根家菜
一间以当代视角呈现的餐酒馆，通过 gēn（根）的理念诠释中式料理。
这一概念体现了我们对中式饮食的理解——以在地食材为基础，融合华人离散社群的影响、多元方言文化，以及在马来西亚与中国之间迁徙过程中所形成的社区适应与演变。菜肴随着人群的流动而传播，将两地的华人社群紧密相连——风味与食材因应不同环境而改变，食谱也在各个社群的传承与再创造中不断被重塑。当这些诠释回归其起源之地时，又再次发生转变，形成一种不断被重新发现与定义的循环。在 ROOT HOUSE，每一道菜都承载着传承与“根”的意义，同时体现转化与演进——这是一种扎根于过去，却始终向前发展的饮食体验。Located within the heritage walls of the 1926 Hotel, our menu explores the profound dialogue between Malaysia and China, a cycle of flavours shaped by the movement of people, the richness of local ingredients, and the passage of time.
Our philosophy is rooted in the "return journey." We trace the evolution of recipes as they traveled across borders, adapting to new environments and the unique culinary identities of the major dialect groups: Hokkien, Fuzhou, Cantonese, Teochew, Hakka and Hainanese.
As these communities settled in Malaysia, their traditional flavours shifted and transformed, becoming an inseparable part of our shared heritage and daily life.
The Culinary Visionaries
Driven by a desire to redefine the Malaysian culinary narrative, Chef Johnson Wong founded gēn 根 as a tribute to local produce. A vision that has seen him recognized on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list and awarded the MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award.
With the opening of 根家菜 Root House by gēn, Johnson’s focus shifts to the origin of the spirit. Following an extensive journey through China and Hong Kong, he now explores the complex roots of the Chinese-Malaysian identity. Through his food, Johnson reflects on where he came from to better understand where we are going, making Root House a living celebration of cultural heritage and culinary evolution.
Chef Koh Chin Hong A native of Johor who grew up on his family’s farm, Chef Koh Chin Hong brings a deep-rooted respect for local ingredients to the partnership. After honing his craft at the prestigious in Tokyo and gaining experience in world-renowned kitchens, including the Michelin-starred restaurants Copenhagen and experiences in New Zealand and Singapore. He returned to Malaysia to elevate the fine dining scene, as the founder of Initial and co-owner of Root House by gēn, Koh blends his technical mastery with a farm-to-table philosophy, focusing on the "original intention" of every ingredient.