The streets and beaches of Penang are lined with cafes, each having a theme and a menu of its own. The cafes in Penang range from traditional to fusion and modern, tiny to large and minimalistic to funky. Penang has something to satiate each craving, be it sweet, spicy or sour. Here are some of the best cafes in the region:
1. China House
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China House is one of the most well-known cafes in Penang. A food lover's go-to hub, China House offers a versatile fusion menu, including over 50 types of cakes. The cafe is known for its antique and artsy vibe, which is enhanced by live band performances at night. China House's midnight menu offers to attract a large footfall every night.
Location: 153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town Timings: 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM Must try dishes: Tiramisu cake
2. Wheeler's
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Wheeler's is quite an old favourite in Penang and has recently undergone renovation. The interiors are attention, capturing and creating. The menu is a reasonable and innovative one with fusion dishes such as expresso chicken. The staff is friendly and attentive.
Location: Jalan Love Lane, Chinatown, Georgetown Timings: 8:30 AM to 1:00 AM except for Thursday and Friday, 8:30 AM to 2:00 AM Must try dishes: Avocado salmon, mushroom soup
3. Macallum Connoisseurs
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Macallum Connoisseurs is one of the biggest cafes in Penang. The cafe has a coffee academy within its premises, which makes it a coffee special spot. It is frequently visited by large groups of friends, rather than solo travellers. It is a prevailing party and gettogether hub.
Location: 1, Gat Lebuh Macallum, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang Timings: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM Must try dishes: Ocean obsession
4. Black Kettle
Black Kettle is another popular tourist cafe, with a wide range of pastry cakes. The chefs of this cafe bake fresh bread every day, which makes the items of their menu clean and healthy. The cafe is a cost one with a fusion menu and must-try coffees. Solo travellers frequently visit it.
Location: 105, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia Timings: Sunday- Thursday: 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM, Friday and Saturday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Must try dishes: Hooi’s Original Salted Egg Yolk Pasta
5. Ice Cafe
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Tired of the scorching sun and the heat? Dig in at Ice Cafe, an ice-themed cafe where the temperature is deliberately lowered to 10°C. The space is filled with ice-themed decorations and looks almost surreal. Ice Cafe serves only desserts.
Location: 193 (level 1), Lebuh Victoria, 10300 Penang, Malaysia. Timings:10:30 AM to 10:30 PM Must try dishes: Iced coffee
6. Kafka
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Kafka is one of the newest cafes in Penang. It is the only cafe here to be built inside a bungalow. The space is green and minimalistic, with plants in every corner. The special items from the menu include coffee and snacks such as calamari bites with garlic mayonnaise.
Location: 15, Jalan Kelawai, George Town, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang Timings: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM Must try dishes: Vegetable sandwich, sweet potato fries
7. Urban Daybreak
A delicious spread at Urban Daybreak (Source)
Urban daybreak is a quirky cafe with an all-day breakfast menu, specializing in authentic Australian breakfast with a twist. It has been founded by a group of friends who are fond of cooking and eating. The ambience here is warm and cosy. Urban daybreak follows the open kitchen concept; visitors can see the food being cooked.
Location: 338, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang Timings: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (except Tuesdays) Must try dishes: Fried chicken waffle
8. Fuku Eatery and Desserts
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Fuku Eatery and Desserts is one of the highly specialized Japanese cafes in Penang. Some of their beloved dishes include Tori Karaage Curry Udon, Chicken Katsudon, and Omurice, a dish recipe that went viral on the internet. For the main course, kakigori is a recommended option.
Location: 37a&b, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Must try dishes: Chicken Katsudon
9. Kraffmen
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Kraffmen is an Australian themed cafe, with minimalistic interiors and one of the best brunch menus in the state. Their list is designed keeping Australian connoisseur in mind. This place is known for its presentation of food and a unique selection of milkshakes.
Location: 80, Jalan Zainul Abidin, George Town Timings: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM (except Wednesdays) Must try dishes: milkshakes
10. Constant Gardener Coffee
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As the name suggests, Constant Gardener Coffee is a speciality hub for coffee lovers. The owner of the cafe is himself a coffee enthusiast and is very particular with the quality of his coffee. He believes in imparting this enthusiasm to his guests. For non-coffee lovers, there is their signature Single Origin Madagascar Chocolate drink, which is sure not to disappoint.
Location: Ground Floor, Chinese Chamber Of Commerce Building, 9, Lebuh Light, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang Timings: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM (except Mondays) Must try dishes: Espresso Tasters Menu
11. Bean Sprout Cafe
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Bean Sprouts Cafe is a comparatively new addition to Penang's foodie spots. It is a vintage and warm breakfast spot. This cafe has an advantage over others because it is located within walking distance from all famous tourist spots. Passerbys visit this cafe mainly to try their avocado dishes and coffee because Bean Sprout is known for their latte art.
Location: 35, Pitt Street (Masjid Kapitan Keling) Penang, Malaysia Timings: 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM Must try dishes: Avocado toast
12. Acupaday
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Acupaday is a place for relaxation. Visitors can come here and chill for as long as they want. To accompany their rejuvenating time is a list of fusion items, including tomyam spaghetti and rendang chicken burger. They also have other fascinating items such as ice cube coffee and tiramisu cake.
Location: 55, Lebuh Bishop, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang Timings: Mon- Thursday 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM Friday & Saturday: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM Closed on Sundays Must try dishes: Tomyam spaghetti and Rendang chicken burger
13. Matcho Cafe
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Matcho is a very dreamy place with all pink interiors, plants and antique wooden furniture. Their main speciality is matcha drinks and desserts. They also offer the option of made to order desserts, which allows guests to be demanding with what they want and satiate their taste buds perfectly.
Location: 99B, Lebuh Noordin, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang Timings: 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM (except Tuesdays) Must try dishes: Matcha toast
14. Caffeine Chemistry Coffee
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Staying true to the name, this cafe specializes in serving coffee with a twist. They serve beverages in beakers and flasks, creating the vibe of being in a chemistry lab. Apart from beverages, they serve waffles and homemade gelatos of different flavours, such as rum and raisin, Kahlua coffee, etc.
Location: No. 27, Nagore Square, Jalan Nagor, Penang Timings: Monday- Thursday: 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM Friday- Saturday: 1:00 PM to 12:00 AM Sunday- 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM Must try dishes: Gelatos
With the state overflowing with cafes to the brim, any traveller would turn to a foodie, and every foodie will rejoice! Considering the number of options of diverse food, I think it definitely makes sense to dedicate at least one entire day to cafe hopping in Penang!
