Trade the street food frenzy for Penang’s hidden cafe Gems
Beyond the hustle and bustle of Penang’s famed hawker stalls lies a hidden gem—the city’s thriving cafe culture. With a unique blend of cultural influences, Penang’s cafe scene sets itself apart from Kuala Lumpur’s offerings.
From cafes with heritage facades to hidden gems in tucked away corners, our guide unveils the best cafes in Penang. So as you make your way up North, let this be your guide to experiencing the heart and soul of Malaysia’s food paradise.
P.66
P.66 transcends the ordinary cafe experience, offering a unique fusion of a stationery store, cafe, and Airbnb all in one. Embracing the elegance of Muji, its minimalist interior finds a home within a traditional Penang longhouse, creating a seamless blend of contemporary style and heritage charm.
This is the perfect spot to spend a relaxed morning of creative journaling, paired with great coffee and refreshing drinks. P.66 isn’t just a cafe, it’s a haven for creativity and relaxation in the heart of Penang.
Address: 66, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operation hours: 9am – 6pm daily
Image credit: @rey.winter.s, @graceeee.99, @kevin.voon & @brewandbe
Urban daybreak
Urban Daybreak stands tall on Lebuh Bishop occupying a renovated historic gem where Aussie brunch energy meets Penang’s lively pulse. Amid historic landmarks and charming laneways, their generous portions echo the hearty Aussie brunch spirit.
Whether you’re up at the crack of dawn or hit that brunch craving late into the night, their all-day brunch menu’s got your back. And if Penang seems like a world away, you can soak in the same laid-back Aussie brunch goodness at their Bangsar venue.
Address: 34, Lebuh Bishop, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operation hours: 8am – 5pm daily
Image credit: @urbandaybreak & @seanbyseanheah
Project Can
Project Can is creating a buzz as the latest and most vibrant addition to town. Located in Lebuh Glugor, this cafe provides a serene escape from the hustle of Georgetown with its open concept, lush greenery, and a choice of both indoor and outdoor seating. Enjoy a classic Aussie brunch from a menu that adds a playful twist—drinks and desserts served in adorable cans!
With its popularity surging, a coffee van is on standby for those in a hurry, ensuring a quick grab-and-go experience. To avoid the weekend and peak hour rush, it’s advisable to arrive early or make a reservation, as this spot tends to attract lines from both locals and visitors alike.
Address: 62, Lebuh Glugor, Taman Gelugur, 11600 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operation hours: 10am – 10pm daily
Image credit: @projectcan_my & @sundownpenang
Forest Cloud
Forest Cloud, renowned for its specialty beverages, extends its reach to over 300 cafes throughout Malaysia. Their latest endeavour, an experience store nestled in Georgetown, caters to coffee and matcha enthusiasts who are eager to explore the art of brewing high-quality beverages.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, spend an afternoon at Forest Cloud and indulge in a great coffee, matcha and a whole range of specialty drinks.
Address: 132, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operation hours: 10am – 6pm daily
Image credit: @forestcloudbev & @rey.winter.s
Fuku Eatery & Desserts
If you’re longing for a break from Penang’s typical cafe and street food scene, Fuku Eatery and Desserts provides a refreshing escape with its Japanese-inspired menu.
The menu is a fusion of comfort food, irresistible desserts, and rich coffee, incorporating both local and modern flavours. From Onigiris to Japanese Curry, hearty Rice Bowls, and soul-satisfying Ramen, Fuku Eatery is serving up a casual Japanese dining experience in the heart of Penang.
Address: 37a&b, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Operation hours: 9am – 6pm Weekdays, 9am – 9pm Weekends and Public Holidays
Image credit: @davinzi_code & @cafeculturemy
490 Specialty Coffee
Take a detour to Bukit Mertajam on Penang’s mainland and discover a hidden gem, the ultimate stop before your island adventure. This cafe, celebrated for its minimalist ambiance, serves up thoughtfully crafted specialty coffees, a menu highlighting classic brunch favourites, and an array of tempting desserts to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Address: 1086, Kampung Permatang Tinggi, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operation hours: 8am – 5pm daily, closed on Wednesdays
Image credit: @kevin.voon & @daphnexloo
OME by Spacebar Coffee
Penang’s labyrinth of laneways hides surprises at every corner, and one such gem is Ome. Positioned in a charming laneway within the art-adorned streets of Penang, finding this rustic cafe might require a bit of exploration, but the journey is an adventure in itself.
Despite its small size, Ome makes a big impression with its focus on specialty coffee and delightful homemade rustic cakes—making it the perfect haven to relax after a day of city exploration under the scorching sun.
Address: 1, Lorong Toh Aka, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operation hours: 7.30am – 4pm daily, closed on Thursday and Friday
Image credit: @cafe.hopping & @jd_chang
The North Cafe
Discover a little slice of France in Penang’s heart. The North Cafe celebrates French desserts, showcasing the artistry behind Dacquoises, Mille Crepes and many other sweet treats. Beyond the sweet treats, they also have a range of all-day brunch menu offerings and specialty drinks like their Salted Vienna Coffee that is too good to be missed.
Address: 24, Lorong Kinta, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operation hours: 8:00am – 4:00pm daily, closed on Wednesday
Image credit: @thenorth.28, @limkopu_toomuch, @penangcafe_food & @ong_suki
Norm Micro Roastery
Norm Micro Roastery is the not-so-secret cafe for foodies in the know. Walk into this light-filled industrial haven, and you’ll immediately feel a Zen-like embrace, meticulously reflected in its interior design. Despite its longstanding presence in Penang, the cafe remains bustling with patrons who appreciate not only the innovative menu but also the unparalleled ambiance.
Address: 13, Gat Lebuh Gereja, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operation hours: 9:00am – 11:00pm daily
Image credit: @yx_903 & @aroundthecoffeeshops
