Grab launches '5-Star Eats' food guide for VMY2026

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Grab Malaysia, in strategic partnership with Tourism Malaysia, has officially launched '5-Star Eats', an in-app food guide designed to be the premier culinary compass for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026). 

The initiative addresses a major travel trend, as 87 per cent of tourists now choose their destinations based on local cuisine. By transforming millions of authentic user reviews into a digital roadmap, the platform connects travellers with the nation's top-rated dining experiences.

Promoting Real-World Heritage Digitally

To bridge the gap between digital discovery and the city's vibrant food scene, Grab commissioned a landmark 5-Star Eats Mural at Jalan Hang Kasturi. Conceptualised by Malaysian artist Nasuha Ibrahim, the artwork serves as an illustrated food map that lights up from 7pm to 1am daily, guiding visitors to discover the best flavours nationwide. 

Spotlighting Local 5-Star Legends

The guide elevates local small and medium-sized businesses, positioning them as essential culinary destinations. Featured merchants on the mural represent the diversity of Malaysian heritage, including: 

Village Park Restaurant (Klang Valley): Long considered the "gold standard" for Nasi Lemak, this merchant is a "Best of the Best" award winner. 

Thong Kee Cafe (Klang Valley): A household name since 1988, famous for its signature "1+1" Hainan coffee and traditional kopitiam charm. 

Deens Maju Nasi Kandar (Penang): A "queue-worthy" institution where diners often line up before opening hours to experience its consistent quality. 

Nasi Ganja Ipoh (Ipoh): Renowned for decades for its addictive flavours and signature spice blends. 

Ikan Boulu Tanpa Tulang (Kota Kinabalu): Founded on the unique mission of making traditional milkfish accessible by carefully deboning every fish. 

Auntie Susie's Nasi Lemak (Negri Sembilan): A passionate venture born out of the founder's retrenchment in 2022, now serving a loyal following.

Empowering The Food Ecosystem 

For many merchants, the platform has been a vital engine for growth. Goreng Pisang Dengkil, for example, used the platform to recover from pandemic-era challenges and successfully opened a second outlet in 2025. Similarly, Johor Baru's Tahu X Tahu and Melaka's King Kunyit have successfully grown from humble stalls into recognised regional favourites through digital visibility. 

"Grab is more than a mobility platform; it is a companion for every traveller," said Grab Malaysia director of commercial and deliveries Tan Jiong Jian. 

"We are proud to use our technology to make every journey simpler and every meal seamless," he added. 

The launch was attended by senior officials from Tourism Malaysia, including chairman Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, alongside the official VMY2026 mascots, Wira and Manja.

-nst online.