21 Coffee Places & Cafes in Penang!

The Coffee/Cafe culture has been booming in this lil’ Pearl of the Orient and it doesn’t look like its slowing down anytime soon. Whenever I have friends and family visiting Penang, I would inadvertently get asked this question – “so, where’s a good cafe to hang out/catch up?” Thus, this list was born! 🙂

It is definitely not a complete list of cafes in Penang (for example, it doesn’t include the many dessert cafes popping up around the island, which I’m hoping to compile in yet another list! lol)

Instead, its list of coffee places & cafes I’ve visited thus far, and hopefully would be helpful the next time you and your friends want to find a venue to ‘lepak’ 😛

*please note that the cafes are listed in no particular order  of preference (I tried to group them into locations as best as I could)

1. COFFEE ELEMENTS @ Gurney Paragon & All Seasons Place

What’s Good: Flat White, Mocha (one of the best Mochas in my opinion with just the right balance of coffee and chocolate taste), Toffee Caramel Latte

Main Meals available: Selection of bagels, open faced sandwiches, soups & Salads

Address & Opening Hours:

2nd Floor, All Seasons Place

Opening Hours – Mon – Fri 10.30am   |   Sat – Sun 8.30am

Closing Hours – Sun – Thurs 11pm   |   Fri – Sat 12am

3rd Floor, Gurney Paragon Mall
Opening Hours – Mon – Sun 10am
Closing Hours – Mon – Sun 10pm

Tel: 012-478 2693

Website/Facebook: Coffee Elements FB

2.  55 CAFE @ STEWART LANE

This corner lot cafe has been around for quite a while offering a good selection of tapas and cakes. But they’ve recently started the ‘3D coffee art craze’ and it doesn’t seem to be dying down anytime soon (everyone loves a cute cat/dog/bear in their coffee right? lol)

*Please note that they are moving to a new location at Lebuh Pantai from 6th May 2014 onwards and will be known as Coffee on the Table.

What’s Good: Their claim to fame would probably be their unique 3D coffee art – the only one in Penang it seems! (but do note that the 3D coffee art seems to be only available after 2pm or so based on my experience, do let me know if this is not the case ya!)

Main meals available: Yes. Breakfast options, Tapas, Pasta, Tapas sets for sharing. I personally love the scallop with capellini, teriyaki salmon and prawn gambas.

Address: 55 Lorong Stewart 10200 Penang

Opening Hours: 8.30am-10.30pm Monday-Sunday

Tel: 04-262 2611

Website/Facebook: 55 cafe FB

3. THE ALLEY @ STEWART LANE

The Alley offers ‘soup of the day’ = coffee (of medium dark roast variety), seriously yummy churros, cronuts and selection of cakes with quirky names 🙂

What’s Good: Latte, Churros (with salted caramel sauce!yums!) and cronuts

Main meals available: No. Selection of cakes & snacks available

Address: 5 Stewart Lane, 10200 Penang

Opening Hours: 12pm-12am Monday- Sunday

Tel: 04-261 3879

Website/Facebook: The Alley FB

4.COFFEE JUNKIE @ JUNK , CHULIA STREET

When The Daily Dose closed down, I was rather devastated because I really loved their Chai Tea Latte and their coffees were really good too. Well, devastation begone for their barista is now at Coffee Junkie! Nestled in an antique shop called Junk, this space definitely has character! Seating space is limited so it’s more of a grab and go kinda place for me. But I will gladly grab & go their Chai Tea Latte any day! 😛

What’s Good: Chai Tea Latte (one of the best in Penang, I reckon), Latte, Caramel Macchiato, oh and a small selection of alcohol is available too!

Main meals available: No

Address: 401, Chulia Street, Georgetown Penang.

Opening Hours: 9am-8pm, Daily

Tel: 012-4609819

Website/Facebook: Coffee Junkie at Junk

5. MUGSHOT CAFE @ CHULIA STREET

With its clever name and even clever-er concept (chalkboard mugshot sign for you to write your ‘charge’), practically everyone in Penang (our beloved Chief Minister included) has gone in droves to get their own ‘mugshot’ taken! (please note, the chairs & benches in this cafe are quite low so not very suitable for the elderly ya!)

What’s Good: Personally I would say their home made greek yoghurt trumps their coffee! 😛 Their gula melaka & jackfruit yoghurt is to die for!

Main meals available: Light meals available. Freshly baked bagels & divine home made yoghurt with various toppings

Address: 302 Chulia Street, 10200 Penang (next to Rainforest Bakery)

Opening Hours: 8am-12midnite Monday-Sunday

Tel: 012-405 6276

Website/Facebook:  The Mugshot Cafe FB

6. BUDAN’S BREW COFFEEBAR @ ARGUS LANE

What’s Good: Budan’s Signature Dessert (Seriously good & a heck load of calories, but who cares?! :P), Sourdough Special, Iced Caramel Macchiato, Latte, Freshly Squeezed Juices

Main meals available: Selection of sandwiches, salads, pastries & cakes

Address: 2, Lorong Argus, 10200 George Town, Penang (Off Love Lane, near the St. Xavier’s School side gate)

Opening Hours: 8.30am-7pm (Mon-Thurs & Sun); 8.30am-11pm (Fri-Sat)

Tel: 04-261 3930

Website/Facebook: Budan’s Brew

7. CALEFE HAUZ @ PRANGIN TERRACE, JALAN GAT PRANGIN

This place is so new, it was their ‘official’ 1st day of opening when we walked in on 30th April! They’ve got a pretty interesting looking food menu (please note that they serve pork and is therefore NON HALAL) For more food photos at CaLeFe, do hop on over to KenHuntsFood’s album

What’s Good: Since its so new, I haven’t had a chance to try much of the menu as yet, but the pancakes with bacon looks good, and they also serve salads & soups. Mocha wasn’t great, but thankfully the Flat White fared better. Tea served is Twinnings tea.

Address: 51 Jalan Gat Prangin(Prangin Terrace) This place is at the end of Jalan Gat Prangin, just before you turn out onto Jalan Pengkalan Weld

Opening Hours: –

Tel: 016-4942886

Website/Facebook: CaLeFe Hauz Gastro Cafe

8. MOUSTACHE HOUZE @ CAMPBELL STREET

Moustache Houze is where you go to take photos with cute wooden moustache props (& instagram & foursquare the photos after that)! lol And also to hang out with your friends over coffee & cakes la…

What’s Good: Their claim to fame would be their signature Ice Cube drinks (coffee & non coffee versions available)

Main meals available: No. Selection of cakes only

Address: No.24 Campbell Street 10100 Penang

Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 16:00 – 23:00 Fri: 16:00 – 00:00 Sat: 12:00 – 00:00

Sun: 12:00 – 23:00

Tel: 04-262 2228

Website/Facebook: Moustache Houze FB

9. SUGAR HONEY @ CAMPBELL STREET

I personally love the overall ambiance of coziness of the place. Plus their Classic Hot Chocolate is a winner in my books! 🙂

What’s Good: Classic Hot Chocolate, Japanese Tofu Cake

Main meals available: Yes. Sandwiches, pastas, snacks, waffles and a selection of cakes

Address: No.26, Campbell Street 10100 Georgetown

Opening Hours: 12pm-12am, Closed on Tuesdays

Tel: –

Website/Facebook: SugarHoney

10. KAFFA ESPRESSO BAR @ GREEN HALL

While most would find that their coffees are too light, the combination of ambience, food available and a few good drinks makes it a nice comfortable hangout place for me.

What’s Good: Salted Caramel Macchiato & Cafe Freddo (cold drink).

Their coffees in general are a bit lighter, so for those who prefer a stronger coffee taste, you might want to go for Double Shot.

Main Meals available: Breakfast platters, Pasta, Beef Ribs, Salads & Sandwiches

Address: 22 Green Hall, 10200 Penang

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-10pm

Tel: 04-262 2822

Website/Facebook: www.mykaffa.com or Penang Outlet FB

11. BREW THIRTY TWO @ GREEN HALL

What’s Good: Latte, Pork Burger

Main meals available: Yes, small selection of pastas and pork burgers, cakes & desserts

Address: 32 Green Hall, 10200 Penang

Opening Hours: 10.30am-10.30pm (Mon-Thur,Sun), 10.30am-12midnite (Fri & Sat)

Tel: 012-4009663

Website/Facebook: Brew Thirty Two

12. TWELVE CUPS @ BEACH STREET

What’s Good: Decent selection of coffees, mille crepe cakes

Main meals available:  No. Selection of Mille crepe cakes & other cakes

Address: 12, WhiteAways Arcade, Beach Street 10300 Penang

Opening Hours: 10am-12midnite, Mon-Sun

Tel: – 

Website/Facebook: The Twelve Cups

13. THE BAKE & BREW @ LEBUH PENANG

What’s Good: NewYorker Sandwich, Cajun chicken sandwich, Carbonara Pasta, Mocha, Cappucino, Classic Cheesecake

Main meals available: Yes. Different menus for brunch & dinner. Pasta, sandwiches, breads & various desserts

Address: 20E Lebuh Penang, 10200 Penang

Opening Hours: 11am-10pm Mon-Sun

Tel: 04-262 5129

Website/Facebook: The Bake & Brew

14. COFFEE AFFAIRS @ BISHOP STREET

Yet another new coffee place which just opened not too long ago.

What’s Good: Mocha, Nutella Latte (do stir the cup in order to make sure the Nutella melts into the drink)

Main meals available: No. Various cakes & desserts (pancakes, bread pudding etc)

Address: 21 Lebuh Bishop, 10200 Penang

Opening Hours: 11am-12midnite, Mon-Sun

Tel:04-261 4060

Website/Facebook: Coffee Affairs

15. BISTRO TANG @ LEBUH PENANG

Bistro Tang is part of a heritage boutique hotel – Ren i Tang. It’s cosy, airy and laidback, right smack in the middle of busy Little India!

What’s Good: Tang Laksa (its more of a laksa lemak than assam laksa), Homemade gula melaka ice cream, Creme Brulee

Main meals available: Yes. Various local & western dishes, with coffees, drinks & desserts

Address: 82-A, Lebuh Penang, George Town, Penang.

Opening Hours: 11.30am-11.30pm, Closed on Mondays

Tel: 04-2508383

Website/Facebook: http://www.renitang.com/working_area.html

16. COFFEE JOURNEY @ ISLAND PLAZA

What’s Good: Mocha, Chai Tea Latte

Main meals available: No. Selection of cakes and snacks

Address: Ground floor, Island Plaza, Tanjung Tokong Penang

Opening Hours: –

Tel: –

Website/Facebook: – 

17. ESPRESSOLAB @ QUEENSBAY MALL

What’s Good: Flat White, Melbourne Ice Coffee (though its really $$) 

Main meals available: No. Small selection of desserts

Address: 1st Floor, 153 & 153A, Queensbay Mall, Penang 

Opening Hours:-

Tel:-

Website/Facebook: Espressolab asia

18. JAWI HOUSE  CAFE GALLERY @ ARMENIAN STREET

As with most new cafes popping up in the Penang heritage area, this cafe is quaint & cosy. But what sets it apart is the food offered. At Jawi House, they specialize in Jawi Peranakan or ‘Orang Tanjung’ cuisine. Curious to know more? Do pop by Jawi House to sample their food and browse their art gallery.

What’s Good: Selection of coffees, Homemade Nutmeg & honey juice, Herb lemuni rice with curry chicken, Red velvet galletes

Main meals available: Yes, a small selection of main meals is available. Nasi briyani available from Thurs-Sat. Selection of cakes & desserts also available.

Address: 85 Lebuh Armenian, 10200 Penang (just a few doors away from Yap Temple)

Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm (Closed on Sundays)

Tel: 04-261 3680

Website/Facebook: Jawi House FB

19. BIBIS BAKERY & CAFE @ KELAWEI ROAD

More of a food place rather than coffee place for me personally as I love their Eggs Benedict!! One of the best in Penang I’d reckon.

What’s Good: Smoothies, Eggs Benedict, House version of Popiah, Grilled Fish Herb Rice (only available on weekends)

Main meals available: Selection of sandwiches with home made bread/brioche/baguette, pasta & cakes. Afternoon tea sets also available

Address: 87-D Kelawei Road, 10250 Penang (corner of Kelawei Rd & Leandros Lane)

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 9.30am-7pm

Tel: 012-408 0560

Website/Facebook: http://www.bibis.com.my/ &  Bibis Fashion & Bakery Cafe FB

20.COZY IN THE ROCKET @ BEACH STREET

 

What’s Good: Homemade pastas, passion fruit panna cotta, chocolate hazelnut ricotta pudding

Main meals available: Yes. Selection of homemade pastas, sandwiches and desserts

Address: 262 & 264 Lebuh Pantai

Opening Hours: 10am-5pm, closed on Mondays

Tel:  012-496 7838

Website/Facebook: –

21. Gusto Cafe @ Hillside

What’s Good: English breakfast with the works – bacon, baked beans & eggs :), decent coffees too 🙂

Main meals available: Yes

Address: 4 Jalan Sg Kelian, Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Penang

Opening Hours: 7am-3pm, 8am-3pm (Sat & Sun) Closed on Wednesdays

Tel: 04-8904012

Website/Facebook: Gusto Cafe