The Michelin Guide, known as the Oscars for food and restaurants, is set to unveil the 2023 list of Penang Michelin Star winners tonight.

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the grand announcement of the Michelin Star winners would forge a new milestone for the state's gastronomy industry.

"A Michelin Star is the ultimate hallmark of culinary excellence for chefs and street vendors. Earning the Michelin Star is an affirmation of culinary excellence," he said today.

According to Yeoh, the Penang government has successfully become one of the world-renowned Michelin Guide's global partners and this marked a new breakthrough in the history of the gastronomy industry in Penang.

"I strongly believe the collective vision of the Penang Tourism Master Plan 2021-2030 will lead our industry to reach new frontiers and thrive in new grounds.

"The tourism industry in the post-Covid-19 pandemic era is extremely competitive and I hope to utilise Penang's competitiveness as a way of revealing our state to the international tourism market.

"Having successfully connected the Michelin Star with my office has paved the way for Penang's cuisine to partake in the highest honor of the global culinary industry.

"Michelin Star plays a prominent role in the tourism industry as it is a catalyst to further develop Penang as an international gourmet haven," he added.

The Michelin Guide announcement will be made tonight at Berjaya Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

Penang is set to become the very first state outside the capital of Malaysia to obtain Michelin stars.

The Michelin Guide has four distinctions — Michelin Stars, Bib Gourmand, Michelin Select and Green Star.

Prior to this, Penang's asam laksa was ranked seventh in CNN's World's 50 Best Foods 2020.

Penang's char kway teow, cendol and nasi kandar are some of the delicacies that have brought visitors to the state.

The Michelin Guide is not only restricted to fine dining and high-end establishments. Street food and local establishments can also receive 1 Michelin Star or bib gourmand recognition as well.

KW: Penang, Michelin Star, Michelin Guide, eateries, Yeoh Soon Hin, gastronomy industry.