It’s a brand new year and this means we’re all set for a new list of must-visit cafes in Penang! If your idea of a perfect weekend chill consists of freshly-brewed coffee sipping, then this list of the best cafes in Penang (2023 Guide) is made for you. Without further ado, let’s get started.
The Ultimate Cafe-Hopping Guide In Penang (2023 Edition)
1. Norm Micro Roastery
Photo: @theduriansisters (Instagram)
Starting off our list of the best cafes in Penang is none other than Norm Micro Roastery. Both a coffee roaster and a cafe, Norm Micro Roastery is full of relaxing Zen vibes. Donned with plenty of natural sunlight and gravel pathways, this is one of the best cafes in Penang to check out. While you’re there, try out their selection of roasted coffee, cakes, and main courses like Prawn & Pumpkin Risotto, Chicken Karaage Burger, and more. Now, there’s also OpenMinded by Norm; a new speakeasy bar serving coffee cocktails and drunken waffles. It’s the perfect hangout spot for night owls.
Photo: @theduriansisters (Instagram)
Photo: @normmicroroastery (Instagram)
Address: 13, Gat Lebuh Gereja, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 9 AM-6 PM (Sun-Thurs) | 9 AM-10 PM (Fri&Sat)
Status: Non-Halal
2. Urban Daybreak
Photo: @urbandaybreak (Facebook)
Breakfast is our favourite meal of the day but sometimes when we simply just wanna sleep in, all-day breakfast is ALWAYS a good idea. When we think of a hearty all-day breakfast, we think of Urban Daybreak. They’ve recently relocated to a new spot along Lebuh Bishop serving awesome Aussie breakfast. Their Signature French Toast that comes alongside Brulee banana and homemade salted peanut butter jam is enough to make our day. Oh, if you’re looking to go big, how about giving Urban’s Really Big Breakfast a go? Forget an apple a day keeps the doctor away, it’s a cup of coffee a day, keeps the doctor away. Just look at how photo-worthy their breakfasts are!
Photo: @urbandaybreak (Facebook)
Photo: @urbandaybreak (Facebook)
Address: 34, Bishop Street, George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 7.30 AM-5.30 PM (Closed on Tuesday)
Status: Non-Halal
3. Forest Cloud Beverage Company
Photo: @forestcloudbev (Facebook)
Are you a coffee lover? If it’s a strong yes, then you absolutely need to check out Forest Cloud Beverage Company located in the heart of George Town, Penang. They’re a specialty beverage company as well as a coffee roaster and best of all, it’s one cozy space where you can sit back, chill and sip on freshly-brewed coffee. There are some cakes up for order here as well and before you go, make sure to bring home a packet or two of their freshly ground coffee beans.
Photo: @forestcloudbev (Facebook)
Photo: @forestcloudbev (Facebook)
Address: 132, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 10 AM-6 PM (Opens Daily)
Status: Pork-Free
4. The BRGR
In this list, we don’t just limit ourselves to cafes that serve only coffee and cakes. Take The BRGR for instance; which is known as a burger cafe that whips up some real interesting burger options. We recently tried their Huge Soft Shell Burger and we’re mind-blown by how good they are! Consisting of deep-fried crispy soft-shell crab and a slice of the juicy beef patty sandwiched in between two fluffy charcoal buns. If you’re not a fan of soft-shell crab burgers, The BRGR has other handcrafted burgers you can opt for too!
Address: 85, Jalan Nagor, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 12 PM-9.30 PM (Opens Daily)
Status: Muslim-friendly
5. Urban Artisan Cafe
Next up on our list of cafes in Penang worth checking out is Urban Artisan. Sounds familiar? Well, Urban Artisan has been around for quite a while and they are best known among locals for their beautifully swirled softserve that comes in dreamy pastel colours. Fun fact, they’ve swirled over 50 soft serve flavours, awesome! Now, when there’s ice cream, there will of course be waffles available too (try out their Nutella Bubble Waffle)! So, if you’re in town and looking for a spot to beat the heat, drop by Urban Artisan.
Address: 122-C, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 1 PM-9 PM (Opens Daily)
Status: Muslim-friendly
6. La Vie En Rose
If you’re looking for classic French pastries paired with a cup of freshly-brewed coffee in Penang, then look no further than La Vie En Rose. This patisserie is easy to spot from afar due to its pastel pink exterior. La Vie En Rose is home to some of the best croissants, beignets, and madeleines you can find in Penang. Their must-tries are almond croissant and raspberry beignet. Did we say just how cute and pretty their pastries are? One for the ‘gram please!
Address: 19, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 10.30 AM-6.30 PM (Sunday-Thursday)
Status: No pork, no lard
7. Narrow Marrow
Photo: @venicekeqian (Instagram)
Think vintage and aesthetically pleasing ambience, you’ll get Narrow Marrow. Having been around for years, Narrow Marrow has relocated to a more spacious place along Beach Street while still serving its signature line of cakes, coffees, and toddy. Narrow Marrow is best known for its Tiramisu, Coconut Clitoria Cheesecake, and not forgetting, handcrafted coffee.
Photo: @graceats.my (Instagram)
Photo: @venicekeqian (Instagram)
Address: 312, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 3 PM-11 PM (Closed on Tuesday & Wednesday)
Status: Serves alcohol
8. Ang Ang’s Roastery
Ang Ang’s Roastery is yet another must-try cafe in Penang. Hailing from Bukit Mertajam, this coffee joint has rapidly expanded to Penang island in recent years. At the same time, they’ve also made a mark in the heart of avid coffee lovers too. They roast their own coffee beans which can be purchased both in-store and online. What we love about Ang Ang’s Roastery is how homey their space is, it’s the kind where you can just stay and chill for an entire evening amidst the wafting aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
Outlets:
Bukit Mertajam: Alma, T-Place, Kampung Baru, Icon City, Iconic Point
Penang Island: Tanjung Bungah
Operating Hours: 10 AM-12 AM (Daily)
Status: Pork-free and alcohol free
9. Le Petit Four Patisserie
Photo: @thejumpingtravellers (Instagram)
Penangites must’ve definitely heard of Le Petit Four Patisserie. Previously, they were located along Hutton Lane and are now tucked along the bustling Beach Street. One can easily spot this pastry haven with its dark blue exterior and golden cursives that read Le Petit Four Patisserie. Known for serving handcrafted French pastries ranging from Croissants, Escargots, and more, the other must-try items here are definitely the cinnamon rolls as well as scones!
Photo: @lepetitfourpatisserie (Facebook)
Photo: @lepetitfourpatisserie (Facebook)
Address: 310, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hours: 9 AM-6 PM (Closed on Monday)
Status: No pork, no lard
10. The Alley
When you hear The Alley, you know it’s one of the OG cafes in Penang. In fact, they’ve been around for 9 years taking residence along a secluded lane in George Town. What started off as a humble cafe serving Churros with a side of sauces has since then evolved into one of the pioneer cafes in Penang. Here, there is a good selection of fresh bakes to be paired with your choice of coffee, non-coffee, soda, or even iced beverages.
Address: 5, Stewart Lane, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 10 AM-6 PM (Opens Daily)
Status: Pork-free
11. Wheeler’s
Photo: @wheelerspenang (Facebook)
Looking for a brunch cafe in Penang? Make your way over to Wheeler’s tucked within Love Lane. Established in 2014, WHEELER’S is best known for serving a wide array of fusion modern food. Their signature must-try item here is the Espresso Chicken, an uncanny combo that somehow complements one another really well. Go big or go home with the WHEELER’S Big Breakfast and not forgetting, Egg Yolk Carbonara. For a sweet after-meal treat, we’d recommend the Banana Pancake.
Photo: @wheelerspenang (Facebook)
Photo: @wheelerspenang (Facebook)
Address: 67, Lorong Love, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 8 AM-12 AM (Opens Daily)
Status: Pork-Free
12. Ome By Spacebar Coffee
Photo: @kazusa1004 (Instagram)
Next up, one of the must-visit cafes in Penang is this hidden, quaint cafe known as Ome by Spacebar Coffee. Secluded in an alley along Lorong Toh Aka, Ome focuses on specialty coffees and in-house-made cakes. Our personal favourite is the Zucchini loaf that’s a perfect match with the olive oil. Pair that with a cup of coffee, and we can chill here all day long.
Photo: @kharyeex_ (Instagram)
A quiet hideout in the heart of George Town, turn into Lorong Toh Aka and you’ll come across Ome by Spacebar Coffee. We highly recommend their Olive Oil and Zucchini bread that comes with a splash of sourish white cream. Did we also say it goes superbly with a cup of freshly-brewed coffee? If you drop by earlier in the morning when there’s less crowd, you’ll get a peaceful and serene experience.
Address: 1, Lorong Toh Aka, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 7.30 AM-4 PM (Closed on Thursday & Friday)
Status: No Pork, No Lard
13. Kafka
If you prefer a quaint cafe filled with lots of greenery that will instantly lift your mood, then you’re looking for Kafka. Aside from serving a delicious all-day menu, the cakes and sweet treats here are worth some attention too. There are 2 Kafka outlets in Penang with entirely opposing themes; Kafka Kelawai is a peaceful brunch spot while Kafka Victoria leans towards a quirky, eclectic cafe.
Photo: @kafkapenang (Facebook)
Photo: @kafkapenang (Facebook)
Address:
Kafka Kelawai:
8 AM-9 PM (Opens Daily)
Kafka Victoria:
51C, Lebuh Victoria, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
11 AM-6.30 PM (Opens Daily)
14. Lunabar Coffee (Temporarily Closed)
Yet another nature-themed cafe right here in Penang is none other than Lunabar Coffee. On the outside, you’ll be in awe of the luscious greens and drapey plants surrounding the courtyard of the cafe. Step inside and you’ll be greeted with more sophisticated oxygen givers. A cup of coffee here and a slice of homemade cake at Lunabar and we can stay for the entire evening.
Address: 10d, Jalan Clove Hall, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 10 AM-6 PM (Closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Status: No pork, no lard
15. The Mugshot Cafe
Photo: @themugshotcafepenang (Facebook)
Another tiny yet cozy cafe that’s perfect for some coffee and chill is The Mugshot Cafe tucked along Lebuh Chulia. Here, you can pair a cuppa with some freshly made bagels or croissants and we guarantee, you’ll have the best breakfast ever. There’s also a bakery inside of The Mugshot Cafe known as Rainforest Bakery that offers an array of pastries and bakes. Be it breakfast or dessert, you can find them all at The Mugshot Cafe.
Photo: @themugshotcafepenang (Facebook)
Photo: @themugshotcafepenang (Facebook)
Address: 302, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 8 AM-10 PM (Opens Daily)
Status: No pork, no lard
16. Black Kettle
Photo: @blackkettlemy (Instagram)
Black Kettle comes with a huge space so if you prefer to unwind and chit chat over good food, then this is the place to be. You’ll find assorted items on their menu including Seafood Risotto, Hainan Chicken Chop, Truffle Alfredo and more. Oh, and they also have an in-house bakery here offering their very own Sourdough bread and pastries so you know pastries and coffee here are not to be missed.
Photo: @leeqin (Instagram)
Photo: @blackkettlemy (Instagram)
Address: 105, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 11 AM-8 PM (Closed on Wednesday)
Status: No pork, no lard
17. Moonshine Bakehouse
The latest township in Penang, E&O Andaman houses Moonshine Bakehouse, a new and aesthetic cafe serving brunch, cakes, and coffee. What we love about this new cafe is the calming and spacious ambiance as well as the outdoor seats that come with plenty of natural lighting. Perfect for some photo-taking!
Address: No.1, Persiaran Marina, Pulau Andaman, Tanjung Tokong, 10470, Pulau Pinang.
Operating hours: 10 am-6 pm (Opens Daily)
Status: Pork-free
18. Macallum Connoisseurs
Photo: @PenangFoodie
Next up is a cafe in Penang that spans 8,000 square feet of space, Macallum Connoisseurs. Before being turned into a cafe, this place was actually a warehouse. Of course, with a space this wide, this spot is more than a cafe as it also houses a roastery, a restaurant, and an academy all under one roof. Here, you can have a hearty breakfast with their Eggs Benedict or a fulfilling lunch and dinner meal with some burgers or pasta.
Photo: @PenangFoodie
Photo: @macallum (Facebook)
Address: 1, Gat Lebuh Macallum, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 9AM-9PM (Opens Daily)
Status: Non-Halal
19. TEMU
Full of aesthetic vibes, this next cafe is another must-visit if you’re in the heart of George Town. The entrance of TEMU is captivating; consisting of foliage and greeneries as well as a futuristic centerpiece while the inside gives off a classy impression with its combination of wood, glass, steel, and bricks. Enjoy a cup of freshly-brewed coffee here together with their piping hot yet soft signature Croffles. If you’re a cake lover, go for their Burnt Cheesecake. TEMU’s calming ambiance alone is enough to make you want to stay for an entire evening.
Address: 62, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 10AM-7PM (Opens Daily)
Status: No pork, no lard and no alcohol
20. Pik Nik
Photo: @she_eats.my (Instagram)
Another OG cafe in Penang is Pik Nik tucked comfortably in Nagore Square. Pik Nik is one of those cafes that you find yourself constantly revisiting time and time again because of its familiarity. Back then, Pik Nik was the go-to spot to get delicious waffles and you can even play some board games to pass time. Now, they’ve reconstructed their menu to serve you delicious fusion food like Boneless Korean Chicken Thighs, Mentaiko Soft Shell Crab Burger and more.
Photo: @PIKNIKEVERYDAY (Instagram)
Photo: @PIKNIKEVERYDAY (Instagram)
Address: 15, Jalan Nagor, 10500 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 12PM-10PM (Opens Daily)
Status: Non-Halal
Best Cafes In Penang To Visit This 2023
So there you have it, these are the 20 best Cafes in Penang that all coffee lovers have to check out. Once you’re done with this list, let us know which is your favourite cafe in Penang.
Also read: 1.5 Million People Expected To Visit Penang For This Year’s Thaipusam Celebrations
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