Fang has recommended Ome by Spacebar Coffee for the longest time.
I remember walking by Ome to Muthu’s Banana Leaf Rice.
It’s in an alley, so you cannot worry; you can drive down the narrow lane.
It feels like going on a narrow bridge, though.
Sometimes, the best-hidden coffee places are off the main thoroughfare.
And to be honest, Ome by Spacebar Coffee is a gem of a find if you’re looking for specialty coffee.
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What is Ome?
OME is an abbreviation of the word “home.”
Ahhhh…
Getting to Ome is a challenge – getting a car park is one.
Dory drove down the alley with trepidation.
There are drains on both sides of the lane.
Not that I was driving a Hummer (secret wish), my old jalopy is not going to hit anything hard.
So I moseyed down to Fish Lane (hehehehehe) and parked and walked.
Ome by Spacebar is marked by a luscious vine draping over the entrance and a colourful mural.
Like all establishments that pride themselves on service, the manager stood sentry at the door.
Don’t worry.
He’s not snooty; he’s just a regular, friendly chap who checks reservations, greets guests, and oversees the seating and beverage service in the café.
He also doubles to take your reservations, coffee orders, and cashier.
The entrance to Ome by Spacebar Coffee
Contents
No Hot Food at Ome.
Alas, Dory, who fasted last night (yes, unbelievable, I know), was ravenous when she walked three blocks to Ome by Spacebar.
You’ll think I was bitterly and loudly complaining that I had to walk 7 km back to my home.
But then I perked up.
No. 1, I wasn’t about to get a takeaway cup, not when I was in a café state of mind.
If it’s McD coffee, I’m okay with that.
Fang: Why?
Dory: It’s conditioning by the marketers. Remember the Buy BTS McDonald’s Paper Cup? I rest my case. LOL.
Relaxing Zen-like feels at Ome.
How does Ome score big points to convince you it’s a lovelier cafe?
- Charming entrance
- Friendly welcome
- Simple interiors
- Awesome coffee
I’ll put no. 4 first, but getting in was an issue.
When I arrived, it was packed.
There were 18 pax in the café
The maître d’hôtel is pleasantly welcoming (not snooty), and I like him.
He’s the manager taking sentry post at the door.
He makes the recommendations, takes your drinks orders, and sends you to your table.
Of course, I was one to follow the rules.
I read notices and asked about the 1 hour seating time.
As Dory doesn’t quite understand, “mid-morning.” Fang wasn’t late.
When the Fish is starving (read the above paragraph), everything, including other details, flies out the window.
Did I feel the “Zen” like environment?
Fang looked at me in all earnest.
I gulped.
Yes, of course, but I liked the coffee more!
Flowering vines and a bright, colourful mural mark Ome by Spacebar Coffee at Toh Aka Lane, Penang.
Ome Interior
Most shophouses of the era are long rather than wide.
The entrance is narrow and widens to a broader courtyard.
The lime plaster for the walls has been removed, so you can see bare, exposed brick walls.
It was coupled with polished cement floors and wooden tabletops.
The house’s most coveted “top seat” is the exciting centerpiece table in the courtyard.
The polished and varnished tabletop is cut from an enormous tree trunk. Part of it forms a mini rock and moss garden.
The space is lit with natural light from the courtyard and pendant lights.
The interior sports exposed raw brick walls devoid of their lime plaster covering.
The coveted table has a miniature “garden” growing.
What did I order at Ome by Spacebar Coffee?
Since there’s no real hot cooked food served at Ome.
And I wish they had a hot kitchen, etc., etc., etc.
So I got a coffee.
My last meal was at 8 PM the previous night, at 10 AM.
I better have it milky and a single shot of expresso.
I didn’t want to burn holes in my stomach with an acidic brew – and black coffee.
Ome’s Milk Coffee
I’ve traveled around Asia to a few cafés over the years.
Aside from the Vietnamese coffees that I adore, most cafes have mildly acidic beans that irritate my tummy.
So I will order a Flat White instead of a Long Black at a new cafe.
Ome’s coffee is the smoothest by far.
The fantastic coffee is so good I could drink a gallon of that milky brew like smooth jazz.
The melody was that aromatic coffee flavor.
My regret is not getting here sooner.
What was I thinking for all these years?
I got to trust Fang, who puts her attention on coffee.
She’s a coffee drinker who knows her brews.
When Fang says it’s good, I’m never disappointed.
The premium taste gets us going, not basic coffee for your cuppa to enjoy.
Thanks, Fang. You’re the best!
Ome’s coffee is the smoothest coffee I’ve had!
Ome Spacebar Coffee Menu
Coffee with Milk
RM10 for a single shot
RM14 for a double.
Add RM2 for oat milk if you like a dairy-free alternative.
Olive Zucchini Cake With Sea Salt flakes
I got the only sort of savory item on the menu.
The gently spicy Zucchini Cake is moist and somewhat crumbly.
It is served with creamed butter frosting and topped with Sea Salt flakes.
Was that enough?
Of course not.
Fang took me to more coffee and pastry in the next blog post.
The Olive Zucchini Cake is moist and crumbly.
Ome by Spacebar Coffee Review
The smell of freshly brewed coffee at Ome is invigorating.
Here is where you find excellent specialty coffee that could make you addicted.
I must admit that a slice of Zucchini Cake will hit the spot for many.
Ome by Spacebar Coffee is a charming hidden spot worth stopping for a fabulous coffee and a light cake snack.
Tips: The café is small and can only accommodate 18 people, so it is quite crowded on the weekends.
True coffee lovers on cafe hunting to Penang, check out Smart Dory’s recommendation to visit our favorite cafes in George Town.
OME is temporarily closed as the owners are on a much-needed vacation.
I can’t wait and look forward to a coffee date with Fang soon!
Ome by Spacebar Coffee
No 1, Lorong Toh Aka, 10100 Penang.
Hours: Saturday to Wednesday, 8 AM – 6 PM
Ome by Spacebar Coffee Facebook
