Big Beans Cafe serves Western food that your mom would proudly make for breakfast in Madras Lane, Penang.
This tuck shop is popular with students, working adults, and families.
Just like home, the home-cooked food concept is relaxing and welcoming. Chef Susan Moy is a Mom personified by her home-style cooking, reminiscent of home.
Her love of cooking and caring personality shines in the little café where she runs with her husband, Mike.
Mike pulls a mean cuppa, and my favorite is the Americano with a splash of milk.
This is a must-have pick-me-up and my weekend indulgence.
The husband-and-wife team runs the café after their retirement and keeps busy.
Coffee Art. Photo Big Beans Cafe Facebook.
Big Beans Cafe – Humble beginnings
Michael and Susan’s café started off as a tiny Western Food outlet in a kopitiam in Sg. Ara was popular with local mountain bikers.
Their popular Big Breakfast is on Big Beans’s All-Day Breakfast Menu. It includes scrambled eggs, a hamburger patty, sauteed mushrooms, sliced ham, a whole grilled tomato, buttered toast, and a large sausage!
Big Breakfast at Big Beans Cafe. Photo Big Beans Cafe Facebook.
Big Burger. Photo: Doris Lim.
“The food I prepare is something I used to cook for my family when my son was growing up. I make it with good-quality ingredients and ensure no MSG in my cooking. I make everything from scratch, and it is fresh” – Susan Moey.
Mike learns how to make coffee from their son, Adrian, a qualified Barista in Kuala Lumpur.
Mike chuckles.
“This may seem like Italian or French cuisine, but Mom would make it with love.”
Mike and Chef Susan. Photo: Doris Lim.
Big Beans Cafe is a Mom & Pop Tuck Shop
While this is a grown-up mom-and-pop shop, it could rival any coffee café joint in town.
Big Beans Café is a fertile ground for making new friends for new walk-in customers.
It is a friendly atmosphere with easy banter, shared jokes, and laughter.
Their top seller is Spaghetti Aglio Olio with Mushroom & Bacon made with Smoky Back Bacon. This spicy dish is a must for pasta and bacon lovers!
The seasoning is just right; no salt and pepper shakers are on the tables.
Another top seller worth checking out is the BBQ Chicken & Ham Ciabatta. Mike makes secret the signature tartar sauce, fusion wasabi sauce, and BBQ sauce.
Susan makes the BBQ chicken marinate from a well-guarded secret recipe.
Big Beans Cafe Review
The cafe has a homey, friendly atmosphere with reasonable prices.
You can try the Daily Set Lunch with Rice, a dish, and a fried egg on top.
One of my favorites is the Bittergroud with Chicken and Rice.
There are a few varieties.
You can check with Uncle Mike as you order.
Another one of my favorite lunch orders is Samble Fried Rice with Bacon.
Drop by for a meal and check out the interesting murals on the walls. Pose as an angel or join Charlie Chaplin, Mr. Bean, and Teddy in the madness.
Don’t forget to pose with Baymax and R2-D2, who have taken sentry duty. If you like to hide out, there is a comfy settee with recycled tires as coffee tables!
The Big Beans Cafe
Address: 52, Lorong Madras, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone: 04-226 1876
Updated: 17 September 2023
