Before ‘cafés’, there were ‘kopitiams‘ (which just means coffee shops in Hokkien). While the youngsters are much more drawn to the aesthetic ambience of the modern cafés, the older generation has been ‘yamcha’-ing in bustling kopitiams, filled with standing hawkers and recognizable marble-top tables. Aromatic Nanyang Kopi O served in green flowers-imprinted Oriental cups, and a plate of freshly toasted bread with kaya and butter on the side… Can you feel the nostalgia in the air? So why not prolong that heartwarming scene and preserve this beautiful tradition for future generations? Here are 15 long-standing ‘kopitiams‘ in Penang that are loved by Penangites.
15 Kopitiams In Penang To Enjoy A Cup of Kopi O
1. OO White Coffee
Experience the bustling air of the Malaysian traditional kopitiam at this notable coffee shop. Situated at the starting point of Carnavon Street, OO White Coffee has succeeded in impressing both locals and tourists with their wide array of local delights, and their crowd-pulling business has led them to open more outlets throughout the state. First-time visitors should order their signature Steamed Bun with Kaya, paired best with their smoky White Coffee. (Psst… another tip: order their Beef Koay Teow Soup)
Carnarvon Street
Address: 262-264, Lebuh Carnarvon, Georgetown, 10100 George Town, Penang
Operating hours: 6:30pm – 4:30pm (Daily)
[Non-Halal]
Waterfall
Address: 29 & 31, Jalan Gottlieb, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 7:00 am – 8:30 pm (Daily)
[Non-Halal]
2. Genting Cafe
One thing comes to mind when you mention this coffee shop to Penangites: Chee Cheong Fun. However, there are more for the tastebuds to explore at this popular local spot, such as Curry Mee, Nasi Lemak, and Char Koay Teow. Their most popular street food, Chee Cheong Fun consists of thin sheets of rice noodles, doused with sweet shrimp paste. A local favourite that’s loved by Penangites! But do note that the parking in this area is pretty dire, so prepare your mind for some annoying parking seeking.
Address: Lorong Delima 3, Taman Island Glades, 11700 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
[Non-Halal]
3. Bee Hwa Cafe (Halal)
‘Kopitiams’ are meant to be enjoyed by all, so of course there are ones that serve no pork or lard. Bee Hwa Cafe is a Halal coffee shop where Muslim devotees can enjoy a nice meal of Chinese dishes. This includes the Penangites’ favourite Char Koay Teow, Hokkien Mee, Curry Soup and more. Order a Cham Ais (Iced Mixed Tea & Coffee) to go along with your meal and to fight the hot weather.
Address: 10, Lebuh Dickens, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 7am – 3pm (Closed on Sundays)
[Halal]
4. Kheng Pin Cafe
Photo: @pomme2004 via IG
Your typical local coffee shop that is known for its crunchy Loh Bak and Hokkien Mee. The Loh Bak stall is run by an elderly uncle who has been frying fritters for over 40 years! Plus, customers like to
enjoy the spiced pork roll with the spicy, prawn taste of the Hokkien Mee. Meaty & prawny? Yes, and it’s much more delicious than you think.
Photo: @pomme2004 via IG
Address: 80, Jalan Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 7am – 1:30pm (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
[Non-Halal]
5. Lao Shan Dong Bak Kut Teh
Another note-worthy ‘kopitiam’ is Butteroworth’s famous Lau Shan Dong Bak Kut Teh. This place stands tall as a popular local spot for indulging in the rich flavors of the Malaysian herbal dish.As patrons step into the premises, they will be greeted by the comforting aroma of simmering broth and tender pork ribs. Served piping hot in a clay pot, each spoonful of this hearty soup promises a symphony of herbal notes and savory goodness.
Address: MY Pulau Pinang Butterworth Jalan Raja Uda, 1, Lorong Perniagaan Melur, 12300
Operating hours: 4:00pm – 10:00pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
[Non-Halal]
6. New Cathay Cafe
For those who are much more of an early bird, New Cathay Cafe is the place for a good cup of Nanyang coffee and Penang’s culinary treats. The beloved establishment boasts a plethora of hawker food stands, which are all tucked inside the corner house. From the hearty richness of Koay Chiap to the aromatic allure of Curry Mee, and the smoky perfection of Char Koay Teow, there’s something for everyone there. A small shoutout to the Roti Babi there which is French Toast filled with spiced minced pork, onions, and shiitake mushrooms.
Address: 425, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 7:00am – 12:00pm (Closed on Sundays)
[Non-Halal]
7. One Corner Cafe
This is another note-worthy breakfast spot for locals. One Corner Cafe stands as a reputable kopitiam with its star hawker being the Super Hokkien Mee, aka one of the most famous Hokkien Mee in Penang. They consistently draw long queues of eager patrons eager to savor its rich, flavorful broth. Diners can also try out their other delicious fares, including the Wan Tan Mee, Curry Mee and Char Koay Teow.
Address: 12, Jalan Bawasah, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 7am – 3pm (Closed on Saturdays)
[Non-Halal]
8. No.76 Coffee Stall
Amidst the busy morning rush stands the local-favorite No. 76 Coffee Stall, which boasts the biggest variety of breakfast options in town. This spot became famous after they began incorporating adorable latte art into their hot coffee drinks, which then drew many patrons to their humble drink stall. Over time, they serve all types of breakfast deriving from different cuisines, such as Nasi Lemak, Nyonya kuih, fried bee hoon, Dim Dum, spaghetti bolognese, and more. Despite its popularity, the stall may be filled with eager customers, yet there’s always an abundance of seating available, so you don’t have to worry about waiting in the sun for too long.
Address: 19, Medan Batu Lanchang, Jelutong, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 7am – 10pm (Daily)
[Non-Halal]
9. Sri Weld Food Court
Located near tourist landmarks such as Fort Cornwallis and Swettenham Pier, Sri Weld Food Court is where many locals and foreigners consider a culinary haven. The place shelters a diverse range of hawker delicacies, ranging from Wan Tan Mee to hot bowls of Beef Koay Teow Soup. Above all, the undisputed star of the show is none other than Ali Nasi Lemak, who is situated up front of the food court. However, do note that parking there is considered expensive (RM3 an hour), so do carpool with your acquaintances if you plan to visit.
Address: 3A, Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 6:30am – 3:00pm (Closed on Sundays)
10. Luan Fong Kopitiam
Nestled along Lorong Bagan Luar, this local coffee shop has been a crowd-favorite to the people of Butterworth. Not only are they famous for their perfectly toasted bread with homemade kaya and cold slabs of butter, but they are also known for their Thai Beef Noodle soup. This dish is prepared by a Teochew man, who first started his very first shop in Bukit Mertajam. The soup is light but rich in flavours, and filled with a generous amount of beef and beef balls.
Address: 17, Lorong Bagan Luar 3, Bagan Luar, 12000 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 7:30am – 3:00pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
[Muslim friendly]
11. Seng Thor Coffee Shop
As Penang continues to thrive, this coffee shop remains a timeless retreat for food lovers. One of their highlights is the 100-year-old oyster omelette that is opened for three generations now. Their grandfather embarked on a journey from Shandong, China with his family’s recipe, seeking new horizons in Penang. There are more delicious Penang street food, such as Loh Mee, Char Koay Teow, Roti Goyang and more. However, this place went viral once after they shamed a customer for not ordering a drink, so please remember to order a drink when you’re there to avoid any conflicts.
Address: 160, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 7:00am – 4:00pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
[Non-Halal]
12. Presgrave Street Hawker Centre
Hokkien Mee, Western food, Loh Bak… Whichever Penang food you wish to try, you can have it here! Presgrave Street houses many prominent hawker stalls, especially the 888 Hokkien Mee stall which is located next to the hawker space. To name a few food that’s guaranteed to be good, the Char Hor Fun (stir-fry flat noodles) and Duck Egg Char Koay Teow are not to be missed. But a warning to visitors, parking is a headache there.
Address: 67D, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 4:00pm – 10:00pm (Closed on Mondays)
[Non-Halal]
13. Bee Ghah Cafe
This 80-year-old coffee shop is tucked along the roads of Teluk Kumbar, but its fame is however well-known to the people there. Like your typical Malaysian breakfast spot, but this one specialized in its unique Kopi Butter. And yes, we’re talking about dropping a whole chunk of butter into your coffee! However, do not fear because you will then be relieved by its creamy, buttery tastes that blends well with the aromatic Nanyang Kopi O. Enjoy this hot drink with a plate of toasted ‘roti’ (bread) or the shop’s signature 67-year-old Nasi Kandar.
Address: 34 MK9, Jalan Teluk Kumbar, 11920 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Operating hours: 7am – 9pm (Sun-Fri); 7am – 3pm (Saturday)
[Muslim-friendly]
14. Ah Koo’s Hokkien Mee @ Classic Cafe
Not exactly a place with a lot of variety, but if you have that unshakable craving for Hokkien Mee, this place is it. They specializes in Hokkien Mee in the morning and Bak Kut Teh at night. You should know the prominence of their Hokkien Mee as they sells out by 11am almost everyday! Locals refer to them as “Classic” Hokkien Mee after the name of the kopitiam. Take a sip of their spicy & flavourful prawn-based broth, and you’ll know what all the hype is about.
Address: Jln Perak, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 7.30am – 11.30am (Closed on Tuesdays)
15. Lee Huat Cafe 利发茶室 (独劈刀)
And now, leaving the best for all! Hidden at the intersection of Jalan Masjid Negeri and Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim, this concealed breakfast spot is home to a plethora of hawker food. Ranging from Hainan Chicken Rice to Curry Mee, you’ll be spoiled for choices here. A few note-worthy dishes include the popular Curry Mee, which consists of yellow noodles drenched in rich curry and filled with pork blood curds, squid slices, bean curds or ‘tao pok’, and bean sprouts. The Dry Duck-Deat Koay Teow is also a must-try!
Address: 377-B, Jln Masjid Negeri, Taman Green Lane, 11600 Jelutong, Penang
Operating hours: 7:00am – 1:00pm (Daily)
‘Yam Cha’ With Friends At These Nostalgic Kopitiam in Penang
Live, eat and drink like all the uncles and aunties used to do in the past… just by having a calming breakfast with a nice cup of Nanyang coffee at these long-standing establishments. These historical kopitiams are considered a significant cultural element in our Malaysian history, so let’s preserve this beautiful coffee culture for as long as we can. So go invite your friends to go kopitiam hopping now!
Also read: 13 Unique Must-Try Street Food In Penang (2024 Edition)
Check out our documentary series – Foodie Originals
–
We would like to invite you to join our New Telegram Group! We will regularly post about good food, casual promos, giveaways, and interesting findings in Malaysia.
