Grab has introduced 5-Star Eats, a new in-app food guide designed to help travellers discover the best dining spots across Malaysia. The initiative comes in support of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) and is endorsed by Tourism Malaysia as part of a strategic collaboration to boost the country’s growing gastrotourism sector.
With research showing that 87% of travellers choose their next destination based on local cuisine, Grab aims to transform digital customer insights into a trusted national guide that connects visitors with authentic Malaysian food experiences, all within the Grab app.
A Digital Food Guide Powered by Customer Ratings
The 5-Star Eats feature modernises the concept of traditional food guidebooks by delivering a digital-first discovery experience powered by real customer feedback.
Restaurants and food businesses receive ratings on a 0–5 scale, and those that consistently deliver outstanding service and food quality earn the 5-Star Eats badge. Users can browse curated dining spots by region or category, navigate to the restaurant location, and even arrange transportation through Grab’s ride-hailing services, all from the same platform.
By combining real-time reviews, location navigation, and integrated ride-and-dine features, the platform makes it easier for travellers to explore Malaysia’s diverse culinary landscape.
Spotlighting Local Food Businesses
At the heart of the initiative is the goal of recognising and supporting small and medium-sized food merchants across the country.
The 5-Star Eats programme highlights eateries that consistently receive strong customer ratings, helping elevate them as must-visit culinary destinations. Through the Grab app, these businesses gain increased visibility among both local diners and international visitors.
Available nationwide, the platform aims to strengthen Malaysia’s local food ecosystem while positioning highly rated merchants as ambassadors of the country’s rich culinary heritage.
A Street Art Tribute to Malaysian Cuisine
To celebrate the launch, Grab also unveiled a 5-Star Eats mural along Jalan Hang Kasturi, near the popular Pasar Seni area in Kuala Lumpur.
Created by Malaysian artist Nasuha Ibrahim, the mural visually captures the vibrant flavours and cultural diversity that define Malaysia’s food scene. The artwork serves as a physical extension of the digital food guide, linking online discovery with real-world exploration.
Supporting Malaysia’s Tourism and Food Culture
With gastronomy, culture, and authentic experiences at the centre of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Grab’s new initiative highlights the growing importance of food tourism in attracting global visitors.
