When you think of Penang, you’ll immediately think of a sunny bright island filled with lip-smacking street food whereby most of them have been around for decades. Say you’ve explored a majority of them and you’re now looking to try out something new, we’ve got you covered. Just scroll down and check out these new places in Penang that have just recently opened their doors. Let’s get started!
NEW Places In Penang To Visit (August 2024 Edition)
1. Peninsula House
One of the most exciting new opening in Penang has got to be Peninsula House. An iconic landmark; the 87-year-old India House is now transformed into an elegant casual dining restaurant complete with an open kitchen and a curated menu that’s sure to tantalize your tastebuds. We highly recommend their Peninsula Flat Bread, Snapper Crudo and Roasted Sunchoke for starters and for mains, we loved the Confit Duck Leg and Grilled Wild Caught King Prawns. The Chocolate Tart and Tropical Eton Mess were the perfect sweet ending to our meal. Combining the scrumptious food and inviting vibes with every corner being aesthetically perfect for your feed, Peninsula House may just be the ‘it’ restaurant in Penang.
Address: India House (historical building, 1st Floor, India House, 25, Beach St, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 6pm-12am (closed on Wednesday)
Status: Pork-free menu, alcohol is served
2. Sunnyside
Wakey wakey residents of Tanjung Bungah, the sun is rising! Yes, it’s time to head on over to Sunnyside and enjoy lip-smacking brunch accompanied by the cozy, neighbourhood ambience. Established by the same team from Lea Beans & Living, you can expect the overall decoration to revolve around plenty of natural sunlight and just enough dash of green to make the space picture-worthy. Whether you’re looking to start off the day with a hearty brunch or looking for a quick coffee and dessert fix, drop by Sunnyside.
Address: 30, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, Bandar Tanjung Bungah, Mukim 18, 11200, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 8am-3pm (Thursday-Monday)
Status: Non-Halal, pet-friendly
3. Soooo Bingsu
Under the scorching hot weather in Penang, we can never say no to icy cold treats. And this time, we have a new Bingsu place in Penang complete with cozy vibes and natural lighting up our sleeves that you should definitely try. It’s called Soooo Bingsu located in the heart of George Town and we love that their Bingsu comes fully flavoured with a generous amount of toppings. Bingsu flavours include Thai Milk Tea, So Mango, Taro Taro and more. If you’re dropping by with your little ones, they also have Kids Bingsu that are super adorable.
Address: 36, Lebuh Acheh, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 12pm-10pm (closed on Tuesday)
Status: No pork, no lard, no alcohol
4. Mustang Coffee
Is it a car? Is it a cafe? Introducing Mustang Coffee, a cafe on the go run by 2 sisters serving coffee and drinks at the back of their Mustang. They serve coffee and non coffee options with their signature drink being Matcha Espresso. To locate them, just check out their social media for their monthly calendar.
Address: Location and time varies (kindly refer to their social media)
5. Tono Izakaya
KL’s popular Izakaya restaurant has finally opened its first outlet in Penang. Featuring a cyberpunk interior, do get the bar seats so that you can catch the chefs live in action. Signatures include the Chef Moriawase Platter, Signature Tono Maki Roll and must-try Engawa Don with Ikura. Of course, you’ll also need to try their Yakitori that’s grilled to perfection especially the juicy Wagyu Skewers.
Address: 80, Lebuh Tye Sin, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 11:30 am–3 pm, 5 pm–12 am
Status: Pork-free, serves alcohol
6. Shan Li Coffee
Next up on our list of new places to drop by in Penang is this beautiful Japanese vibes coffee spot perched atop the hills hence the name, Shan Li. Upon walking into the cafe, you will see a huge window overlooking the scenic hillview where you can chill with a cup of freshly-brewed coffee. There’s also an outdoor space with transparent canopy that’s perfect to host events and private celebrations. So if you’re looking for a cozy back-to-nature cafe, Shan Li is the place you need to check out.
Address: Lot 593, Jln Kulim, Cherok To’ Kun, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 6.30pm-12am (temporary operating hours)
7. Chili’s Cafe
Penangites, most of you must have definitely heard about Chili’s. Chili’s is once again back on Penang Island but this time, in a cozy cafe setting with the addition of lip-smacking breakfast menu. This means aside from their crowd favourite Tex Mex options like Triple Dipper, Fajita and Burgers, you’ll also get to enjoy freshly-brewed coffee and pastries. Some say Chili’s Cafe has made a comeback but what do you think? Give them a try and let us know!
Address: G-11, G11A, Ground Floor, Central Gurney, G Hotel, 168A, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang.
Operating Hours: 8am-10pm (Opens daily)
8. Kota Bistro
When you pass by the Esplanade, did you happen to see a beautiful Tiffany Blue building? If you did, then you’ve just seen a heritage building in Penang that houses the first priority banking cafe in Malaysia called Kota Bistro. Here, you can feast on a wide selection of Malaysian-inspired dishes with a fun twist like the Seafood Otak Otak Pop-Sticker, Nasi Lemak Curry Puff, Ayam Soto Cappellini, Kota Nasi Lemak served with Assam Prawns and more. If you’re looking for a chill ambience, dine al-fresco and enjoy the city view with cakes from Plan C Patisserie.
Address: Hong Leong Bank Light Street, 1, Lebuh Light, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 8am-8pm
Status: No pork, no lard and no alcohol
9. Beans Factory
Are you a fan of Tau Fu Fa? If yes then head on over to Beans Factory, one of the new places that just opened in Penang located on the same row as Banh Mi Kitchen. Originating from Johor, this newly opened dessert shop offers a wide variety of soybean based dessert such as shaved ice with toppings like grass jelly, taro balls, boba pearls and more. Do drop by early as there tend to be an aftermeal queue from dessert lovers.
10. The Ais & Hani
Strategically located along Lebuh Campbell, The Ais & Hani is a family-run ice cream shop that has been operating for close to a decade. They’ve recently revamped the ice cream parlour to make the space more cozy and inviting hence it’s on our list of new things to try out in Penang. Over at The Ais & Hani, you’ll be spoiled for choice as they have over 80 hand-churned ice cream flavours. They offer boozy options like Nutella Guinness, vegan and sugar free options like Strawberry Lychee, as well as seasonal flavours like Cempedak King. When you George Town city walk gets a little too scorching, drop by at The Ais & Hani for an icy cold treat.
Address: 65, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 11am-9pm (Tuesday-Saturday) | 1pm-9pm (Sunday)
Status: Alcoholic ice cream flavours are available.
11. Laksa Mana
Last but definitely not the least in our New Places To Try in Penang this August is a hidden Laksa Cafe located along the bustling Chulia Street. Just spot Reggae Bar and right above it, you’ll be greeted by an all-white cafe that’s perfect for your ‘gram. Since it’s a Laksa Cafe, you’ll need to try their Signature Mixed Laksa that comes with both Nyonya and Asam Laksa Broth. A unique dessert pairing for their Laksa is the cafe’s very own Bingsu that comes in several flavours like Matcha, Strawberry and even Thai Milk Tea.
Address: 336-1, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 11am-9pm (Closed on Tuesday)
Status: No pork, no lard and no alcohol
Which New Place In Penang Entices You Most?
Now that you’ve read through these 10 new places to try in Penang, let us know which one entices you the most! There’s always something new mushrooming in Penang so it’s time to start planning a makan-makan session with your besties.
Read more: 10 Best Nasi Lemak Spots You Must Try In Penang (2024 Edition)
