KUALA LUMPUR, 6 March 2026 – With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026) up and running, food is the strongest driver for travellers, with 87% of tourists choosing their next destination based on local cuisine. Recognising the shift from traditional guidebooks to digital-first discovery, Grab is turning data into discovery with the launch of 5-Star Eats, Malaysia’s In-app Food Guide.

Endorsed by Tourism Malaysia as part of a strategic partnership to drive the gastrotourism sector in support of VMY 2026, the platform transforms authentic customer opinions into a trusted national food guide within the Grab app, connecting travellers to the country’s best local dining experiences. To mark the launch, a new street-art Grab 5-Star Eats Mural @ Jalan Hang Kasturi was unveiled, marking the connection between digital discovery and the city’s vibrant, on-ground food scene.

“Food is the heart of the Malaysian experience, and we want to make sure every traveller finds the best our country has to offer,” said Tan Jiong Jian, Director of Commercial and Deliveries. “By turning millions of authentic reviews into a digital roadmap, 5-Star Eats allows travellers to explore everything from hidden local favourites to iconic landmarks with just a few taps. In partnership with Tourism Malaysia, we are making it easier than ever for every traveller to explore Malaysia’s gastronomy landscape.”

5-Star Eats as Malaysia’s In-app Food Guide Powered by Real Customer Ratings

Grab’s 5-Star Eats reimagines traditional food guides in the form of a digital-first, interactive discovery experience within the Grab app. Powered by authentic customer ratings on a 0–5 scale, the 5-Star Eats badge highlights merchants who consistently deliver exceptional quality and service. Travellers can seamlessly browse curated eateries by region and category, navigate to locations, and enjoy integrated ride-and-dine solutions within one platform. By combining trust, convenience, and real-time reviews, Grab modernises how travellers explore Malaysia’s culinary landscape.

Elevating Local 5-Star Merchants as Ambassadors of Malaysia’s Food Heritage

At the heart of 5-Star Eats is recognition. Beyond discovery, the initiative elevates highly rated small and medium food businesses, positioning them as must-visit culinary destinations. 5-Star Eats spotlights merchants who consistently receive outstanding customer feedback, giving them national visibility and credibility. Available nationwide, Grab 5-Star Eats strengthens local culinary ecosystems across Malaysia while supporting tourism growth. By turning customer trust into national recognition, Grab empowers local eateries to actively participate in Malaysia’s gastrotourism scene.

Bringing Malaysia’s Gastrotourism to Life Through the Grab 5-Star Eats Mural @ Jalan Hang Kasturi in Support of VMY 2026

To bring 5-Star Eats beyond the app, Grab has commissioned a landmark Grab 5-Star Eats Mural along Jalan Hang Kasturi, near the Pasar Seni area, serving as a physical expression of Malaysia’s In-app Food Guide. Conceptualised and brought to life by homegrown Malaysian artist Nasuha Ibrahim, the Grab 5-Star Eats Mural @ Jalan Hang Kasturi transforms an ordinary wall into a visual celebration of flavours and cultures that defines Malaysian heritage. “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,” concluded Jiong Jian.

With VMY 2026 highlighting gastronomy, culture, and authentic experiences, Grab demonstrates that it is more than a platform, it is a partner in Malaysia’s tourism journey. By combining digital innovation, customer experiences, and cultural storytelling, Grab creates unforgettable moments while supporting local communities and empowering Malaysia’s vibrant food ecosystem.