KUALA LUMPUR — Grab Malaysia has introduced 5-Star Eats, an in-app food guide endorsed by Tourism Malaysia, to bolster the gastrotourism sector in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).
The initiative leverages millions of customers’ reviews within the Grab platform to help travellers discover top-rated local dining spots, as Malaysia positions food as a key tourism driver.
Grab Malaysia director of Commercial and Deliveries Tan Jiong Jian said the platform transforms authentic user feedback into a digital roadmap, enabling visitors to explore both hidden gems and iconic eateries seamlessly.
“Food is the heart of the Malaysian experience, and the initiative ensures every traveller finds the best the country has to offer. In partnership with Tourism Malaysia, we are making it easier than ever for every traveller to explore Malaysia’s gastronomy landscape,” he said in a statement to Bernama.
The 5-Star Eats highlights merchants that consistently receive high ratings on a 0-5 scale, allowing users to browse curated food opinions by location and category while integrating navigation and ride services within a single platform.
The initiative also aims to elevate small and medium food businesses by giving them greater visibility and positioning them as culinary ambassadors, thereby strengthening local ecosystems and supporting tourism growth nationwide.
To mark the launch, Grab unveiled a landmark street-art mural at Jalan Hang Kasturi, near Pasar Seni, symbolising the connection between digital discovery and the city’s vibrant, on-ground food scene.
The Grab 5-Star Eats mural, created by local artist Nasuha Ibrahim, showcases the diversity of Malaysian cuisine and cultural heritage. The launch was also attended by Tourism Malaysia chairman Datuk Manoharan Periasamy and Tourism Malaysia senior director of Advertising and Digital, Akbal Setia.
“Grab is more than a mobility platform; it is a companion for every traveller exploring Malaysia. As we welcome millions of visitors for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, we are proud to use our technology and platform to make every journey simpler and every meal seamless, convenient, and enriching,” Tan said.
With food influencing travel decisions for a majority of tourists, the initiative is expected to further position Malaysia as a leading culinary destination in the region. — March 20, 2026