As Malaysia prepares to welcome visitors from around the world under the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VMY2026) campaign, food remains one of the country’s most powerful tourism ambassadors.
Whether it’s a plate of nasi lemak enjoyed before sunrise, a generations-old heritage recipe passed down through families, or a local favourite tucked away in a neighbourhood coffee shop, Malaysian food offers travellers a unique window into the country’s diverse cultures and communities.
Yet for many visitors, knowing where to start can be a challenge.
To help travellers discover authentic local flavours, Grab is supporting Visit Malaysia 2026 through GrabFood 5-Star Eats, a crowd-sourced food guide built on ratings and reviews from millions of Malaysians nationwide.
The initiative was recently showcased at an exclusive media screening event held on 19 June 2026, where key stakeholders, creators and Grab partners gathered for a preview of the third episode of Rakan Grab Jelajah Malaysia on KS Lagi, alongside Sofyank’s latest CGI travel film. The event hosted Guest of Honour YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy (Chairman, Tourism Malaysia), creators including VFX artist Sofyank and KS Lagi host Shahril Hamdan, as well as Grab leadership and selected driver- and delivery-partners.
A Food Guide Shaped by Millions of Malaysians
Endorsed by Tourism Malaysia, GrabFood 5-Star Eats is designed to make food discovery easier for both locals and travellers.
Rather than relying solely on expert reviews or curated lists, the guide is powered by the collective experiences of everyday Malaysians who regularly rate and review their dining experiences through the Grab platform.
The result is a food guide that reflects genuine local preferences, helping users discover restaurants that have consistently earned strong support from their communities.
From iconic eateries and regional favourites to hidden gems loved by locals, the guide serves as a practical resource for anyone looking to experience Malaysia through its food.
By leveraging insights from millions of customer ratings and reviews, GrabFood 5-Star Eats offers a more authentic way to navigate the country’s rich and diverse culinary landscape.
Bringing Malaysia’s Food Stories to Life
Food takes centre stage in Rakan Grab Jelajah Malaysia, a three-part travel series hosted by KS Lagi’s Shahril Hamdan.
The series follows selected Grab partners from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam as they journey across Kuala Lumpur, Terengganu and Sabah, experiencing local traditions, meeting communities and exploring some of Malaysia’s most beloved food destinations.
Throughout the series, viewers are introduced to several GrabFood 5-Star Eats merchants that have become popular among both locals and visitors, including:
- Village Park Restaurant
- Hameediyah Restaurant (Jalan Bukit Bintang)
- Restoran Mat Binjai (Jalan Sultan Sulaiman)
- Borenos Fried Chicken (Asia City)
- A1 Chicken Rice (Lintas Plaza)
Each stop offers a glimpse into a different aspect of Malaysia’s culinary identity. Some are heritage establishments that have served generations of customers, while others have become regional favourites through consistently delivering memorable dining experiences.
Together, they showcase the diversity of flavours, traditions and stories that make Malaysian food such a significant part of the travel experience.
Celebrating Malaysia Through Local Creators
Complementing the travel series is a visually captivating travel film by renowned digital creator Sofyank.
Known for blending storytelling with innovative CGI techniques, Sofyank’s latest production takes viewers on a fast-paced journey across Malaysia’s landscapes, attractions and culinary experiences.
The film seamlessly transitions between destinations, highlighting the country’s cultural diversity and unique food offerings through imaginative visual effects that have become synonymous with Sofyank’s creative style.
Alongside Rakan Grab Jelajah Malaysia, the film demonstrates how local creators can help tell Malaysian stories in ways that resonate with modern audiences while inspiring future travel.
Preparing Tourism Frontliners for Visit Malaysia 2026
Grab’s support for Visit Malaysia 2026 extends beyond food discovery and content creation.
Selected Rakan Grab driver-partners have participated in the Kursus Mesra programme, an initiative organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) to equip tourism frontliners with the skills needed to provide a welcoming and positive experience for visitors.
As one of the first people many travellers interact with upon arriving in a destination, driver-partners play an important role in shaping first impressions of Malaysia.
Through programmes such as Kursus Mesra, Grab aims to support the broader tourism ecosystem by helping ensure visitors receive friendly, informed and welcoming service throughout their journey.
Making Travel More Accessible for International Visitors
Beyond helping international travellers discover great food, Grab is also supporting tourism through the Visit Malaysia 2026 Travel Pass.
Available through the Grab app, the Visit Malaysia 2026 Travel Pass provides international visitors with access to promotions and savings on GrabCar and GrabFood services, making it easier to get around and enjoy local dining experiences while exploring Malaysia.
The initiative complements broader efforts to create a more seamless travel experience, allowing visitors to spend less time worrying about logistics and more time discovering what makes Malaysia unique.
Discover Malaysia Through the Eyes of Locals
One of Malaysia’s greatest tourism strengths lies in the authenticity of its local experiences.
Through GrabFood 5-Star Eats, travellers can access recommendations shaped by millions of Malaysians who know their local food scenes best. Combined with creator-led storytelling, trained tourism frontliners and travel-friendly promotions, Grab’s support for Visit Malaysia 2026 highlights how technology and local communities can work together to enhance the visitor experience.
Whether it’s enjoying a plate of nasi lemak at Village Park Restaurant, experiencing the heritage flavours of Hameediyah Restaurant, or discovering regional favourites in Sabah and Terengganu, every meal offers a chance to connect with the people and stories behind Malaysian food.
Visitors and locals alike can explore the GrabFood 5-Star Eats guide through the Grab app and discover top-rated eateries across the country. International travellers can also access the Visit Malaysia 2026 Travel Pass to enjoy exclusive travel and dining promotions throughout their Malaysian journey.
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