Trevo Malaysia Promising tantalising local cuisine like Deens Maju Nasi Kandar and famous char kuey teow, Penang is a food haven with much to offer. If you’ve had your fill of local delights and want to explore some of the best cafes in Penang, you’ve come to the right place.
Check out our specially curated list of top cafes in Penang where you can get your daily caffeine fix while satisfying all your sweet cravings.
The Alley Penang
Photo Credit: The Alley Penang
If you’re craving heavenly churros, The Alley (not the bubble tea place) is where you need to be. Tucked away on 5 Stewart Lane, this is one of the best cafes in George Town Penang for churros and cake.
One serving (RM12) will deliver you a plate of 8 irresistible churros which are perfectly crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside. Before taking a bite, complement your churros with your choice of dipping sauce (caramel, salted caramel, chocolate, Nutella, or cinnamon) and topping (oreo, cookie crumble, traditional peanut candy).
Other recommended desserts on the menu include the key lime pie (RM13), espresso panna cotta (RM13), and the supreme burnt cheesecake (RM16). For the full menu, click here.
Address
5 Stewart Lane, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 10am – 6pm
Price range: Medium ($$)
Tel: 017-373 4829
Kafka Cafe Penang
Photo Credit: Kafka Penang
Hidden next to a bungalow along Jalan Kelawai, Kafka is a popular aesthetic cafe in Penang. Inspired by honest designs, cement floors and walls are complemented by bursts of greenery in every corner of this quaint cafe’s space.
Kafka serves a wide variety of western and fusion cuisine including dishes like Berry Berries French Toast (RM22.90), Cajun Chicken Pasta (RM28.90), and Bacon & Cheese Quesadillas (RM26.90). For the full menu, click here.
Berry Berries French Toast; Photo Credit: Kafka Penang
Address
Kafka@kelawai: 15 Jalan Kelawai, 10250 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 8am -10.30pm
Price range: Medium ($$)
Tel: 04-218 9726
Kafka@Victoria: 51C, Lebuh Victoria, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 11am -6.30pm
Price range: Medium ($$)
Tel: 04-218 9726
Book Cafe Penang
The Book Lobster Sandwich; Photo Credit: The Book Sandwich Cafe
The Book Cafe (also known as The Book Sandwich Cafe) is a cosy restaurant and cafe nestled in the heart of George Town Penang. Its Western menu offers a tantalising selection of fusion sandwiches, pasta, homemade burgers, steak and more. There’s also an impressive Hi-Tea Set boasting a range of delicious delights.
If you’re craving a gourmet sandwich, try the Tiger Prawns Thermidor Sandwich (RM48.80) or The Book Lobster Sandwich (RM68.80). For the full menu, click here.
Address
217, Lebuh Pantai, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 11.30am – 9pm
Price range: Medium ($$)
Tel: 04-261 3445
Hanakoya Flower Cafe Penang
Photo Credit: Hanakoya Cafe
As a heritage building cafe and flower shop, Hanakoya features Nyonya-style decor combined with modern minimalist design to create a charming ambience. It is the perfect place for lazy afternoon teas or romantic dates.
For a satisfying brunch, try their Seafood Aglio Olio Pasta (RM24.90) or Belgium Blackout Waffles (RM19.90). If you’re craving dessert, their new speciality eclairs are a must-try and come in a variety of flavours including tiramisu dark chocolate and soy milk coconut. They also offer gorgeous whole cakes and gift sets; for more details click here.
Your dessert of choice will pair well with a pot of their unique flower tea — choose from Royal Rose, Mixed Fruits, Alberta Peach and more.
Address
83 Lebuh Muntri, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
Price range: Medium ($$)
Tel: 017-440 1516
Urban Daybreak Penang
Photo Credit: Urban Daybreak Penang
Craving a hearty brunch inspired by yummy Australian dishes? Urban Daybreak will not disappoint. This trendy artisan cafe in George Town Penang is known for its good food and excellent coffee.
The cafe was founded by a group of friends who believe in good soul cooking and this is evident in all their dishes. Must-try items from the menu include the Stout Pulled Pork With Poached Egg (RM28.50), Avocado Smash (RM24.50) and Fried Chicken Waffle (RM26.50). For the full menu, click here.
Address
338, Lebuh Pantai, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 7.30am – 5.30pm (closed Tuesdays)
Price range: Medium ($$)
Tel: 04-262 9693
China House Penang
China House interior; Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
China House is known as the longest cafe in Penang serving the most variety of cakes. It encompasses 3 heritage buildings linked by an open air courtyard, which has been converted into hip spaces for art, music, food and drinks.
You’ll always be entertained at China House as they often have a line up of activities such as live music in the evenings. Aside from their wide selection of cakes, their menu includes dishes such as the Bento Special (RM38), Chicken Schnitzel Wholegrain Sandwich (RM36), Grilled Sea Bass (RM38), and Big Breakfast (RM38). For the full menu, click here.
Address
153, Lebuh Pantai, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 9am – 11.30pm
Price range: Medium ($$)
Tel: 04-263 7299
Norm Micro Roastery Penang
Freshly-baked waffles; Photo Credit: Norm Mirro Roastery
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy aesthetic cafe in Penang where you can sip on great coffee and share your experience with your followers, this is the place to head to.
Featuring minimalist decor and high ceilings, this quaint cafe serves specialty coffee, tea, cocktails and more. You’ll want to try their unique drinks, freshly-baked waffles or their Classic Tiramisu (RM15).
Address
13, Gat Lebuh Gereja, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 9am – 6pm (Sun – Thurs), 9am – 10pm (Fri & Sat)
Price range: Medium ($$)
Tel: 016-527 6273
Belle and Cream Penang
Bubble Tea Burnt Cheesecake; Photo Credit: Belle and Cream
Belle and Cream is one of the top dessert cafes in Penang if you’re craving moist and fluffy cheesecake.
Their best seller is the Burnt Cheesecake while other favourites include the Fresh Strawberry Cake, Bubble Milk Tea Cheesecake, Tiramisu and their range of specialty cookies.
Address
16, Medan Lim Cheng Teik, Kampung Syed, 10250 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm
Price range: Medium ($$)
Tel: 012-484 8968
Matcho Cafe Penang
Photo Credit: Matcho Cafe
If you’re looking for an Instagrammable cafe in Penang and you’re a fan of matcha, you’ll love Matcho Cafe. This tropical pink-themed cafe specialises in matcha, chocolate drinks and delicious desserts.
Satisfy your sweet cravings with their Berries Pancake, Matcha Cheesecake (RM17), Matcha Crepecake (RM17), Chocolate Fudge Brownie (RM9) and more.
Address
99B, Lebuh Noordin, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 2pm – 10pm (closed Tuesdays)
Price range: Medium ($$)
Tel: 04-261 0031
Urban Artisan Cafe Penang
Ruby Strawberry & Cheesecake Soft, Oceanic Sea Salt & Pistachio Soft Serve; Photo Credit: Urban Artisan Cafe Penang
Urban Artisan Cafe in George Town Penang is a soft serve lover’s dream. With over 50 different flavours of homemade ice cream served on crunchy bamboo charcoal waffle cones, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Whether you try their Ruby Strawberry & Cheesecake or the Oceanic Sea Salt & Pistachio soft serve, you’ll want to come back to try more of their creative flavour twists. Prices for their soft serves range from RM11.90 – RM12.90.
Address
122-C, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 1pm – 10pm (closed Wednesdays)
Price range: Medium ($$)
Tel: 010-228 5138
Have we got you excited to plan a weekend getaway to Penang so that you can try all these amazing cafes? If transport to Penang is an issue, don’t worry, you can count on us for affordable car rental based on your budget and car preference.
Happy travelling!
All prices above were updated in March 2022.
