Communal Table by Gēn 根
A modern Malaysian sharing plate concept where creative flavors and communal dining meet in a stylish setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Communal Table by Gēn 根
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern Malaysian sharing plate concept where creative flavors and communal dining meet in a stylish setting.
Make a Reservation
This popular spot often requires reservations to secure your table.
Try the Commune Menu
Opt for the Commune Menu for an easy ordering experience (RM400 for 2 pax).
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Modern Malaysian
Price
$$$
Phone
+60 12-578 3323
Address
68, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Website
gencommunaltable.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Modern Malaysian Sharing Plates
Experience creative Asian fusion with unique flavor combinations and sharing portions.
Communal Dining Experience
Dine at a long table overlooking an open kitchen, fostering a unique and engaging atmosphere.
Standout Dishes
Indulge in highlights like Aged Penang Duck, Flower Crab Rice, and Mussel Skewers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Make a Reservation
This popular spot often requires reservations to secure your table.
Try the Commune Menu
Opt for the Commune Menu for an easy ordering experience (RM400 for 2 pax).
Be Mindful of Saltiness
Some dishes can be salty; inquire about seasoning if needed.
Seating for Groups
Bar seating is best for 2-3 guests; larger groups may find communication challenging.
Tips
from all over the internet
Make a Reservation
This popular spot often requires reservations to secure your table.
Try the Commune Menu
Opt for the Commune Menu for an easy ordering experience (RM400 for 2 pax).
Be Mindful of Saltiness
Some dishes can be salty; inquire about seasoning if needed.
Seating for Groups
Bar seating is best for 2-3 guests; larger groups may find communication challenging.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Communal Table by Gen offers a unique modern Malaysian dining experience with an open kitchen and communal seating. While many praise the attentive service, creative dishes, and stylish ambiance, some reviewers find certain dishes unbalanced or overly salty. The duck and mussel skewers are frequently highlighted as standouts, though some feel the overall value might not match the high price point.
"Very nice and unique place. With full of chef who recreate the menu and flavours with passion. Even is pricey but surely is worth trying or for special occasions , the service they provide is rarely can find outside. What i can praise this restaurant is a place fill with passion and love what they do and what they provide to their guests.
What is one small negative feedback is the table setting is not suitable for over 2 people because the sides 2 guests can't communicate besides shouting to each other's. Hopefully in near future they will have a round table and the host can interact with theirs friends more during eating time ."
Winnie Churn
"Good effort on making Malaysian eating scene vibrant. The menu is interesting nevertheless.
I like the setting where it is a long table and can see how the staff bust their butts to bring us their finest piece of art representing Malaysia culinary. 5/5 for that.
I unfortunately will not return again because the dishes were not well thought out and recommended to us. I have to agree with Bertrand, another reviewer that the food was mostly single dimensional.
I like the duck breast as it is the highlight of the meal. It is a perfect example of good protein mixed with acid. This is followed by the mussel skewer which is pretty good as well. They get 5/5 from me.
However there are a few let downs to be honest. I had rainbow prawn and century egg tofu, both recommended by a gentlemen but they do not complement each other well. Both are packed with mayonnaise and override the taste of the ingredients itself.
For example, there’s no hint of prawn in the rainbow prawn when I chew it, except for the overpowering mayonnaise and oil soaking the (prawn?) ham and beans.
These two dishes I would unfortunately rate 1.5/5 for my personal preference. Maybe they will do well on its own to pair with another snack that is lighter or without mayonnaise but unfortunately it was recommended to us together.
We also had flower crab rice, and would rate it 1/5. It is just overpoweringly sweet and single dimensional that we couldn’t taste what the flower crab could offer us.
As for the dessert, I would probably rate it 2/5. It has oriental influence. I had red date and fungus as well as bird nest. I can only say they taste interesting.
Well again everyone has a different taste bud and it is my personal view. I would still encourage you to drop by to explore what they have to offer and support the culinary scene in Malaysia.
Overall commendable effort but a lot more work needed to put into how to recommend a balanced menu for the customers. Good luck!"
Jiun Lim
"Appreciate that there's a table for walk-in at 830pm and the staff went the extra mile to seat us!
Was really looking forward to the food but personally feels that it wasn't worth the hype - some dishes were well executed while others were predictable and what you'd imagine it to taste like. Nothing too unique as well.
The greens were our favourite!"
Vivien Tan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant specializes in modern Malaysian sharing plates, blending local flavors with international influences.
Yes, it is highly recommended to make a reservation as the restaurant is popular.
The restaurant features a long communal table overlooking an open kitchen, which is best suited for 2-3 guests. Larger groups may find communication challenging.
Standout dishes often mentioned include Aged Penang Duck, Flower Crab Rice, and Mussel Skewers.
The restaurant is considered upscale, with sharing plates and tasting menus reflecting a higher price range.
Yes, Communal Table by Gen has been recognized in the Michelin Guide.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Going Local: A Luxury Guide To Penang
Modern Malaysian sharing platesAlthough more accurately a fine casual sharing plate concept, the cuisine at Communal Table is one of progressive Malaysian, but as in the spirit of Malaysianness, are presented as sharing plates. The restaurant is currently led by Kevin Ng, but is the brainchild of Johnson Wong of Gen Penang fame. The dishes here come in sharing portions which are best for 2, but can be shared up to 3 or 4, with some highlights charred leeks, chilli crab rice and giant tiger prawn glass noodles.
These are the best restaurants in George Town, Penang
True to its name, this casual dining venue seats a maximum of 24 guests at a long table that overlooks an open kitchen. The cuisine at Communal Table by Gen is modern Malaysian, with a sprinkling of Peranakan flavours and a focus on local, seasonal ingredients, Dishes not to be missed include the skipjack tuna with ginger flower sorbet as well as the bidor duck done two ways: aged and confit. The beverage menu is extensive, ranging from French wines to Sarawakian tuak (fermented rice wine) and Japanese sake.
Top 8 BEST High Tea in Penang [2025 Edition]
Communal Table by gēn 根 offers fusions of traditional local sweets and savouries and foreign delights all served in a cute drawer-style board!. The items on the menu might sound simple but don’t be underwhelmed by rojak, ginger waffles, choux puff, and cempedak because this afternoon tea in Penang delivers in quality!. Their teas are worthy of a special shoutout and we strongly recommend that you try the High Mountain Purple Black Tea with exotic notes of dried sweet potato, caramel, and chocolate.
Penang wins big in the Michelin Guide’s Malaysian debut
You’ll find these all around Penang, from local hawker favourites such as Bridge Street Prawn Noodle and Penang Road Famous Laksa to modern eateries like Communal Table by Gēn and Neighbourwood. Finally, the Guide also recognized 27 additional Penang culinary treasures with a “Michelin Selected” citation. These included the must-visit Air Itam Sisters Curry Mee, Georgetown’s fine-dining specialists Kebaya and Sri Weld Food Court favourite Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang.
Top 9 Best High Tea in Penang 2025
After arriving at Communal Table by gēn 根, you will be welcomed by its enormous, long dining tables and comfy seats. In this well-decorated fine-dining restaurant, you can enjoy a great selection of Penang’s most scrumptious sweets, such as Mille Feuille, Lemongrass Cheesecake and Coconut Cream Chouquette. For the savouries, you will be served with Duck Croquette, Curry Mini Burger and many more.
Penang Food Guide: 10 best restaurants for dinner in Penang
AboveCommunal Table by Gen 根, Penang (Photo: Communal Table by Gen 根). Communal Table by Gen 根 showcases Malaysian food culture and produce through strong and funky flavours, pushing boundaries of local dining. Seasonal flavours and fresh ingredients shine through in adventurous dishes.
Top 15 Must-Visit Restaurants In Penang (2024 Guide)
We’re taking it up a notch with a diverse array of mouth-watering fusion food at Communal Table by Gen!. Crowd-favourites like the Aged Duck Breast, Pork Collar Skewers, Snapper Ceviche, Steak Tartare and more will have you completely awe-struck in the best way. Communal Table by Gen
Penang Restaurants & Eateries That Were Included In The Michelin Guide
Communal Table by Gēn presents modern dishes that melds Peranakan and Malaysian flavours made with local ingredients. Aged duck breast in a steamed bun, the signature here, is appraised with crispy skin and a tangy sauce.
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