GEN

The story

GEN by Matt Chen: Michelin-Starred Cantonese Dining in Kaohsiung

GEN by Matt Chen

In spring 2024, GEN opened in Kaohsiung’s Asia New Bay Area, a project of WANXIANG Hospitality under the Guo Cheng Construction Group. The name, GEN (雋), means “outstanding” and “enduring,” while its English form suggests a lineage of culinary heritage. The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star for its high-quality cooking, a recognition that speaks to the ambition of its team.

The kitchen is led by Chef Matt Chen (陳泰榮), a Macau-born chef with over 40 years of experience. Chen began his career at 14 in Macau’s Lisboa hotel and moved to Taipei in 1988, honing his craft across multiple Cantonese kitchens. He spent 17 years with the Shangri-La Group, then led the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Yì Rén at the Palais de Chine Hotel in Taipei for five consecutive years. In August 2023, he moved south to become Culinary Director of GEN, bringing his deep knowledge of traditional Cantonese cuisine and his ability to let seasonal ingredients shine.

The dining room seats 88 guests across several distinct spaces: a U-shaped counter—an unusual feature for a Chinese restaurant—where diners can watch the chefs at work; semi-private six-seat areas; and a range of private rooms, including one that accommodates 20. The layout is designed around the kitchen, with heated cabinets and cooking stations in each zone to ensure dishes arrive at the table at the ideal temperature. The design avoids literal Chinese motifs, instead using warm wood, stone, and layered spaces to create a sense of quiet generosity.

GEN focuses on classic Cantonese cooking, with an emphasis on precision and depth of flavor. Chef Chen’s approach is rooted in tradition, but the execution is refined for a modern audience. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Friday, and for both lunch and dinner on weekends.