Penang is probably one of my favorite places in Malaysia. Aside from its rich culture and national heritage, there are so many coffee shops to visit. I was able to visit Penang twice in 2018, and it’s a place you can visit again and again without tiring of it.
One thing I learned is never mind a car: just keep on walking, as the coffee shops are close to each other. Among the 17 coffee shops that I visited, here are my top 9:
Ome by Spacebar
I started my coffee exploration here at Ome by Spacebar with a flat white.
The cafe’s Instagrammable gate is #plantita goals, thanks to the lush vines framing the metal and concrete facade!
Inside, you’ll find a cozy but airy space with exposed brick walls and rustic wooden tables.
Address: No. 1, Lorong Tou Aka, George Town, Penang, Malyasia-CLOSED THURSDAYS
IG: @ome.space
Macallum Connoisseurs
From Lorong Toh, I moved towards Gat Lebuh Macallum for Macallum Connoisseurs — roastery, cafe, restaurant, and academy, all in one HUGE space.
Inside, this coffee haven has an open floor plan and industrial interiors. Had a funny experience here. Ask me in private :p
Address: 1 Gat Lebuh Macallum, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
IG: @macallumcoffee
Constant Gardener Coffee
Located at Penang’s Chinese Chamber of Commerce, this cafe has a homey relaxing feel, with plants (hence the name) and lots of quiet nooks.
In addition to their coffees, this cafe also offers single-origin hot chocolates and specialty teas.
Address: 9 Lebuh Light, Ground Flr, Chinese Chamber of Commerce, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
IG: @constantgardenercoffee
The Alley
The cafe is housed in a building with a sign “Kedai Gaharu Keat Seang”.
Address: 5 Stewart Lane, George Town,
Penang, Malaysia
IG: @thealleypenang
Bricklin Cafe & Bar
Love the ambiance of this place, located in Penang’s former bus depot and combining modern and vintage.
If you’re lucky, you may catch co-owner @rizalrasta for a chat about the coffee culture in Penang and Malaysia.
Address: 31A Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, Pennag, Malaysia
IG: @bricklincafebarbyrbc
Gudang Cafe
“Gudang” is Malay for warehouse, and this cafe is housed in one from the 1950s.
Their signature blend when I visited mixed Ethiopian, Indian and Colombian.
Combine your visit with one to China House, a few minutes away.
Address: 5 Gat Lebuh Armenian, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
IG: @gudangcafe
Lunabar Coffee
Hidden on the quiet street ofJalan Clove Hall, this cafe deserves a visit for its super chill ambiance. Another @rizalrasta reco.
Address: 10D Jalan Clove Hall, George Town, Penang, Malaysia – CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
IG: @lunabarcoffee
Dan Cafe, Moon Shop Gallery
Another soothing plant filled shop.
Dan means single in Chinese, referring to their single-origin beans.
Their pourover is served with a wine glass (to taste the flavor) and a small cup (for a strong taste).
Address: 38 Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, Penang, Malaysia – CLOSED TUESDAYS
IG: @_dancafe_
Hold UP
You won’t find Hold Up coffee on lists of cafes to visit, but I definitely recommend it.
There is something in this shop that will surprise you. Look for the orange door 🙂
Address: 75 Jalan Kuala Kangsar, George Town, Penang, Malaysia – CLOSED ON TUESDAYS
IG: @holdupetc
It was quite a trip! Looking forward to the time I can travel and revisit these places.