For Johor-born Johnson Wong, chef-owner of Bib Gourmand Communal Table by Gēn and MICHELIN Selected Gēn, Penang had always held an allure and an indubitable feeling of comfort in the island’s close-knit community.
“Whenever I travel for work, it’s exciting to venture out with the latest collaborations or to explore different cities, but the moment I cross that bridge back onto Penang, there’s an undeniable sense of relief — I know I’m home. The community here is what holds everything together,” he shares
This deep-rooted connection to Penang is reflected in the way Wong runs his restaurants. Both Communal Table by Gēn and Gēn champion the works of local artisans and producers, weaving the essence of local culture into every detail — from the local ingredients on the plate to the prized art on the walls. As an avid art collector, one could appreciate the artworks by local artists such as a striking durian-inspired piece by visual artist Hoo Fan Chon that's currently displayed at Wine Not, a boutique wine bar just above Communal Table by Gēn, which serves as a reminder that the spaces here are more than just dining venues, they are a showcase of the community's heart and soul.
Expanding on this philosophy, Communal Table by Gēn was crafted to be an extension of Gēn based on a community-driven approach with the intention to bring it to other cities in the future. “Every city has its own identity and cultural nuances, and we want to embrace that by incorporating these intrinsic elements into our menus. Both restaurants are our love letters to Malaysia,” Wong explains.
Penang’s food scene, he notes, has evolved beyond its famed hawker culture. “The island remains a haven for heritage flavours and street food because of how focused these vendors are — some spend a lifetime perfecting a single dish! But now, we’re also seeing more international hotels and brands influencing the industry, and we see a growing demand for new dining experiences across different tiers."
“Penang's food scene is moving fast, and it’s exciting to be part of that growth.”
For Wong, experiencing Penang is surely about the food but beyond that, there's still so much to take in. ”You can't leave Penang without experiencing the mix of cultures seen in not only the food but also in the arts, the architecture, the natural landscapes, and of course, the people, " he enthuses.
Here, he shares a treasure trove of insider recommendations.
For the heartiest street food experience: Char Hor Fun inside Kwong Ban Lee Coffee Shop
"There’s no name for this stall, but you’ll find it inside the Kwong Ban Lee coffee shop on Tanjung Bungah. They only sell one dish — char ho fun (fried flat rice noodles with gravy). You can truly taste the soul in the cooking because this is the only dish they make. The wok hei (heat of the wok), the deep flavours... it’s something I’ll always remember. It’s a bit far out from the city, but it's a place that locals frequent for over 30 years, and whenever we have guest chefs visiting, we always bring them there."
Kedai Kopi Kwong Ban Lee is located at No. 1-0-9, Jalan Chan Siew Teong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang, Malaysia
A favourite new discovery: Ino Space
"Ino Space is a fresh addition to the city’s beverage scene, offering a selection of natural wines and great coffee. And here, it's more than just a bar, it’s a dynamic space where collaborations and pop-ups bring new energy to each experience. It's run by a couple, and it's a relaxed space where you can stand, sip, and chat with the owners — perfect for a laid-back night out with friends."
Ino Space is located at Lorong Toh Aka, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
For a reliable supper spot: The Teochew Club
"The Teochew Club is our go-to spot after work — the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the warm, comforting flavours of Teochew cuisine. Their omelette is a favourite of mine, along with lor ark (Teochew-style braised duck soup) that’s incredibly heartwarming." (Photo: The Teochew Club)
The Teochew Club is located at 17, Lintang Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
For a fun night out with great cocktails to boot: Jalan Gurdwara
"The area around Communal Table by Gēn is home to some pretty cool drinking spots! You can easily hop from one bar to another, experiencing at least five different ones within the area.
Places like Backdoor Bodega and Good Friends Club, they each put their own Penang-inspired twist on cocktails. I think it’s great that each place here has its own interpretation of local ingredients. Personally, I love savoury cocktails and the classics, and when it comes to a Negroni, I prefer mine less sweet."
Along Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
One must not leave Penang without bringing home: Heritage Biscuits
"Again, around the Communal Table by Gēn area, you’ll find several small-scale, heritage biscuit shops such as Seng Hin Hiang, Soon Hiang, and Hock Lok Siew that still make their confections fresh and by hand. These spots aren’t commercialised, so if you’re looking for something rooted in Penang’s cultural history, these are the places to visit."
"If you enjoy cooking, it’s also worth exploring the variety of local nutmeg-based products that are a staple here. And when it comes to pantry essentials, I’d highly recommend Rose Brand soy sauce and Ghee Hiang sesame oil."
Seng Hin Hiang Biscuit is located at 44, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Soon Hiang Biscuit Shop is located at 33, Jalan Kuantan, George Town, 10150 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Hock Lok Siew Biscuit Trading is located at 120, Lebuh Noordin, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
For a taste of Penang’s best-kept secrets: Jia Siang Seafood and Nada Natural Farming
"If there’s enough time, I love bringing friends to the other side of Penang to Pulau Betong that's about an hour’s drive from George Town. It's a quiet fishing village on the southwest part of Penang that's known for its seafood. One of my go-to spots here is Jia Siang Seafood, a Chinese restaurant where you can have the day's catch cooked fresh. The highlights are their steamed pomfret, either cooked Teochew-style or with lemongrass, along with steamed prawns, and fried grey mullet. The key here is the seafood's freshness without compensating by using heavy sauces.
"From May to July, Balik Pulau is not to be missed because it's durian season!
Nada Natural Farming is a peaceful escape, even for locals. Within the farm is a café that uses the fresh produce right off the land, and you can dine right next to the fields overlooking stunning views. It’s a refreshing change of pace and a great way to see a different side of Penang."
Jia Xiang Seafood is located at Kampung Bakar Kapur, 11000 Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia
Nada Natural Farming is located at Lot 646 & 647, Jalan Kuala Sungai Burung, Kampung Sungai Burung, 11000 Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia
For the best way to explore and experience Penang: Walk, Walk, Walk
"The best way to truly explore Penang is on foot. Despite the heat, walking allows you to soak in the island’s charm.
Penang Hill is breathtaking at sunrise. Take the funicular train up in the early morning, even as early as 5:00 a.m., and soak in the aerial views of both the city and the mainland in a single frame. I recently did this, and it gave me a whole new perspective."
“Penang reveals itself layer after layer, from its tight-knit community and colourful heritage to its multicultural influences.”
For the adventurous eater: BM Yam Rice
"Everyone knows George Town, but not as many have explored Penang's mainland, which I believe has a solid food culture of its own repute. One of its highlights is Bib Gourmand BM Yam Rice at Bukit Mertajam.
My go-to order here is the yam rice with various cuts of pork — especially pork brain.
However, I prefer to keep the innards and meats separate as mixing them tends to change the flavour of the soup." (Photo: MICHELIN)
BM Yam Rice is located at 7 Jalan Murthy, Bukit Mertajam, Seberang Perai, 14000, Malaysia
For a truly local Penang stay: A Wide Range of Options Within George Town... and Outside of It
"Real estate here has evolved through the decades with modern interiors, yet the classic designs showcasing a wide-range from Peranakan charm to Colonial architecture offers choice picks of unique stays for tourists to explore."
"For British-colonial grandeur, there’s the iconic Eastern & Oriental Hotel, while The Prestige offers an avant-garde take on colonial construction. If you’re drawn to Peranakan architecture, Cheong Fatt Tze (also known as The Blue Mansion) stands as a testament to an immersive experience into the Straits Chinese history.
For modern, boutique-hotel experiences, lyf and Noordin Mews provide comfortable, intimate stays. And if you’re after a quiet retreat to nature, Malihom offers a secluded escape to the hills of a private estate surrounded by breathtaking views."
For some cool and artsy vibes: George Town
"I love collecting art pieces that resonate with me. I don’t actively seek out art; however, I am lucky to have had stumbled upon pieces that spoke to me.
One of my favourite discoveries is Sumidik, an artist that was featured at a Hin Bus Depot exhibition. He creates art pieces inspired by Hokkien culture and traditional Chinese calendars.
Hin Bus Depot (pictured on the right) is best visited on Sundays when it transforms into a vibrant hub for creatives.
For more art, China House’s Art Space I & II showcase a mix of paintings and photography, while Blank Canvas serves as a collaborative space that features new and emerging artists alongside the established names. And of course, there’s Ernest Zacharevic's Cultprint by ZACH Studio. He's the artist behind many of Penang’s most iconic street murals."
Wong’s culinary journey in Penang goes beyond the vibrant streets of George Town, shining a light on lesser-known corners of the island that deserve equal recognition.
From the hidden gems in Pulau Betong to tranquil escapes in Balik Pulau, Wong’s recommendations reflect the island’s diverse culture that extends beyond food. He embraces the cultural richness of the island, highlighting not only the renowned hawker dishes but also the quieter, often overlooked treasures that capture the true spirit of Penang.
Whether it’s exploring the mainland’s distinct offerings or savouring a meal in a peaceful rural setting, Wong shows that Penang is as much about discovery as it is about heritage, making sure that every corner of this beautiful island shares its spotlight.
