Welcome to 2020! We are finally stepping into a new decade. May this brand new year fill us with all good things, including food. After all, good food is the key ingredient to keep us going! In this list, you will find the best cafes to visit after work to unwind during the weekdays and to catch up with friends over the weekends. Check out twenty of the cafes Penang has to offer!
20 Best Cafes To Visit In Penang
1. Urban Daybreak
Kicking off the list with the best spot for all-day breakfast in Penang, is Urban Daybreak that’s tucked in Lebuh Pantai. Urban Daybreak has been churning out scrumptious breakfast dishes that guarantees to tickle your tastebuds. Known for Fried Chicken Waffle, the satisfying dish comes with waffles, topped with sunny side up eggs, fried chicken karaage, and baked beans. Other must-try dishes include Urban’s Really Big Breakfast and Signature French Toast.
Address: 338, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Opens daily except Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Status: Non-Halal
2. WHEELER’S
There are so many things to love about WHEELER’S ! Recently renovated in 2019, the open space cafe makes a perfect hang out place for day and night. The menu covers a wide range of fusion dishes, including one of a kind Espresso Chicken. Or, satisfy your hunger with Egg Yolk Carbonara. With an egg yolk beautifully placed in the middle, it is a must to take a photograph before digging in! Bacon Arugula Pizza, anyone? At night, this spot comes alive with live music from talented locals. Sip on cocktails, and relax!
Address: 67, Lorong Love, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Opens daily, 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Status: Pork-free, Halal ingredients
Link(s): Facebook
3. ChinaHouse
No cafe list in Penang is complete without a mention of the famous ChinaHouse. Thriving since 2012, this spot is made out of three heritage buildings combined. In total, the Instagram-worthy cafe has fourteen spaces to discover. The extensive menu covers everything from breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With more than 50 cakes and baked goods available per day, you wouldn’t want to miss out on eating some! A cake date sounds ideal!
Address: 153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: Opens daily, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Status: Pork free
Link(s): Facebook
4. Constant Gardener Coffee
Nestled in one of the prettiest heritage buildings in Georgetown, Constant Gardener Coffee is the place to be for specialty beverages. The tiny but mighty multi-roasters coffee shop carries coffee beans from different parts of the world including Honduras, Rwanda, Guatemala, and others. Its relaxing ambiance turns it into one of the best spots to unwind, and relax.
Address: Ground Floor, Chinese Chamber Of Commerce Building, 9, Lebuh Light, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Opens daily, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Status: Pork-Free
Link(s): Facebook
5. Ome by Spacebar Coffee
Hidden in Lorong Toh Aka, Ome by Spacebar Coffee can be easily missed. This narrow spot is the ultimate destination for specialty coffee and homemade cakes. Truly passionate about making a good cup of coffee, everyone behind the counter is knowledgeable. Pair your cup with a slice of cake or baked goods. Serving in rotations, some favourites include olive pound cake and zucchini cake.
Address: 1, Lorong Toh Aka, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Opens daily except Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Status: Pork-Free
Link(s): Facebook
6. Norm
Hidden in the corner of Jalan Carnavon, Norm has been gracing the locals with a good selection of specialty coffee by day, and one a kind cocktail concoctions by night. Widely known for its waffle choices, The Angry Shakshuka Waffle is a must-order. Freshly made upon order shakshuka is served with crunchy waffles on the side! Looking for something sweet? Try out Go Go Coco instead.
Address: 260c, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Opens daily, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Status: Non-Halal
Link(s): Facebook
7. Joeis Sourdough
With sourdough bread on the rise, don’t miss out on eating healthy food. With that said, wholesome is the right word to describe Joeis Sourdough. As the name suggests, this cafe serves all things healthy. Chow down on tasty baked goods with fresh toppings, or order yourself a gluten-free Avocado Brownie. With so many options, it will keep you coming back for more in 2020.
Address: 2nd Floor, 32, Jalan Moulmein, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Opens daily except Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Status: Pork-Free
Link(s): Facebook
8. Kafka
Meet one of the newest players in the cafe scene! Conveniently located at Jalan Kelawai with private parking, Kafka became an instant favourite among locals. The interior resembles cafes in Kuala Lumpur, with a good taste of furniture, and potted plants in every corner. Kafka’s menu is considerably extensive, choices include Cinnamon French Toast and Smoked Salmon Pesto Benedict!
Address: 15, Jalan Kelawai, George Town, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Opens daily, Wednesday until Monday, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Status: Non-Halal
Link(s): Facebook
9. Macallum Connoisseurs
Driving through the highway, it is hard to miss the completely black Macallum Connoisseurs. Possibly one of the biggest cafes in Penang, this spot also serves as a coffee academy. With approximately 8,000 square feet of space, other services include event hostings, too! Apart from different types of coffee made by coffee enthusiasts, splendid options for breakfast, brunch, and dinner are available, too!
Address: 1, Gat Lebuh Macallum, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Opens daily, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Status: Non-Halal
Link(s): Facebook
10. More by Arang Coffee
Located in Livingston Tower, More by Arang Coffee another cafe with a big space. Lightly decorated, the unpretentious spot works really well with large group hangouts, and even casual business meetings. The Muslim-friendly restaurant is an expert in making Aglio Olio! Seafood Aglio Olio is perfectly served with black pasta, a generous amount of prawns, and squids. Lunch sets are available on weekdays!
Address: 170G-2 Livingston Tower Argyll Road, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Opens daily, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Status: Halal
Link(s): Facebook
11. The Alley
Being one of the pioneers who starts the cafe scene in Penang, The Alley remains undefeated in 2020. Hidden in Stewart Lane, the small and cozy cafe creates fantastic golden churros. The crunchy on the outside and soft in the side churros are commonly paired with homemade dips including caramel and chocolate. Other fun treats available include burnt cheesecakes!
Address: 5, Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: Opens daily, Monday to Thursday, 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Friday to Sunday, 2:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Status: Pork-Free
Link(s): Facebook
12. Pik Nik
Another OG in Penang, Pik Nik underwent a renovation in recent years. Step inside, and you will find yourself transported into a pink wonderland. Pik Nik is well known for its waffle creations among the locals. Choices include Waffle Burger, consisting of a patty, cheese, a strip of bacon, and vegetables sandwiched between two waffles. Over the years, it has expanded the menu with fusion dishes available.
Address: 15, Jalan Nagor, 10500 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Opens daily except Thursday, 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Status: Non-Halal
Link(s): Facebook
13. Roots Dessert Bar
There is nothing quite like Roots Dessert Bar. Specialising on plated desserts, this humble cafe has been tickling tastebuds with the wildest creations over the years. Started with Watermelon Cake on its menu, it has recently introduced new items including Mini Croquembouche, Chocolate Forest, and Cheese Platter. It is a must-visit for all sweet tooth.
Address: 72, Jalan A.S. Mansoor, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Opens daily except Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., Friday, 3:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., Saturday, 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Status: Muslim-Friendly
Link(s): Facebook
14. Wholey Wonder
In 2020, plant-based items are going to be big worldwide! Lucky for all of us, Wholey Wonder is aligned with the latest healthy trend. Eat all things healthy and guilt-free such as Nourish Bowl, Naked Burger, and Twisted Sheperd. Wholey Wonder is definitely making healthy food extremely delicious. Oh, did we mention that there are yoga classes in the vicinity too?
Address: 61, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Opens daily except Monday, 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Status: Muslim-Friendly
Link(s): Facebook
15. Komichi Tea House
Just a slight walk away from Urban Daybreak, there is a cafe that serves all things matcha. Fall in love with all things green tea leaves at Komichi Tea House. Notable for swiss rolls with a generous amount of cream fillings, sink your teeth in Matcha Chocolate Swiss Roll, and Matcha Purple Sweet Potato Swiss Roll. Some other sweet creations include Strawberry Daifuku and Warabi Mochi.
Address: 20, Lorong Toh Aka, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Opens daily except Wednesday, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Status: Muslim-Friendly
Link(s): Facebook
16. Whisk
Tucked in Lebuh Queen, this whimsically-named cafe serves cakes that truly reflects on the name. Whisk’s pastry case carries all honest flavours. Try out Salted Caramel, Tofu Cheese, Chocolate Banana, Lychee Rose, Panna Cotta, and many more. Having a good time with your friends in this rustic cafe, or simply pre-order an entire cake to bring the celebration home.
Address: 15, Lebuh Queen, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Closes on Monday to Wednesday. Thursday, 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 -p.m., Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Status: Muslim-Friendly
Link(s): Facebook
17. Reve (Now Cuisine 18)
Opened in December 2019, Reve has been making waves on the Internet with its Instagram-worthy interior. It has flowers and leaves dangling in every corner of the cafe. The picturesque cafe serves unique plated desserts as well. Bomb Alaska Angku Kuih is lightly torched before a spoonful of burning Martell is poured over, and the bouncy Durian Soufflé is made with the king of durians, Mao Shan Wang. So irresistible.
Address: 15, Lebuh Queen, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Opens daily except Monday, 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Status: Non-Halal
Link(s): Facebook
18. Junk Cafe
Located along the crowded Lebuh Chulia, Junk Cafe is probably the quirkiest cafe on the list. The interior is filled with mismatch antiques in every corner. Look around, and you will see dolls in all shapes and sizes, masks, old photographs, and even old instruments. Specialising in burger-making, you will find wholesome burgers made with special sauces. Don’t forget to have a side of sweet potato fries, too!
Address: 401, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: Opens daily, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
Status: Non-Halal
Link(s): Facebook
19. Soul Cafe
Federico Fellini once said, “Life is combination of magic and pasta”. It is hard to find magic, but you can find tasty pasta at Soul Cafe. Home for the best pasta choices in Penang, sink your teeth into al dente picks such as Spaghetti Al Maiale Arrosto (Roasted Pork Spaghetti), and Spaghetti Al Tomyam De Mare. Try out local flavours on these Italian dishes!
Address: 12, Jalan Kek Chuan, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: Opens daily except Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Status: Non-Halal
Link(s): Facebook
20. Black Kettle
Last but not least, Black Kettle! This cafe is super unique with an in-house bakery located at the entrance. With a large space, this spot makes a good place for large gatherings, and event hostings. Some scrumptious choices are Grilled Chicken Breast Spaghetti and Curry Lamb Shank. Strategically located at Beach Street, there are many tourist attractions nearby the area.
Address: 105, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: Opens daily, Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Status: Non-Halal
Link(s): Facebook
The Ultimate Guide: 20 Best Cafes To Visit In Penang (2020 Edition)
That’s a wrap for The Ultimate Guide: 20 Best Cafes To Visit In Penang (2020 Edition). From cafes that serves amazing all-day breakfast, to cafes that specialises in certain dishes, we have them all! With so many new cafes appearing in Penang, where’s your current favourite spot to visit over the weekends? Most importantly, where will you be going in 2020? Let us know in the comments!
Read 15 Most Instagram-Worthy Spots In Penang That Aren’t Street Art
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Great article. The food here is fascinating. I prepare to come here to live and work. These may be some of my options. Thanks.
“With sourdough bread on the rise, don’t miss out on eating healthy food. With that said, wholesome is the right word to describe Joeis Sourdough.” This two sentences are wrong. Please check the correct usage of “that said”, “that being said” , “with that said”.
Take this with a pinch of salt: you might want to run your article by a proofreader, or change writer