 seats.

Their menu are specially curated by Chef Kim Hock, whereby his ideas for dishes are influenced by his travel experiences and culinary journey throughout the years. The dishes are specially crafted based on his respect and passion for using seasonal, local and fresh produce, hence the menu are subject to changes. Do make a reservation before heading down to this Michelin Star Awarded restaurant to prevent disappointment!

Address: 25, Jalan Timah, 10150 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hours: Thurs to Sun, 11.30am to 2.30pm, 5pm to 10pm, closed on Monday to Tuesday
Social media: Instagram | Facebook

If you do not want to break your bank while trying out some Michelin guided cuisine around Penang, do check out the Michelin Selected and the Michelin Bib Gourmand list.

17 Michelin Bib Gourmand Establishments in Penang

1. Bridge Street Prawn Mee

This Michelin Guide Prawn Mee is a family-run establishment that opened in the 1960s. It is recommended by the locals for serving a hearty Hokkien prawn mee.

Address: 533, Lebuh Pantai, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Tues to Fri, 7am to 2.30pm, Sat 7am to 1pm, Sun 7am to 12.30pm and closed on Monday

2. Communal Table by Gēn

Modern cuisine featuring a fusion of Peranakan and Malaysian flavors, produced using regional ingredients, are served at this Michelin Penang restaurant, Communal Table by Gēn. The house specialty, aged duck breast in a steamed bun, is famous for its crispy skin and flavorful sauce.

Address: 68, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Wed to Sun 2pm to 11pm, closed on Monday and Tuesday

3. Duck Blood Curry Mee

The Michelin Penang Guided Duck Blood Curry Mee’s’ covert placement in a café with a Malaysian aesthetic hasn’t deterred consumers from coming in. Their mee, which is served in a coconut milk-based, savory-sweet white curry, is outstanding. It tastes finest when paired with their handmade chili sauce and grilled pork.

Address: 223B, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 12pm to 10pm, closed on Thursday

4. Green House Prawn Mee and Loh Mee

For more than three decades of devoted patronage, Green House Prawn Mee & Loh Mee finally receives a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand. They are popular due to the rich umami flavor of their soups.

Address: 133A, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Mon to Sat, 9am to 12.30pm, Sun 11.30am to 12.30am.

5. Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine

Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine is a Peranakan eatery that offers inexpensive set dinners. The Michelin guided Penang eatery is well-known for its Joo Hoo Char (stir-fried mixed vegetables in chili paste), which has a potent amount of heat, and its Kapitan chicken curry, which has a balanced flavor and soft meat.

Address: 58, Jalan Chow Thye, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 12pm to 3pm, 6pm -9pm. Closed on Mondays

6. Ming Qing Charcoal Char Koay Teow

Ming Qing Charcoal Duck Egg Char Koay Teow as it name, is koay teow stir-fried with a duck egg over charcoal fire, the koay teow exhibit excellent wok hei and taste best when paired with an extra over-easy egg. If you love a good wok hei, do not miss out this Michelin Penang street food.

Address: 29, Jalan Betik, off, Jalan Sungai Rambai, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Mon to Thurs, 6pm to 11pm, Fri 6pm to 12am, Sat 6pm to 1am, Sun 6pm to 11.30pm

7. Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Kuih

Try out some Michelin guided nyonya kuih that locals are familiar with at Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay. Their kuih are geniunely and freshly prepared, such as the Kuih Lapis, Kuih Talam, Ang Ku Kueh, and Nyonya Chang.

Address: Chulia St, Jalan Masjid, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Operating time: Tues to Thurs 10.30am to 5pm, Fri to Sun 10.30am to 8pm, closed on Monday.

8. Neighbourwood

At Neighbourwood, European meals with Asian undertones are served along with chargrilled options. Their staple three dishes are designed for sharing—half roast chicken, Berkshire pig loin, and fish en papillote—are constantly available despite the menu’s frequent modifications.

Address: 3427, Jln Kulim, Taman Bukit Mas, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Thurs to Mon 11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 10.30pm, closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

9. Penang Road Famous Laksa

The sardine broth, which has an amazing level of depth and flavor, is probably why Penang Road Famous Laksa been awarded wtih Michelin Bib Gourmand. Also not to be missed is the char koay teow with duck egg.

Address: 5, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 9am to 5.30pm, closed on Wednesday

10. Rasa Rasa 回味

The Nyonya combo sets at Michelin guided Penang restaurant, Rasa Rasa, promise a satisfying eating experience. A selection of toppings and homemade sambal are served with the pandan nasi lemak, which is presented beautifully on a banana leaf.

Address: 59 Gat Lebuh Chulia, George Town, 10300, Malaysia
Operating time: Mon, Thurs and Fri 8am to 3pm, Sat and Sun 8.30am to 3pm, closed on Tuesday and Wednesday

11. Sardaaji

Sardaarji serves Northern Indian cuisine and some of the must-try foods from this Michelin guided Penang restaurant include, gulab jamun, black lentil soup, and amritsari prepared with red snapper.
Address: 6, Lebuh China, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Monday to Friday 11am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm, Sat and Sun, 11am to 10pm

12. Taman Bukit Curry Mee

Taman Bukit Curry Mee is known for its curry mee soup, which is cooked with coconut milk and hot curry paste, for more than 40 years.

Address: Jalan Bukit Kecil, Taman Bukit, Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai, 14000, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 6am to 11am, closed on Monday

13. Tek Sen

Teksen has gained popularity for its authentic Cantonese cuisine and regionally inspired fusion dishes. Dishes to try out at this Michelin Guided Penang restaurant include deep-fried handmade tofu and other delicacies with assam tumis or sambal.

Address: 18, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 12pm to 2pm, 6pm to 9pm, closed on Tuesday

14. Thara

Cooking staff at Thara is made up entirely of native Thais, thus the cuisine is authentic and made with the finest ingredients. Particularly tasty dishes include the appetizer Miang Kam and tom yum seafood soup.

Address: 5, Lorong Prangin, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily 12pm to 3pm, 4pm to 10pm, closed on Thursday

15. Theeni Pandarams

Theeni Pandarams serves their biryani on banana leaves in big amounts and with a flavorful, appealing texture. It is highly recommended to try the fish dishes prepared in claypots, which include options like stingray, shark, and king mackerel.

Address: 20F, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily 11am to 10pm, closed on Monday

16. Tho Yuen

Tho Yuen’s Cantonese food earns it a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand rating. This Michelin guide Penang teahouse has remained open for eight decades and continues to prepare dim sum the old-fashioned way every morning at 3:30am. Fried noodles, bee hoon, and fish balls are a must try in addition to their dim sum.

Address: 92 Campbell Street Georgetown, 10100 Penang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Wed to Sun, 6am to 3pm, closed from Sunday to Tuesday

17. Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa

The laksa is well known for the perfectly balanced broth for it sweetness, sourness, and spice.

Address: 1 Jalan Gottlieb, George Town, 10350, Malaysia
Operating time: 12pm to 5:15pm, close on Monday

Not to forget these Michelin Selected spots at Penang, while they have not been awarded with any prizes yet, they are places recommended by the Michelin Inspectors as noteworthy to give it a try, so you should definitely check out these Michelin Penang Guided spot:

Michelin Penang Guided Spot

1. Air Itam Sister Curry Mee

Address: 612 T, Jalan Air Itam, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 7.30am to 1pm, closed on Tuesday

2. Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang

Address: Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 7.30am to 2pm, closed on Sunday

3. Bali Hai Seafood Market

Address: 90C & 90 D, 90, 90A, 90 B, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 8am to 3pm, 5pm to 12am

4. Bao Teck Tea House

Address: 25, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Mon to Thurs 8am to 2pm, Fri to Sun 8am to 6pm

5. Bee See Heong

Address: Kampung Benggali, 12200 Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 11.30am to 2.15om, 6pm to 8.30pm

6. Bibik’s Kitchen

Address: 73, Jalan Sri Bahari, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 9pm and closed on Monday.

7. Bite N Eat Dindigui Biriyan

Address: 43, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 10.30am to 10pm. Closed on Tuesdays randomly.

8. BM Yam Rice

Address: 7, Jalan Murthy, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 8.30am to 3pm, closed on Wednesday

9. Chao Xuan

Address: 90, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 9.30am to 3pm, closed on Monda

10. Curios-City

Address: 164A-B, Lebuh Victoria, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 6pm to 12am

11. Fatty Loh Chicken Rice

Address: 21, Jalan Fettes, Tanjong Takong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 9am to 5pm

12. Flower Mulan

Address: 266 & 268, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: 11.30am to 10.30pm, closed on Tuesday and Wednesday

13. Gēn

Address: Unit 6, 8, Gat Lebuh Gereja, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 12pm to 11pm.

14. Goh Thew Chik Hainan Chicken Rice

Address: 340, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 10.30am to 5pm

15. Il Bacaro

Address: Campbell House, 106, Lebuh Campbell, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 12pm to 11pm

16. Jawi House

Address: 85, Lebuh Armenian, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 11am to 9.30pm, closed on Tuesday

17. Kebaya Dining Room

Address: 14A, Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Operating time: Mon, Wed to Friday from 6pm to 10pm, Sat and Sun 12pm to 2.30pm, 6pm to 10pm

18. Kota Dine & Coffee

Address: Fort Cornwallis, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 11am to 4pm, 6pm to 10pm, closed on Tuesday

19. La Vie

Address: 139, Jalan Pintal Tali, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 6.30pm to 11.30pm

20.Lao San Tong Bah Kut Teh

Address: MY Pulau Pinang Butterworth Jalan Raja Uda, 1, Lorong Perniagaan Melur, 12300, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 4pm to 10pm

21. Misai Mee Jawa (Butterworth)

Address: P5, Jalan Raja Uda, Taman Aman Jaya, 12300 Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 12pm to 6pm, closed on Wednesday

22. Pitt Street Koay Teow Soup

Address: 183, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Tues to Friday 8am to 1pm, Sat 8am to 12.30pm, Sun 8am to 12pm, closed on Monday

23. The Pinn

Address: 16, Gat Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily 11.20am to 7pm, closed on Tuesday

24. Tok Tok Mee Bamboo Noodle

Address: 37, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 9am to 7.30pm, closed on Thursday

25. WhatSaeb Boat Noodles

Address: 173, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Mon, Wed to Fri 12pm to 3.30pm, 6pm to 10pm, Sat and Sun 12pm to 10pm, closed on Tuesday

26. Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant

Address: 60, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating time: Daily from 8.30am to 9pm with a longer operating hours on Wed 8.30am to 10pm

Still hungry? Check out these Penang new cafes:
8 Best NEW Cafe in Penang [September 2022]

7 Best NEW Cafe in Penang [July 2022]
Top 6 NEW Penang Cafes You Must Check Out [June 2022]
Top 7 Penang Breakfast Cafes [2022 Edition]
Top 7 Best Bayan Lepas Cafe [2022 Edition]
Top 7 Best Matcha Cafes in Penang (2022)

There you have it — the Michelin Guide which include the Michelin Selected, the Michelin Bib Gourmand and the Michelin Star Awards. Follow us on Instagram (@penanglicious) for latest cafe reviews! Bon appetit!

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