gēn 根

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Gēn 根, which in Chinese signifies “ground roots”, stays loyal to its origins by utilizing regional ingredients found diversely across Malaysia. Our seasonal menu concentrates on using the freshest and most seasonal ingredients to create a memorable food experience.

We draw inspiration from the local produce and people from all walks of life in our community, who play an integral part in sustaining the ecosystem. Let’s discover “Our Malaysian Stories’ together.

Johnson Wong

The Chef and the Brigade

“After spending years on culinary adventures around the world, Johnson returned to Malaysia and started the gēn 根 project. Devoted to the exploration and development of local Malaysian ingredients and with a desire to share their love and passion for food with local patrons, a Modern Malaysian Community Restaurant - gēn 根 was born.

In gēn 根, each and every one of us plays an important role in keeping Malaysia's food culture alive. In our house, we work closely as a family. We constantly exchange our ideas, share experiences and learn from each other. Apart from this, witty jokes and singing sessions are part of the work routine as well!”

“gēn 根restaurant is managed and developed by 2 talented, innovative Malaysian chefs who take pleasure in creating wonderful and new dishes while taking the environment into account by being responsible and by helping the community. Penang is mostly known for its delightful street food, but gēn 根 elevates traditional Malaysian dishes to become a new identity.”

Kim, the discoverer.

Atmosphere

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In late September 2019, Gēn 根 has grown to two outlets in Penang: Communal Table by Gēn 根 nestled at Lebuh Presgrave and Gēn 根 within Prestige Hotel’s ground floor piazza.

Johnson found the idea of hostmanship welcoming within the confines of a glass house restaurant as opposed to modern industrial design in its original. The interior featuring polished terrazzo surfaces, carefully selected japangi style furniture and finishing with glass blocks creates a natural warm ambience and very pleasant aesthetic.

The open kitchen concept allows guests to observe how chefs plate the dish at a distance from the individual tables instead of at a long counter. There is an element of inclusion we feel is important in how guests can interact with us through their overall dining experience at the same time.

Cuisine

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Gēn 根 is a place that gives prominence to the reflection of Our Malaysian Story. We gave careful thought to how Malaysia's quality produce and local flavour fused with the intangible. Through food we translate relinquished memories, cultures, and experiences into something tangible that our guests can be a part of.

We hope to have it transport us back to the past and allow us to reminisce about it through our taste buds. Introducing to you our very first: Interpretation of Malaysian ingredients and local flavours - Our Malaysian Story.

Facilities and Highlights

Wifi
Air Conditioning
Wedding/Event
Wine Cellar
Indoor Dining
Locally Sourced Produce
Chef/Tasting Menu
Contemporary Cuisine
Creative Cuisine
Vegetarian Dishes Available

See All >

Useful Information

GENERAL

Opening time:

Wednesday to Sunday (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Lunch : Thurs - Sun (12pm to 3pm, last seating 1pm)
Dinner : Wed - Sun (6pm to 11pm, last seating 8pm)

Annual closing:

none

Time zone: (GMT+08:00) Kuala Lumpur
Currency accepted: MYR
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay
Electricity voltage: 240V
Electricity plug type:

ACCESS

The most efficient way to get to the restaurant is by Grabcar or RAPID bus. However, parking is available at the Prestige Hotel for one hour free of charge. Stamping should be requested upon bill payment. There is also street parking by the Lebuh Gereja.

CONTACT

Unit 6, 8 Gat Lebuh Gereja, 10300 Georgetown, Penang

CONTACT HERE

Visa for Malaysia

Travel Insurance

CONCIERGE

Your concierge is ready to assist you with planning and completing your reservation,
contact them on dine@secret-retreats.com

We Care

Understanding each component and communities from where they are derived is crucial to us at gēn 根. We get our products from nearby farmers that uphold sustainable methods and take an active interest in the welfare of their land and resources. We advocate for buying locally grown food and abstain from using chemicals and processed goods. We choose to support small farms rather than multinational conglomerates. We go to each farm directly to better understand the true costs and achieve minimal waste. In order to reduce our environmental impact, we also employ techniques like ferments, pickles and preserves in our menus to that incorporated environmentally friendly production, processing, distribution and consumption to reduce our environmental footprint.

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