As Malaysia prepares to welcome millions of visitors under the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VMY2026) campaign, one thing remains certain: food will continue to be one of the country’s biggest tourism attractions.
From bustling street food hubs and heritage eateries to family-run restaurants that have stood the test of time, Malaysian cuisine offers travelers a unique way to experience the country’s rich culture and diversity. Yet with countless dining options available, finding truly authentic local favourites can often be overwhelming for visitors.
To bridge that gap, Grab is supporting Visit Malaysia 2026 through the GrabFood 5-Star Eats guide—a crowd-sourced food discovery platform built on ratings and reviews from millions of everyday Malaysians. Even better, Grab has recently officiated the exclusive screening of the three-part travel series Rakan Grab Jelajah Malaysia (on KS Lagi) and Sofyank’s latest CGI travel film. Continue reading to get a preview of the 3rd episode!
A Food Guide Powered By Local Recommendations
Endorsed by Tourism Malaysia, GrabFood 5-Star Eats reflects the collective opinions of Malaysians themselves. The guide highlights highly rated eateries that have consistently earned the trust and support of local communities.
The initiative aims to make it easier for both domestic and international travelers to discover restaurants that locals genuinely love, whether they’re searching for iconic Malaysian dishes, hidden gems, or heritage establishments that define the country’s culinary identity.
By leveraging data from millions of customer reviews and ratings on the Grab platform, the guide offers visitors a more authentic way to navigate Malaysia’s vibrant food scene.
Bringing Malaysia’s Food Stories to Life
A post shared by Keluar Sekejap Lagi (@ks.lagi)
To showcase the diversity of Malaysian cuisine and culture, Grab has partnered with local creators and selected Grab Partners through the Rakan Grab Jelajah Malaysia campaign.
Hosted by KS Lagi’s Shahril Hamdan, the three-part travel series follows selected Grab partners from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam as they journey across Kuala Lumpur, Terengganu, and Sabah, immersing themselves in local traditions, communities, and of course, food.
The series shines a spotlight on several GrabFood 5-Star Eats merchants that have become beloved destinations for locals and visitors alike, 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 establishment represents a unique aspect of Malaysia’s culinary landscape, from long-standing heritage recipes to regional favourites that have earned widespread recognition among diners.
By featuring these merchants, the series highlights how food can serve as a gateway to understanding local culture and community.
Celebrating Malaysia Through Local Creators
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Complementing the travel series is a visually stunning travel film by renowned digital creator Sofyank.
Known for his innovative CGI storytelling, Sofyank’s latest production takes viewers on a seamless journey through Malaysia’s diverse destinations, cultures, and culinary experiences. Through creative visual effects, the film captures the sights, sounds, and flavours that make Malaysia a uniquely memorable destination.
Together, the travel series and CGI film demonstrate how local creators can play a meaningful role in showcasing Malaysia to both domestic and international audiences.
Equipping Frontliners to Welcome Visitors
Grab’s support for Visit Malaysia 2026 extends beyond content creation.
Selected Grab driver-partners have also participated in the Kursus Mesra programme, an initiative organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC). The programme is designed to equip tourism frontliners with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver positive and welcoming experiences for travelers visiting Malaysia.
As one of the first touchpoints many visitors encounter upon arrival, driver-partners can play an important role in shaping a traveler’s overall impression of the country. Through programmes like Kursus Mesra, Grab aims to support Malaysia’s tourism ecosystem by helping ensure visitors receive friendly and informed service throughout their journey.
Making Travel More Accessible
In addition to helping travelers discover local food, Grab is also introducing the Visit Malaysia 2026 Travel Pass for international visitors.
Available within the Grab app, the Visit Malaysia 2026 Travel Pass unlocks promotions and savings across GrabCar and GrabFood, enabling tourists to enjoy more convenient and affordable transportation and dining experiences while exploring the country.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to make travel within Malaysia more seamless, allowing visitors to focus on discovering new places, cultures, and culinary experiences.
Discover Malaysia Through the Eyes of Malaysians
As competition among global tourism destinations continues to intensify, authenticity remains one of Malaysia’s greatest strengths.
Through GrabFood 5-Star Eats, travelers gain access to recommendations shaped by millions of Malaysians who know their local food scenes best. Combined with creator-led storytelling, trained tourism frontliners, and travel-friendly offers, Grab’s support for Visit Malaysia 2026 demonstrates how technology and local communities can come together to create richer, more meaningful travel experiences.
Whether it’s a plate of nasi lemak at Village Park Restaurant, a heritage meal at Hameediyah Restaurant, or a regional favourite in Sabah, every meal tells a story—and Grab is helping travelers discover those stories one bite at a time.
Visitors and locals alike can explore the GrabFood 5-Star Eats guide through the Grab app and discover more ways to experience Malaysia’s diverse culinary landscape. International travelers can also access the Visit Malaysia 2026 Travel Pass to enjoy exclusive promotions throughout their journey.
#GrabBersamaMalaysia #VMY2026 #RakanGrabJelajahMalaysia
