THE foremost authority on international cuisine (who also happens to make tyres… and other things), the Michelin Guide announced that it would be coming to Malaysia today, with a focus on Kuala Lumpur and Penang, coming out this December.
This is a long time coming, as Malaysia has long been recognised as a culinary melting pot (literally and figuratively) – a core building block of this nation’s character and spirit. Malaysians who have grown up with this cuisine are rightly fiercely protective of it. Expats, too, have fallen in love with the foods of this land.
“We are ecstatic to welcome Kuala Lumpur and Penang to the Michelin Guide family,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide.
“This upcoming selection will unveil a new page in Asia’s gastronomic prowess, spotlighting the wonders of Malaysian cuisine and the abundance of home-grown culinary talents.
“Our famously anonymous inspectors are already in the field to experience this colourful culinary scene and find the best local gems.”
The Michelin Guide has dedicated itself to celebrating food experiences since its establishment in 1900, fostering a culture of travel and conceiving unforgettable experiences accessible to all diners on all budgets.
The famously independent restaurant inspectors (don’t call them guides) work directly for Michelin, being trained for a couple of years, after many years in the different aspects of the food industry. Michelin is also fiercely secretive about their identities, only revealing that they are made up of 15 different nationalities.
For now, the inspectors are focusing on Kuala Lumpur and Penang, though Prichapakorn Dangrojana, the managing director of Michelin Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, says that this is just the beginning of Michelin’s journey into the country.
“Kuala Lumpur and Penang have their own unique characteristics which benefit a variety of diners locally and abroad.
“Kuala Lumpur, the country's economic and business hub is a fast-moving city flocked with sizable venues, independent restaurants, and new inspirations for gastronomy.”
“Penang, with its strong Peranakan influence, is a gastronomic hotbed of small-scale restaurants and street food that embodies Malaysia’s distinctive streetside dining culture,” added Poullennec.
The Michelin Guide’s selection criteria
Michelin’s restaurant inspectors will be applying the same methodology they have been applying to eateries the world over, ensuring a consistency of criteria and standards:
- the quality of the ingredients;
- the mastery of cooking;
- the harmony of flavours;
- the personality of the chef through the cuisine; and
- the consistency both over time and across the entire menu.
When the Michelin Guides for Kuala Lumpur and Penang are unveiled at a still undated event in December, its reviews will anoint a number of distinctions with the most revered being the internationally renowned Michelin stars.
One Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants for ‘high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,’ two Michelin Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three Michelin Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”
The guides will also include the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to establishments that provide value-for-money meals.
The Michelin Guide will be released on the official website or the free application available on iOS and Android. The guides of restaurants around the world are also included. – The Vibes, October 20, 2022
