Embarking on a quest for the best coffee in Penang can be an adventure in itself.
When you visit Penang, there’s no shortage of cafes and, of course, coffee to sample.
As many millennials pursue entrepreneurship, cafes and coffee spots flourish, showcasing their unwavering passion.
Let’s explore some of the cafes in Penang that offer unique and unconventional coffee options.
Morning Coffee in Penang
What’s your favorite brew first thing in the morning?
Penangites love their teas and coffee in the morning with a hearty breakfast.
While the uncles and aunties (like me) head to our favorite Kopitiam, visitors and my younger friends head to the cafes.
That’s where I get to head out and try these new places.
As always, finding a good cup of coffee in Penang can be a bit of an adventure – it all depends on what you want in a cuppa.
- Robust
- Acidic
- Mild
- Unique
Ways to Find the Best Coffee in Penang
You can be snooty or a coffee connoisseur, no problem.
You’d find an aunty writing at the heart of this travel and food blog, so the appeal is different.
Let’s explore a new world of blends and specialty coffees with other brews in these cafes in Penang.
Of course, if you’re down to earth like me, I prefer a Kopitiam Kopi and a weak Nescafe Gold for my daily fuel.
I know, I already qualified myself as that aunty blogger.
You’ll head out with more knowledge of whether you want a good cuppa.
SmartDory’s list is in alphanumeric order, so let’s chill and run down the list of 10 Uniquely Best Coffee in Penang.
The best place to stay will be in George Town, and you can get a good hotel room at bookings.com
- George Town
- Bayan Lepas
- Relau
- Gelugor
2F+ Coffee Roastery Relau
2F+ Coffee Roastery is a hidden cafe with the cafe’s signboard partially covered by plants and creepers.
Their tagline of pouring Happiness & Roast Delicious Coffee since 2012 is a testament to the growing brand.
There are two branches in Relau, Balik Pulau, Penang, and Bangkok, Thailand.
2F+ Coffee Roastery Relau
2F+ Coffee Roastery Relau
Jln Paya Terubung, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Operating Hours: 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Coffee On The Table At The Shinise
If you love cute 3D coffee art, you will enjoy Coffee On The Table.
Influencers will love the very instagrammable animal-themed coffee.
Coffee On The Table At The Shinise
Coffee On The Table At The Shinise
164, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 09.30 AM to 06.00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters
Frank Laurent Coffee is one of the earliest boutique Malaysia roasters in Penang.
Most of the brews downtown are too acidic for my taste, but FL pulls a nice smooth cuppa.
Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters
Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters
Udini Square, Block 2-1-20, Lebuh Tunku Kudin 3, 11700 Gelugor, Penang
Operating Hours: 09.30 AM to 10.30 PM (Opens Daily)
Hoshino Coffee Gurney Plaza
Hoshino Coffee is originally from Japan, a Japanese-Western fusion style of cafe-restaurant.
The cafe specializes in delicious cups of hand-dripped coffee.
Best of all, they use coffee beans selected by their coffee blend specialist.
Order the Iced Coffee in a copper mug to ensure optimum temperature and taste.
Hoshino Coffee Gurney Plaza
Hoshino Coffee Gurney Plaza
Ground Floor, Plaza Gurney, 170-G-41, 10250 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 10.00 AM to 08.00 PM (Opens Daily)
Kafka @ Victoria
If you love robust coffee, the taste and aroma are pretty strong yet mildly acidic.
Kafka Victoria has an incredible hideaway setting with so many collectibles that your eyes dart around before they settle.
I like to hide away in the secret loft. If you can’t find that, ask the barista.
Kafka @ Victoria
51C, Lebuh Victoria, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: temporarily closed
Kin Coffeebar
Just like the way KIn Coffee is built, from back to front, this hidden space is a hideout.
KIn Coffee’s hidden entrance is from the back lane.
A small menu with good solid coffee is in a great space.
Remember to look up!
Kin Coffeebar
Kin Coffeebar
209, Jalan Hutton, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating Hours: 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM (Closed on Tuesday)
Ome by Spacebar Coffee
A cozy environment, this hidden gem in the heart of George Town along the Heritage stretch is just a 5-minute walk from Chew Jetty.
If you’re visiting and happen to be in town, drop by for a cuppa at Ome.
This reminds me that I must park and walk to reach this place.
Ome by Spacebar Coffee
Ome by Spacebar Coffee
1, Lorong Toh Aka, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 08.00 AM to 6.00 PM
PACE Coffee
Pace Coffee is one of the newer cafes in Penang for cafe hoppers.
They’re spacious with a soothing theme and great for accommodating big groups and families.
The Coconut Americano and Homemade Honeycomb Latte are two interesting coffees with robust coffee flavors to try.
PACE Coffee
PACE Coffee
397, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 8.00 AM to 6.00 PM (Closed on Wednesday)
Roti By Golden Bowl
It’s not a café per se, but Roti has exciting and memorable salty coffee in Penang.
Check out the Kiam Kopi (Salted Coffee), and remember to order the iced version.
Aunty ordered two hot Kiam Kopi and spent the rest of the day chugging water.
Roti By Golden Bowl
Roti By Golden Bowl
9, Medan Penaga, Kampung Batu Lanchang, 11600 George Town, Penang
Landmark: Taman Selatan Apartment
Operating Hours: 8.00 AM to 2.30 PM (Mon-Sat) 7.30 AM to 2.30 PM (Sundays) (Closed on Tuesdays)
Soul Café
Known for its various kinds of pasta, Soul Café is a photography café with an exhibition gallery on the walls.
Ask the server for their recommendations if you prefer something different.
The Butterscotch Coffee is creamy, smooth, and delicious.
Soul Café
Soul Café
12, Jalan Kek Chuan, 10400 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 11.00 AM to 7.30 PM (Closed on Sundays)
The Craftisan
Head to The Craftisan for coffee and their homemade, hand-crafted dessert and unique Italian gelatos on the menu.
Friendly servers and a clean and relaxing ambiance for delicious treats.
The Craftisan
The Craftisan
Wellings Mansion, 67, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town, Penang
Operating Hours: 11.00 AM to 6.00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Where to Find the Best Coffee in Penang?
You can save this coffee list and share it with your coffee-cafe-loving friends.
What more could you ask for?
More, you say?
Sure, why not?
Please share your favorite places and the unique coffees you love, and I will check them out.
