Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024: 25 Must-Try Restaurants

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024

The eagerly awaited MICHELIN Guide Kuala Lumpur & Penang 2024 has been revealed, marking the second edition of this revered guide.

Comprising Starred, Bib Gourmand, and Selected dining establishments, this year’s selection showcases a total of 127 eateries. These places stand as a testament to the vibrant tapestry of culinary diversity found in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Offering over 30 different cuisine types, including street food, these establishments celebrate the rich flavors of the region.

In Penang, 25 restaurants have earned the esteemed “Bib Gourmand” recognition for their exceptional quality and value:

1. Neighbourwood 

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @neighbourwood

This cozy spot, created by a local resident, melds European flavors with Asian influences. The menu, refreshed every six weeks, highlights must-share dishes like half roast chicken au jus, Berkshire pork loin, and fish en papillote. Start with fish croquettes and don’t miss their homemade desserts. Consider taking home their delightful sourdough bread.

Address: 3427 Jalan Kulim, Taman Bukit Mas, Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai, 14000, Malaysia
Operating hours: 11:30am – 3pm | 6pm – 10:30pm (Tuesday & Wednesday closed)

2. Taman Bukit Curry Mee

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @siewmeitan & @stevewongtk

For nearly four decades, this stall has served creamy curry mee, known for its coconut milk-based soup and half-cooked cockles that burst with flavors.

Address: Jalan Bukit Kecil, Taman Bukit, Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai, 14000, Malaysia
Operating hours: 6am – 11am (Monday closed)

3. BM Cathay Pancake

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @wongkokweng & @cristalyeoh

Since 1962, this cart outside Cathay Food Court has been a hotspot for Apam Balik, a chargrilled pancake filled with sugar peanut goodness, freshly made and served piping hot.

Address: 8 Jalan Aston, Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai, 14000, Malaysia
Operating hours: 12pm – 5pm (Tuesday & Friday closed)

4. Ming Qing Charcoal Duck Egg Char Koay Teow

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @cheonghou & @layyingyeoh

Celebrating two decades, this shop stir-fries koay teow with duck egg over charcoal fire, imparting a unique wok hei. Add an over-easy egg or pair it with sour spicy clams for a delightful meal.

Address: 829 Jalan Betek, off Jalan Sungai Rambai, Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai, 14000, Malaysia
Operating hours: 6pm – 11pm (Monday closed)

5. Rasa Rasa

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @rasarasa

Set against a backdrop of exposed brick walls and potted plants, this spot offers a Nyonya combo set around pandan nasi lemak. The Siam bihun, turmeric rice vermicelli with shredded omelette and sauces, is a must-try. Finish your meal with tub tim krob.

Address: 59 Gat Lebuh Chulia, George Town, 10300, Malaysia
Operating hours: 8:30am – 3pm (Weekdays) | 9am – 3pm (Weekends) (Wednesday closed)

6. Bridge Street Prawn Noodle

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @henryhsu & @chunghungpan

A third-generation family business for over 60 years, this place serves hearty Hokkien mee. The signature prawn mee features spicy prawn broth and is best enjoyed seated on the covered patio with an iced drink.

Check out Top 7 Best Hokkien Mee in Penang [2023 Edition]

Address: 533 Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300, Malaysia
Operating hours: 7am – 2pm (Monday – Saturday) | 7am – 12pm (Sunday)

7. Thara

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @tharapenang

Featuring a casual ambiance and open kitchen, this spot offers modern dishes blending Peranakan and Malaysian cuisines. Their aged duck breast in a steamed bun and unique local twist gelato are highlights. dishes like miang kam and aromatic tom yum seafood soup.

Address: 5 Lorong Prangin, George Town, 10300, Malaysia
Operating hours: 12pm – 3pm; 5pm – 10pm (Thursday closed)

8. Sardaarji

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @sardaarji

In Little India, this vibrant restaurant serves authentic Northern Indian dishes like fish amritsari and dal makhani. Don’t miss their gulab jamun for dessert.

Address: 6 Lebuh China, George Town, 10200, Malaysia
Operating hours: 11:3oam – 3pm; 4pm – 10pm

9. Communal Table by Gēn

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @communaltablebygen

Featuring a casual ambiance and open kitchen, this spot offers modern dishes blending Peranakan and Malaysian cuisines. Their aged duck breast in a steamed bun and unique local twist gelato are highlights.

Address: 68 Lebuh Presgrave, George Town, 10300, Malaysia
Operating hours: 5pm – 11pm (Wednesday closed)

10. My Own Café

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @myowncafe

Run by a charming family, this shop serves Penang asam laksa, Nyonya laksa, and fried spring rolls, each bursting with authentic flavors.

Address: 2 Lebuh Cannon, George Town, 10200, Malaysia
Operating hours: 10am – 4pm (Wednesday closed)

11. Teksen

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @tomtom & @claudia

Adorned with Chinese couplets, this joint offers well-made traditional Cantonese fare and fusion creations with local twists.

Address: 18 & 20 Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100, Malaysia
Operating hours: 12pm – 2pm; 6pm – 9pm (Tuesday closed)

12. Tho Yuen

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @alvinleow & @thoyuen

An eight-decade-old teahouse famed for traditional Cantonese dim sum made fresh every morning.

Address: 92 Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100, Malaysia
Operating hours: 6am – 3pm (Tuesday closed)

13. Penang Road Famous Laksa

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @calvin & @penangroadfamouslaksa

Known for lai fun noodles in a flavorful sardine broth, this shop offers exceptional laksa alongside other local delicacies.

Check out Top 8 Best Penang Laksa You Should Try [2023 Edition]

Address: 5 Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100, Malaysia
Operating hours: 9am – 5:30pm (Wednesday closed)

14. Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @mohtengpheownyonyakoay

Started as a kuih factory in 1933, this restaurant allows guests to savor freshly made kuih and Nyonya dishes.

Address: Jalan Masjid, Off Lebuh Chulia, George Town, 10200, Malaysia
Operating hours: 10:30am – 5pm (Monday closed)

15. Ghee Lian

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @debora & @meenloo

Specializing in three noodle dishes, this spot’s green tom yum and succulent prawns draw crowds.

Address: Lot No. 39, MBPP Kompleks Makanan Medan Renong Padang Kota Lama, 4 Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakhbah, George Town, 10200, Malaysia
Operating hours: 6pm – 1opm (Wednesday closed)

16. Penang Road Famous Jin Kor Char Kuey Teow

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @penangroadfamouscharkueyteow

A stalwart for almost four decades, this stall offers flavorful kuey teow topped with quality ingredients.

Check out 7 Best Penang Char Kuey Teow [2023 Edition]

Address: Joo Hooi Cafe, 475 Jalan Penang, George Town, 10000, Malaysia
Operating hours: 9:30am – 5:30pm

17. Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @doris & @htc

Run by three sisters, this shop continues their father’s legacy, serving delightful char koay kak.

Address: 96 Lorong Macalister, George Town, 11400, Malaysia
Operating hours: 7am – 12pm (Wednesday, Thursday & Friday closed)

18. Bibik’s Kitchen

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @mackenzie & @jessiechan

Decorated with classic Nyonya motifs, this restaurant offers slightly less spicy Peranakan dishes in three sizes.

Address: 73 Jalan Sri Bahari, George Town, 10050, Malaysia
Operating hours: 11:30m – 3pm; 6pm – 9pm (Monday closed)

19. Ah Boy Koay Teow Th’ng

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @paulfung

Run by a friendly family, this shop specializes in koay teow th’ng with a flavorful broth.

Address: 1 Lebuh Clarke, George Town, 10050, Malaysia
Operating hours: 7am – 2pm (Tuesday closed)

20. Siam Road Char Koay Teow

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @yunlungchen

Drawing long queues, this small store offers well-seasoned and aromatic stir-fried koay teow.

Check out 7 Best Penang Char Kuey Teow [2023 Edition]

Address: 82 Jalan Siam, George Town, 10400, Malaysia
Operating hours: 12pm – 6pm (Sunday & Monday closed)

21. Green House Prawn Mee & Loh Mee

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @davidteo

With over 30 years of history, this stall serves signature Hokkien prawn mee and loh mee with additional toppings.

Check out Top 7 Best Hokkien Mee in Penang [2023 Edition]

Address: 223 Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050, Malaysia
Operating hours: 3pm – 11:45pm (Sunday closed)

22. Hot Bowl White Curry Mee

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @mauyeeyee

Known for its coconut milk-based broth, this spot offers a range of curry mee variations.

Address: 858C Jalan Rangoon, George Town, 10400, Malaysia
Operating hours: 8am – 3pm (Monday closed)

23. Duck Blood Curry Mee

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @carmen & @andilong

Serving mee in a savoury-sweet white curry base, this shop is hidden within a Malaysian-style café.

Address: 223B Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050, Malaysia
Operating hours: 12pm – 1opm (Thursday closed)

24. Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @angus

A simple restaurant run by a dedicated couple, serving popular Peranakan dishes with balanced flavors.

Address: 58 Jalan Chow Thye, George Town, 10050, Malaysia
Operating hours: 12pm – 3pm; 6pm – 9pm (Monday closed)

25. Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa

Penang MICHELIN Guide 2024Image credit: @alvinleong

Run by a third-generation owner, this spot offers famous laksa noodle soup with a perfect blend of flavors.

Address: 1 Jalan Gottlieb, George Town, 10350, Malaysia
Operating hours: 11am – 5pm (Monday closed)

Moreover, the MICHELIN Guide introduces nine newly selected establishments in Penang:

  1. 888 Hokkien Mee (Lebuh Presgrave)
  2. Air Itam Duck Rice
  3. Ceki
  4. Fook Cheow Cafe
  5. Jit Seng Hong Kong Roasted Duck Rice
  6. Penang Famous Samosa
  7. Richard Rivalee
  8. Sambal
  9. The Pinn

The 2024 MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award honors the outstanding talent of Johnson Wong Jia Liang from Gēn (Penang). A Le Cordon Bleu Sydney graduate, Mr. Wong, the chef-owner of Gēn, showcases native flavors inspired by his Malaysian upbringing.

In essence, the MICHELIN Guide continues to shine a spotlight on the vibrant culinary landscape of Kuala Lumpur and Penang, celebrating both traditional delights and innovative gastronomic experiences. Enjoy your food trip in Penang, exploring the array of flavors and cultural influences that make this region a haven for food enthusiasts.

Still hungry? Check out these Penang new cafes:
Top 21 Best Cafe in Penang [2023 Edition]
Top 14 Best Street Food in Penang to Try This 2023
5 Best & Famous Cendol Penang You Must Try [2023 Edition]

Top 7 Best Penang Night Markets [2023 Edition]
7 Top Rated Nasi Kandar in Penang 2023
Top 7 Penang Breakfast Cafes [2023 Edition]
Top 7 Best Bayan Lepas Cafe [2023 Edition]
Top 7 Best Matcha Cafes in Penang (2023)

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