Michelin honours five Malaysian-style restaurants, but no stars awarded

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian food is a hit in New York City, as five Malaysian-style eateries have earned the Bib Gourmand designation by the Michelin Guide.

They include Mamak Malaysia, New Malaysia, Fatty Crab, Nyonya and Laut.

Laut earned a one-star rating in the 2011 edition of the guide, but lost it in the 2013 edition.

Bernama had previously reported that Mamak Malaysia received a Michelin one-star rating, but it has been revealed that it received the Bib Gourmand designation instead.

On Jan 19, the restaurant's Penang-born owner Chef Nani Yusof Hughie shared the news on its official Facebook page, saying; "Recently, Bib Gourmand rated Mamak in their Michelin Guide New York City 2014. This is an honour to us, to be in the elite group of restaurants rated and selected by Michelin's local, anonymous inspectors."

A check on the official Michelin Travel website showed that the restaurant was among a total of 138 unstarred establishments designated as Bib Gourmands.

The designation, which was first introduced in Europe's Michelin Guide in 1997, is defined as; "denotes good cuisine of a reasonable price in a variety of comfort categories," on the website.

Restaurants with the designation offer two courses and a glass of wine or dessert "for US$40 (RM133) or less", and are defined as "Inspectors' Favourites for Good Value".

In the guide, the restaurants are identified by a red symbol depicting the head of Bibendum, the Michelin Man.

Though Michelin stars remain the most celebrated international distinction in the Michelin Guide, the Bib Gourmand designation is still a "highly desired honour among restaurateurs and one that is recognised by the many people who covet quality food at a reasonable price.