Cafe Hopping in George Town is what Penangites and visitors to the state love most.
There are only so many malls to go grocery shopping on Penang Island.
If you can’t cook like me or are tired of eating your food, the best is to go someplace nice for a quiet western meal with coffee, matcha, and sweet dessert.
The Yuppies, Guppies, and Puppies know all the café list in Penang and take Aunty along for some tête-à-tête as usual.
You would think that while some of your favorite places have dwindled, closed, or retired <read the aunty and uncle joints> – many new cafes have popped up after a clap of thunder-like cute button mushrooms.
Some have expanded, and others are just spanking new with delicious nosh that borders the chefs, hitting all the notes suitable for ten tastes!
I have a list of old and new and upcoming cafes; I think they hit the spot for SmartDory and her merry tasters on this Penang Food Blog.
Check out this growing list of Penang Cafes for a food adventure that SmartDory enjoys.
Contents
Dessert And Cafe Hopping In George Town
Aesthetics and interiors are subjective, and so is food taste!
If you like the sleek, bare cement, cement-rendered floor, walls and ceilings, and massive doors.
Or perhaps the massive skylights or dark wooden interiors?
Would faux leather everything or sitting on tiny stools (the ones that fit one of one massive buttock, ahem..) appeal to you more?
Dig your feet in the sand, count cobwebs, and pray that the floor above stays sturdy (I hang out with a structural engineer btw)
Believe me.
There is a café for you to visit if you decide on cafe hopping in George Town!
Then again, I haven’t written about my favorite haunts that I go to and hide (so they remain my favorite haunts)
I like Nanny’s Pavillon in Central Park, Jakarta, for the Pesto Pasta, Paul Bakery in several cities for its croissants, and the German Bakery in Hua Hin, Thailand.
These items are subjective regarding fresh bread, big breakfasts, coffees, cakes, and over-the-top fusion desserts.
Some places I tested and liked and returned to again and again.
Others are akin to love at first bite, and the romance fizzles out, but the memory remains, and I smile.
Take it from Aunty Dory (surely you jest, Fish – indeed!)
Trendy Cafe Open NOW for Cafe Hopping In George Town
Penang Cafe Hopping In 2022
Unlike clubbing and bar hopping, Cafe Hopping will probably leave you with a sugar rush and a caffeine buzz instead of a hangover.
Everyone has their favorite cafes in Penang – that secret hideaway from the rest of the world.
Some have great coffees, decadent cakes, or a favorite egg recipe.
Having all the pluses in a single cafe is impossible, so most Penangites go to certain restaurants for certain things.
Would you prefer a beautiful cafe that is cluttered with knick-knacks?
Or do you want somewhere peaceful, neutral, and minimalist to relieve eye strain?
Cafe hopping and patronizing several different cafes on a single outing is fun if you have stomach space and deep pockets.
We sometimes go by areas around Beach Street or the upcoming Victoria Street areas.
Some cafes’ locations are far-flung from the cafe crowds but have their following nevertheless.
Here’s the short list of what we’ve been up to: Café Hopping in 2022 – to be fair, are arranged in alphabetical order.
1 Bao Teck Tea House 包德館 (Opens 8.00 AM)
For non-Yum Cha kakis who fancy a spot of English afternoon tea with a pot of Earl Grey and delectable Dim Sum bites – you’ll enjoy the relaxed ambiance and eclectic furnishing of a refurnished shophouse, rickety staircase, and all.
The prices are steep, but for the experience, you will enjoy your afternoon in a friendly environment with very attentive service!
The Mystery Garden is the little courtyard air well decorated with an indoor lush moss garden and the tranquil sound of running water with the dramatic dry ice white mist effect.
The Yum Cha morsels taste very fresh and lovely.
It’s not mist but dry ice white mist effect.
Bao Teck Tea House 包德館
Address: 25, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
2 The Craftisan (Opens 8.00 AM)
Just as the moniker suggests, the Craftisan prides itself on its unique and handcrafted coffee, homemade desserts, and treats (read gelato!)
The original location of the café was above the Soul Café, touted as the 1st Photography Café in Malaysia.
The brightly lit deco is clean and relaxing – just the perfect ambiance to while away a free afternoon as you indulge in a coffee and delicious treats.
Craftisan’s handcrafted coffees are delicious and addictive.
The Craftisan’s interior is zen and chill.
The Craftisan
Address: Wellings Mansion, 67, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
3 Flower Mulan Nyonya Cafe (Opens 11.30 AM)
Flower Mulan Nyonya Cafe is a Nyonya restaurant with a picture-perfect romantic setting for that Kodak moment.
If you’re old school, you will know that Kodak Moment is now replaced with instagramable (so passe already). Try TikTok now!
The prettiest, most opulent, and over-the-top deco full of flowers is a flower shop and Nyonya restaurant all rolled into one.
If you want an all-out Nyona full-course meal or even a simple tea set, check with Flower Mulan.
Flower Mulan Nyonya Cafe Nyona Tea Set
Flower Mulan Nyonya Cafe is the prettiest, most opulent, and over-the-top deco full of flowers.
Flower Mulan Nyonya Cafe
Address: 266 & 268, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
4 Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters (Opens 9.30 AM)
Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters is one of Penang’s earliest boutique Malaysia roasters.
Their specialties include far-flung international brews from places I need Google to find – I felt no inclination to try.
The Cafe Latte agrees with me with its bold, rounded taste and goes easy on my tummy.
However, compared to cafes, I prefer table service rather than queuing for my cuppa.
Cakes and coffee are good. The only thing sorely lacking was table service.
If you want to learn more about coffee, you can enquire inside.
Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters
Address: Udini Square, Block 2-1-20, Lebuh Tunku Kudin 3, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang
5 Hoshino Coffee Gurney Plaza (Opens 10.00 AM)
Hoshino Coffee Gurney Plaza is the perfect introduction to Japanese Coffee, Yōshoku – Foreign (Western) food, delectable Japanese Desserts, and Sweet Treats.
Many Western dishes have been adapted to Japanese taste in Japan and are now part of any Japanese family menu.
The pancakes from Japan’s Hoshino Cafe are legendary and worth trying!
The legendary Japanese Pancake Soufflé.
Hoshino Coffee Interiors
Hoshino Coffee Gurney Plaza
Address: Ground Floor, Plaza Gurney, 170-G-41, 10250 George Town, Penang
6 Kafe The Leaf Healthy House (Opens 11.30 AM)
Vegetarian Kafe, The Leaf Healthy House 綠葉坊 in Penang Street, has delicious pasta and local food well-praised by veggie lovers and regulars.
The Vegetarian Vietnamese Hand Rolls is a notable dish filling shredded white and purple cabbage, julienne carrots, lettuce, vegetarian meat floss, and green, red, and yellow capsicum slices.
Another interesting dish is the Vegetarian Otak Otak, which has the texture of Fish and tastes like the real thing.
The little cafe has good healthy options, tasty juices, and an organic product corner to check out.
Healthy Vegetarian Vietnamese Hand Rolls
The Leaf Healthy House 綠葉坊
Kafe The Leaf Healthy House
Address: 5, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
7 Kafka @ Victoria (Opens 9.00 AM)
Nowhere like Kafka @ Victoria for an incredible hideaway experience full of good vines in Victoria Street, George Town, Penang, in the most historical precincts.
An armillary sphere with the Sun at the center determines life’s rhythm.
You will enjoy the incredible vibes of a lot of collectibles! There’s a bit of a hidden loft if you want to hide away!
Cafe Hopping In George Town – Penang Cafe 2022
You will enjoy the incredible vibes of a lot of collectibles! There’s a bit of hidden loft if you want to hide away!
Kafka @ Victoria
Address: 51C, Lebuh Victoria, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
8 Kin Coffee Bar (Opens 9.00 AM)
KIn Coffee Bar’s hidden entrance is from the back lane, and the cafe is built front to back.
If you’re looking for a hot menu, there is none, as there is no kitchen.
Kin Coffee Bar is exactly what the monikers say – a coffee bar with cakes.
Coffees are served in a tea mug, or a snifter called a brandy glass.
Stark with upcycled furniture, most pieces look repurposed.
Kin Coffee
Address: 209, Jalan Hutton, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
9 Le Petit Four Patisserie (Opens 9.00 AM)
Beach Street was known for its godown back in the day – the last thing you’d expect to discover is a little French bakery.
As much as I love a good French bakery – the croissants and chocolate eclairs- a French café’s menu always attracted me.
I am a massive fan of the captivatingly beautiful, famous and renowned French Paul Bakery – I visit it whenever I’m in Singapore, Jakarta, and Manila.
Le Petit Four Patisserie, the little French bakery in George Town – French Desserts – Cakes, Croissant, Madeleine, and Scone. Opens 9.00 AM
Like a lover with only eyes for the beloved, French desserts have developed into a tasty art form of their own – think romance novel and teenage angst all rolled into one.
Le Petit Four Patisserie if you’re dreaming of a Parisian cafe.
Le Petit Four Patisserie
Address: 310, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
10 Macalister Mansion Living Room (Opens 8.00 AM)
On the same note, the presentation is INSTAGRAM picture-perfect, and each delicious morsel tastes delectable and surprising.
The service at the Macalister Mansion is par excellence with the attentive wait staff.
If you want to go fancy, try the high tea set – it’s pretty and tasty!
The beautiful Macalister Mansion. Very Atas!\
Macalister Mansion
Address: 228, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Penang
11 Narrow Marrow (Opens 10.00 AM)
Boho chic Narrow Marrow Cafe’s new home on Beach Street, Penang, is no longer squished and narrow, just downright exciting!
You can order Coffee or Tuak!
Salted Gula Melaka Cheesecake is an exciting combination packed with a dense cheese layer and topped with delicious walnuts and solid crumbs.
Salted Gula Melaka Cheesecake is delicious.
You will like Narrow Marrow’s eclectic decor and art pieces!
Narrow Marrow
Address: 312, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
12 OO White Coffee Waterfall (Opens 7.00 AM)
Many look for a cafe that opens early in the morning for early risers and joggers.
Nearby the exercise venue and with easy parking (to Penangites, FREE parking is what we like collectively)
OO White Coffee wins big points for location, opening hours, and breakfast options. But be warned; don’t expect Kopitiam prices here.
If you arrive after 9.00 AM and manage to park right next to the front door – it means paying private car park prices.
White Coffee Waterfall is very popular and packed at all times.
But be warned; don’t expect Kopitiam prices at OO White Coffee Waterfall
OO White Coffee Waterfall
Address: 29 & 31, Jalan Gottlieb, Taman Selamat, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
13 PACE Coffee (Opens 8.00 AM)
PACE Coffee is a Breakfast and Brunch with an all-day breakfast menu, coffee, and desserts in George Town.
Chocolate Kahlua Cake at PACE Coffee is the bomb.
Upstairs or downstairs, the choice is yours at PACE Coffee.
PACE Coffee
Address: 397 Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang.
14 ROTI by Golden Bowl (Opens 8.00 AM)
ROTI by Golden Bowl is where you want to try their Salted Coffee Kiam Kopi – Coffee with milk, sugar, and SALT!
You can try Hor Ka Sai, a perplexing name for a beverage.
In Hokkien, loosely translated means “Hor Ka Sai,” which means Tiger Bite Lion.
This Malaysian Cham (Mixed) drink has an exciting Kopi O and Milo mocha.
Hot or Cold Salted Coffee Kiam Kopi – Coffee with milk, sugar, and SALT!
Kopitiam-style outlet with cafe-style food and drinks!
ROTI by Golden Bowl
Address: 9, Medan Penaga, Kampung Batu Lanchang, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
15 Salon Du Chocolat
Salon Du Chocolat is heaven for chocoholics.
If you love all things chocolate and more, you’ll be pleased to be here to have your chocolate wishes fulfilled.
The most indulgent dessert is chocolate and more chocolate everything.
The only food wish is I have would be a bigger dining area as the cafe only occupies a small space.
So there is limited seating, and there’s always a queue of people waiting for their treats!
Salon Du Chocolat Cream Puff
Salon Du Chocolat Waffles
Salon Du Chocolat
Gurney Paragon Mall, Lot 163D-1-02, Festive Square, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang
Operation hours: 11.00 AM – 11.00 PM (Daily)
16 Sin Seh Kai Artisan Bakery (Opens 7.30 AM)
Sin Seh Kai Artisan Bakery at New World Park is a cafe with the earliest opening hours – 7.30 AM.
Sin Seh Kai Artisan Bakery is famous for its handmade bread and pastries baked fresh in small batches daily. They also have artisanal steamed Bao available in the cafe.
Sin Seh Kai Artisan Bakery has one of my favorites, Cheese Toast with Mushroom.
Sin Seh Kai Artisan Bakery is famous for its handmade bread and pastries baked fresh in small batches daily.
Sin Seh Kai Artisan Bakery
Address: 102-D, New World Park, 5, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
17 The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Opens 8.00 AM)
Coffee Bean is a cafe in the heart of George Town.
It starts serving breakfast early with breakfast sets with coffee, perfect for an early brunch.
The café serves coffee, tea, juice, ice-blended drinks, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and soups.
Coffee Bean is open from 8.00 AM to 10.00 PM.
Eggs Ben with just one egg and just enough Hollandaise Sauce is just right!
Some prefer a donut and coffee!
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf G Hotel
Address: Unit No. G-03, Retail Space 1, Ground Floor, G Hotel, 168A, Gurney Drive, 10250 George Town, Penang
18 Trois Canon Café (Opens 7.30 AM)
Trois Canon Café is an old-style, Malaysian version of a Hong Kong Cha Chan Teng (tea restaurant) and scores a big point on nostalgic ambiance.
The café’s ambiance feels like entering one of those classical coffee shops in Hong Kong.
The food is nothing fancy but a typical Hong Kong café culture for you to experience.
The dining environment is pleasant for its price, a little cramped, but with comfortable booth seats.
You will love the tomato and HK-style Chinese BBQ Pork (Char Siew) Spaghetti.
The café’s ambiance feels like entering one of those classical coffee shops in Hong Kong.
Trois Canon Café
Address: 165, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone: 04-264 3168
19 Yin’s Sourdough Bakery and Cafe (Opens 8.00 AM)
Yin’s Sourdough Bakery and Cafe
The stars at Yin’s are those wholesome, naturally fermented sourdough bread and buns made without any commercial yeast.
The artisan bakery strictly follows the sourdough method in baking all their goodies.
The outlet at Pesara Claimant in George Town consistently delivers excellent customer service and a mean cuppa of delicious Lattee.
Catch Baker extraordinaire Yin at the original outlet.
With the cozy, warm ambiance, we couldn’t have asked for more.
Most regulars drop in to pick up their sourdough bread and have a cuppa.
Yin’s is not only a bakery – they serve cafe food too!
Yin’s Sourdough Bakery and Cafe
Address: 11, Pesara Claimant, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
[Updated List October 5, 2023] More Cafe Hopping in George Town
20 Mews Cafe (Opens noon)
What’s more unique than unwinding at a former horse stable?
Mews Cafe at Muntri Street can put your hipster cafe-hopping days to a halt here.
Soak in the historic charms of historic George Town’s buildings and architecture as you sip on a tantalizing beverage.
Or you can try to learn more about Helen, who has a Curry Mee named after her.
Book a stay at the Muntri Mews for the ultimate flashpackers experience if it takes your fancy.
Mews Cafe at Muntri Street, Penang.
21 Coffee Elements (Opens 10 AM)
Located in All Seasons Place, Ayer Itam, Coffee Elements is an ideal and cozy spot for coffee.
The café style offering is great for breakfast and brunch, lunch, teatime, and dinner.
If you want a Big Breakfast that you can customize, the cafe has it on its menu.
You can have the works or choose what you want for your Big Breakfast!
Coffee Elements
97-1, Jalan Pisang Embun Farlim Square, Farlim, 11500 Air Itam, Penang
Hours: 8.00 AM to 9.30 PM
22 Ome by Spacebar Coffee (Opens 8.00 AM)
Ome Coffee’s forte is their cup of deliciously smooth brew.
Before I became a convert, I wondered about their limited food menu.
Now I know better; they do what they do best, brewing the best coffee I’ve tasted.
Ome by Spacebar Coffee has the smoothest coffee in George Town that you can get addicted to, so be warned.
Ome by Spacebar Coffee
No 1, Lorong Toh Aka, 10100 Penang.
Hours: Saturday to Wednesday, 8 AM – 6 PM
23 Wheelers Cafe
Wheelers Cafe’s top item is their famous Espresso Chicken, which regulars love, on top of all their Vegan and Vegetarian-friendly dishes.
Penangites love their western breakfast as the café opens at 8.00 a.m. daily.
Sometimes you meet people fresh from their exercises or morning hikes enjoying breakfast in their gear.
Espresso Chicken Image: @atp_fujix
Wheelers Cafe
Address: 67, Lorong Love, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Hours: 8.00 AM to 12.00 AM (Daily)
24 Cara Caro Cafe (Opens 8am)
Cara Caro appears to be dressed by the owner with a cozy, aesthetically pleasing ambiance.
Every nook and cranny provides an ideal backdrop for your Instagram feed.
Taking a shot without capturing faces was nigh impossible with every seat taken.
Macramé, a textile art form known for its ’60s and ’70s bohemian revival, is a key part of Cara Caro Café’s delightful Bohemian-style experience.
Image: Cara Caro Cafe Facebook
Rose Latte & Chili Prawn Set
Cara Caro Cafe
22, Kampong Malabar, George Town, Penang
Hours: 8.30 am to 10.00 pm
+60 4-226 2665
Conclusion of Cafe Hopping In George Town – Penang Cafe 2023
George Town is more than just a cafe-hopping paradise.
There are lots of things to explore and enjoy in Penang!
Before leaving for your trip, book your hotel for the best rates.
Experience a wet market in the morning and join Penangites for a Kopitiam breakfast of local delights.
Take in George Town’s architecture and historical sites as you dart in and out of cafes and experience Penang’s various activities.
For more ideas on what to do and cafe hopping in George Town City, read SmartDory Penang Food Blog.
A lot I never visit before.
One of it is coffee element, I love that cafe. Coffee very nice.