Top 20 Cafes in Penang 2018

It’s a brand new year, meaning it’s that time of the year again to set up new resolutions and goals. Thinking of more cafes in Penang to hunt to feed your tummy and Instagram feed this year? Penang might be small but there are hidden gems in every corner that might be a little tricky to find, and our job is to discover and deliver the best for you. So here are the top 20 cafes that we’re about to recommend to you foodies out there.

20 Best Cafes in Penang 2019

Every year, we curate some of the best cafe in Penang and this year there’s no exception. To all the cafe hoppers, here are our favourite coffee shops you have to visit once in your lifetime this year. Enjoy your coffee day! (Ranking is in no particular order)

1. China House

Being one of the oldest and most visited cafes in Penang, this has got to be on the list. Comprising cafes, restaurants, library, shops and bakery, China House is an all-in-one building that’s perfect for everyone, with art, music, food and drinks. They serve up to 50 different cakes daily and live music by local artists is available during the weekend.

Credit: @thecanteenatchinahouse / Instagram

Address: 153 & 155, Lebuh Pantai and 183B, Lebuh Victoria, Penang, Malaysia
Operating Hour: 9 a.m.- 1 a.m. (Daily)

2. Black Kettle

Located at the heart of Penang, Beach Street, it’s almost impossible to miss out the bright yellow building. Since it’s re-enhancement, the cafe focuses on bringing dining concept to the city. With fresh menu created by Chef James Won using quality ingredients, they’re priced more affordably than ever before, with mains ranging from rm19.

Address: 105, Beach Street, George Town, Malaysia
Operating Hour: (Sun-Thurs) 10 a.m.-11.30 p.m.
(Fri,Sat & Public Holiday) 10 a.m.-12.30 a.m.

3. Constant Gardener Coffee

Coffee lovers, this is a place you must not miss. Tucked within the Chinese Chambers of Commerce Building at Light Street, Constant Gardener serves high quality coffee at an affordable price. The owner of the cafe is a coffee enthusiast and is very particular when it comes to coffee, you could try out their Espresso Tasters Menu to sample different coffee. If you’re a non-caffeine type of person, their signature Single Origin Madagascar Chocolate might be your next favorite.

Address: 9 Lebuh Light, Ground Floor, Chinese Chambers of Commerce Building, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 9 a.m.-12 a.m. (Closed on Monday)

4. Kim Haus

A revamped goldsmith turned into cafe and bar, Kim Haus offers a unique dining experience served by their Chef G, which revolves around Western and the bar offers a variety of alcohols. A small in-house bakery is located at the corner which serves fresh bakes on a daily basis, where everything is made from scratch. Kim Haus also serves as a platform for performers from all over the world, where live performances would be held every night.

Address: No. 9 & 11 Campbell Street, Penang, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 8 a.m.-12 a.m. (Daily)

5. Acupaday

If you need a place to unwind and relax, Acupaday is the place to go. This cafe serves local-inspired comfort food with a twist. For instance, tomyam spaghetti and rendang chicken burger! It is also famous for its ice cube coffee and tiramisu cake, and while many might not notice, their desserts are enticing as well.

Yes, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit at Acupaday and will likely visit them again soon. Acupaday’s appetizing food, refreshing beverages and a relaxing ambience make them one of our favourite cafes in Penang.

Update: They have two branches in Penang now.

George Town Branch

Address: 55, Lebuh Bishop, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Hours: Mon- Thursday 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 12 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Closed on Sundays
Tel: 010-545 1999

Bayan Lepas Branch

Address: Solaris Square G-9 Medan Rajawali Sungai Ara 11900, Bayan Lepas, Penang.

6. Ice Cafe

You might just know the theme and settings of this place just by the name of it, decorated with icy elements, the cafe feels just like a magical ice kingdom, which serves only desserts. Located on the second floor of a building along Victoria Street, while it claims that the temperature is around 10 degree Celsius, it’s actually a bit warmer. Here, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind experience, like being Elsa or Olaf for once?

Address: 193 (level 1), Lebuh Victoria, 10300 Penang, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 10.30 a.m.-10.30 p.m. (Daily)

7. Norm @ Saw Emporium Penang

Norm is a minimal, newly born cafe located in the corner of Saw Emporium with a unique twist. They serve two menus, “norm” and “noct”. “Norm” is served during the day, with a selection of speciality coffee, teas, cocktails, waffles and tiramisu. After sunset, “noct” is served, where alcohol is infused in every item in the menu.

Address: The Saw Emporium, 1, Gat Lebuh Macallum, 10300 George Town, Penang.
Operating Hour: 9 a.m.-12 a.m. (Daily)

8. Caffeine Chemistry Coffee

Caffeine Chemistry Coffee – A place to get your caffeine fixed while bonding with your peers or family, a cafe that live up to its name. Located in Nagore Square, this place serves cold beverages in beakers and flasks, like in chemistry lab. Besides mains, they do serve waffles and homemade gelato with a selection of flavors such as Rum and Raisins, Kahlua Coffee and more.

Address: No. 27, Nagore Square, Jalan Nagor, Penang, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: (Mon, Tue, Thu) 2 p.m.-11 p.m.,(Fri&Sat) 1 p.m.-12 a.m. ; (Sun) 1 p.m.-11 p.m.

9. Kraffmen

Kraffmen is an Australian-influenced cafe in Penang with minimalist design, they serve some of the best brunches in town like what the Australians love. Their presentation of food is very artistic and selection of milkshakes are unique. We love their milkshakes, it’s Penang Foodie approved!

Address: 80, Jalan Zainul Abidin, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. (Closed on Wednesday)

10. Wheeler’s Coffee

You might be familiar with the doodles on paper cups displayed at the side of the walls together with their bicycle art. At Wheeler’s Coffee, prices are surprisingly affordable for their mains, especially for their breakfast, lunch and dinner sets, which are considered valuable. Staffs over there are very approachable so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Address: 67, Jalan Love Lane, Chinatown, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 9 a.m.-12 a.m. (Daily)

11. Areca Cafe

Placed cosily in the corner of Areca Hotel, Areca Cafe is an in-house cafe of this beautiful, refurbished colonial-style building. Designed by Swiss-trained Chef Azman Othman, the menu focuses on modern European cuisine using fresh local ingredients. They also serve all day breakfast menu and dinner menu is only available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Address: 27, Jalan Khoo Sian Ewe, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Operating Hour: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.

12. CAZE by Buu’s Kitchen

Initially tucked within the Hin Bus Depot, Buu’s Kitchen is now located along Penang 3D Trick Art Museum with a new name, Caze by Buu’s Kitchen. The interior is spacious and beautifully decorated with a hint of fine dine vibe. The menu focuses on pastas especially Aglio Olio, and their Parmesan Fries with Truffle Oil is a big thumbs up.

Address: 10A, Lebuh King, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (Closed on Monday)

13. PinXin Vegan Cuisine

Pin Xin stands out of the crowd by serving healthy, cruelty-free and of course, vegan Penang street food such as asam laksa, nasi lemak, hokkien mee that is as good as those on the streets, if not better. The owner is a down-to-earth mother that aims to serve the best quality food with ingredients harvested from local farmers. The staffs are warm and welcoming as well.

Address: 38, Lebuh Tye Sin, George Town, Malaysia.
Operation Hour: 7.30 a.m.-10 p.m. (Daily)

14. Roots Dessert Cafe

The cakes over here melts your heart before it melts in your mouth, the style and flavor of their cakes are unique and highly presentable. Tucked in Museum Hotel, the cafe is designed in muted tones yet simple and very comfortable. Their signature cake is the Watermelon Cake which would only be available during the weekend.

Address: 72 Jalan A.S Mansor, off Transfer Road, Jalan Ariffin George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: (Tues-Thurs & Sun) 12 p.m.-11 p.m.
(Fri & Sat) 12 p.m.-12 a.m.

15. Dream Mansion

Calling for all anime lovers, dine in the exquisite anime world environment from the hottest animes of all time such as One Piece, Naruto and Fairytale in Dream Mansion, the first anime cafe in Penang. You’ll be served with delicious yet affordable food by waiter or waitress wearing Japanese high school uniform, and of course with a big smile just like the Japanese culture.

Address: No. 80&82, Lebuh Tye Sin, 10300 George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. (Daily)

16. Tasty Toasty

Local toasts have always been a long-term staple of Penangites and Tasty Toasty is a cafe that dedicates their entire menu on bread, giving local toasts an upgrade, or done in fusion style. The chef is a humble man that explains every dishes in detail to aid customer in food selection and the staffs are friendly, serving their best.

Address: 52, Jalan Cantonment, Pulau Tikus, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. (Daily)

17. Gudang Cafe

Walk down the memory lane in this warehouse-themed cafe, where wooden elements are heavily used, giving an old-fashioned vibe. Located at the popular Armenian street, their Japanese inspired menu might be simple but definitely wallet-friendly. This cafe is really spacious, so make sure to bring more friends along to chill.

Address: 5 Gat Lebuh Armenian, Penang, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: (Mon- Thurs&Sun) 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
(Fri&Sat) 10 a.m.-1 a.m. (Closed on Tuesday)

18. Lavish Fusion Bakery

Located right next to Container Hotel is the Lavish Fusion Bakery, a cafe under Love a Loaf Bakery. This white-themed cafe is beautifully decorated with flowers and plants, which makes every corner picture-worthy. Lavish serves one of the most presentable cronuts and milkshakes, as well as Western-Fusion menu that pleases the eyes and stomach. Walk towards the end of the cafe and you’ll be greeted with surprise, they have added Minilicious corner at the back alley, serving ice-cream croissant and lava cube on-the-go.

Address: 214, Lebuh Victoria, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: (Mon-Thurs)10 a.m. – 11: 30 p.m., (Fri) 10 a.m.-12 a.m.
(Sat) 9 a.m.-12 a.m., (Sun) 9 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

19. Kota Dine & Coffee

A hidden gem within Fort Cornwallis, Kota Dine & Coffee is the very first dining experience within a historic and iconic landmark in Penang. Serving traditional Peranakan cuisine with a modern touch, the restaurant is now certified HALAL from the Halal Certification Panel of Islamic Development Malaysia. With this, diners can savor the food prepared in accordance with the requirements set by the Malaysian Halal Standard.

Address: Fort Cornwallis, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah,10200 Georgetown, Penang.
Operation Hour: 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. (Daily)

20. Love a Loaf @ Penang Digital Library

Feeling a sudden crave for food while burning the midnight oil in the library? Well libraries are often boring, cold and quiet, where food and drinks are not allowed but this is not the case for Penang Digital Library. They have incorporated Love a Loaf Bakery where you could recharge and take a break from those pile of books. The best part is they have updated their operation hour to 24 hours, along with the library. Meaning you could stay in there 24/7 without starving to death !

Address: No. 135 Jalan Masjid Negeri, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 24/7

Are you drooling right now after scrolling through the whole list? We have more for you foodies, so make sure to follow us for more and share it to your friends so that you guys can go on a food hunting date, order more food and get fat together (just kidding). Bon Appetit!