Embracing Penang’s Café Culture
Penang has long been celebrated as a foodie paradise.
This tropical island, located off Malaysia’s northwest coast, is a top destination for street food lovers, offering a wide range of delicious cuisines. But that’s not all! While you can indulge in scrumptious dishes like laksa, cendol, char koay teow, and Hokkien mee, Penang also boasts a variety of charming and aesthetically pleasing Instagrammable cafés.
Whether you’re travelling solo or with a large group, going on a café-hopping adventure in Penang is a great way to eat like a local
Ready to savour Penang and its charming cafés? Here’s a list of must-visit Penang cafés:
- Ang Ang’s Roastery
- The Table Penang
- Norm Micro Roastery
- Lagenda Café
- 2F+ Coffee Roastery
- Kopi Chap Tekoh
- Mangga at the Blue Mansion
- Lunabar Coffee
- The Alley
- Ferringhi Coffee Garden
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Ang Ang’s Roastery has spread its love for coffee across Malaysia and has multiple outlets on Penang Island. From the bustling, colourful capital of George Town to its suburb, Tanjung Bungah, Ang Ang’s Roastery stands as one of the most aesthetically pleasing cafés in Penang. It boasts interiors with Scandinavian styles, a neutral colour scheme, and clean lines, making it the epitome of a sleek and modern café. Ang Ang’s first pet-friendly cafe opened on Green Lane earlier last year. This new café in Penang comes with a spacious outdoor area where your furry friends can relax and enjoy the ambiance.
The menu across all branches features top-notch drip coffees, along with various sandwiches, mains, sides, and desserts to choose from. The iconic burnt cheesecake and matcha mousse red bean cake are not to be missed, along with their signature coffee. Ang Ang’s Roastery is a hit among tourists and locals alike, making it one of the best cafés in Tanjung Bungah and a must-visit for travellers searching for charming cafés in Penang.
Hours: Varies according to outlet
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| Multiple locations, including Green Lane and Tanjung Bungah |
The Table Penang isn’t just your average George Town café – it’s a cosy haven where you can indulge in delectable desserts like a cinnamon croffle or even an onde-onde croffle, and pair it up with the perfectly brewed coffee or a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
This Muslim-friendly café in Penang is a great spot for evening catchups with friends. Its simple interiors, furnished with handcrafted wooden pieces made by the owner make it extremely warm and welcoming. And if you don’t fancy yourself a coffee or dessert, their extensive menu also serves dishes like grilled chicken and meatball pasta, succulent lamb grill, creamy buttermilk chicken, crispy calamari, flavorful burgers, and so much more. You are in for a treat here!
Hours:
Mon to Weds: 4pm to 11pm. Fri to Sun: 12pm to 11pm. Closed on Thurs
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| 27, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
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Step into this charming café located in the heart of George Town. Norm Micro Roastery is another Instagrammable café in Penang, featuring high ceilings and an exceptionally minimalist and industrialist vibe.
This gorgeous space is bathed in natural light, creating a bright, airy atmosphere. Add in the rustic charm of raw walls, and there’s a cool touch with built-in cement seating and counters, enhancing its industrial chic vibe.
Their menu is also a coffee lover’s dream come true, offering various caffeine options. And when it comes to food, do yourself a favour and don’t miss out on their star dish – the prawn and pumpkin risotto.
Hours: Open daily, 9am to 11pm
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| 13, Gat Lebuh Gereja, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
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Lagenda Café is a legendary halal in Penang where you’ll discover an incredible fusion of traditional Malay dishes and Western-inspired creations. The café is adorned with artwork by the late Malaysian icon P. Ramlee, making it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
As for what you can expect to chow down on, Lagenda is renowned for its nasi goreng bujang lapok and ayam percik madu tiga.
Pro-tip: the portions here are generous; the gado-gado, an Indonesian salad with tempeh, tofu, and peanut sauce, is substantial enough to satisfy a family of five, making it an excellent dish for sharing.
Hours: Mon to Thurs: 12pm to 10pm. Fri to Sun 12pm to 11pm. Closed on Weds
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| 2, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
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The roadside nestles 2F+ Coffee Roastery, its signboard almost concealed by lush plants and creeping vines, making entering the café feel like you’re walking into a secret garden.
Known as one of the best cafés in Bayan Lepas and a distinctive spot in Penang, stepping inside reveals a modern and inviting ambience.
Visitors can enjoy many reading materials while sipping coffee or savouring a meal. Some hot favourites on the menu include the waffle brunch, tuna aglio-olio, and the velvety café latte.
In essence, this unique Penang café serves as a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding industrial area. It’s a haven of cosiness, offering the perfect opportunity to take a break, unwind, and relax.
Hours: Tues to Sun, 10am to 10pm. Closed on Mon
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| Jln Paya Terubung, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
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Kopi Chap Tekoh is an establishment that evokes nostalgia for the good old days when a cup of coffee and a slice of toast constituted the quintessential breakfast.
This Instagrammable café serves coffee topped with fluffy marshmallows in porcelain coffee cups, creating an aesthetic mood.
For those days when you’re craving some toast, Kopi Chap Tekoh is your go-to place. This café in Penang, located in Bukit Mertajam, is highly regarded by coffee enthusiasts and café-hoppers alike.
Hours: Mon to Sat, 9am to 5pm. Closed on Sun
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| 1683, Jalan Perusahaan, Auto-City, 13600 Perai, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
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Café Mangga, nestled beneath the shade of an ancient mango tree within the renowned Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, is a hidden gem in George Town waiting to be discovered. The space exudes Sunday picnic vibes and is unquestionably among Penang’s Instagrammable cafés.
Once you’ve taken enough photos, shift your focus to the food. There’s an array of delicious dishes to choose from in the all-day dining menu, ranging from the rendang beef ball rice bowl to Café Mangga’s signature nasi lemak, all of which will leave you craving more.
For tea enthusiasts, don’t miss the signature Mangga tofu cheesecake and the yuzu pandan coconut mousse cake. Believe us, this cafe offers the best desserts in Penang; you’ll leave with a full stomach and a contented heart.
Hours: Tues to Sun: 8am to 4pm, 6pm to 11pm. Closed on Mon
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| 14, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
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Hidden amid lush greenery, Lunabarcoffee is a charming Penang café that offers a quick escape from the bustling streets of George Town.
With a steaming cup of coffee, a slice of homemade cake, and a house adorned with plenty of plants, Lunabarcoffee is easily one of Penang’s cutest and most Instagrammable cafés.
They also serve some of the best coffee in Penang; their hand-drip and latte are crowd-pleasers. Additionally, the baristas are skilled at crafting delicious hot chocolate and various matcha drinks.
Be sure to inquire about the seasonal beans; you might be pleasantly surprised with speciality coffee options in Penang, such as coffee lemonade or hojicha latte.
Hours: Weds to Sun: 8am to 4pm. Closed on Mon & Tues
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| 10d, Jalan Clove Hall, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
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Do you know what goes great with coffee? Some warm and crunchy churros! The Alley is located on the very quiet Stewart Street in George Town.
The space is small and inviting, constantly filled with the delightful aroma of brewing coffee and churros. Locals adore it for its homemade baked goods, simple interior decor, and refreshing iced drinks.
Make sure to explore their diverse coffee offerings, indulge in the pink guava frappe, and savour their delicious halal cakes. A hidden gem, The Alley is unquestionably one of the famous cafés in Penang.
Hours: Open daily, 10am to 6pm
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| 5, Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia |
Another charming cafe in Penang, Ferringhi Coffee Garden is a must-visit due to its lush green surroundings that perfectly complement the European countryside aesthetics.
Latte lovers, you’re in for a treat as their baristas meticulously craft latte art to accompany their Italian-style espresso coffee. This spot is also a Muslim-friendly café, and only halal-certified ingredients are used in the food.
Whether you crave an all-day breakfast, a delicious lunch, or a delightful tea time, Ferringhi Coffee Garden has you covered. Their menu features charcoal-toasted bread, juicy burgers, freshly baked scones, and delectable sandwiches. So, be sure to visit on an empty stomach and relish all the delicious treats at this popular Penang café.
Hours: Thurs to Sun: 9am to 2.30pm. Closed on Mon to Weds
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| 43d, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Kampung Batu Feringgi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
For the Foodies
If you’re wondering how to kickstart your Penang food adventure, why not consider a foodie tour? It not only whisks you away to the finest eateries but also provides a chance to connect with like-minded food enthusiasts.
Explore George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and indulge in a local breakfast before delving into the bustling local markets.
Under the expert guidance of Nazlina, a renowned Malaysian culinary authority featured in prestigious publications like the New York Times and BBC Good Food, you’ll master the art of cooking Penang cuisine in her century-old shophouse located in the heart of George Town’s heritage zone.
The cooking studio boasts top-notch German-made stainless steel equipment, ensuring a high-quality culinary experience.
Experience sensory delight at Green Acres Penang as you wander through a lush orchard hosting 500 tropical fruit, herb, and spice trees.
Enjoy the opportunity to harvest and taste freshly picked exotic fruits and herbs. Treat yourself to a light local brunch paired with fresh brews, complemented by jams and preserves crafted from the farm’s organically grown fruit.
Immerse yourself in an authentic local experience and unwind in a breezy traditional Malay kampung made from sustainable materials, offering scenic views of the Balik Pulau hills.
Dive right into the vibrant tapestry of Penang’s street food scene, and uncover the secrets behind its unparalleled deliciousness.
Discover how the iconic “Penang taste” has evolved over the years, culminating in the culinary wonders of today. Join a tour that’ll take you through Penang’s culinary landscape, from hearty, soul-satisfying feasts to light, delectable snacks and exotic, refreshing drinks.
Believe us, you’ll feel like a true Penang-lang in no time!
Ready to café hop across Penang?
Penang’s café culture is a journey of its own; every corner holds a surprise, and every sip tells a story. Whether you’re searching for a cute café with aesthetic decor that’s perfect for your Instagram feed or seeking a Muslim-friendly halal café, Penang has it all.
