Nirvana Cafeteria is one of those rare breeds of friendly and humble eateries under a tree in Penang.
In 1993, Eric brought me there for Laksa lunch to celebrate his completion of an architectural model for Penang Hill.
For the next thirty years, I drove by Anson Road and vowed to stop by if I could find a parking spot.
If you drive, you need to slow down as you approach the durian sellers on the right-hand of Anson Road.
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Where is Nirvana Cafeteria?
Nirvana Cafe started in 1975 as a small Indian coffee stall under a large rain tree (Samanea saman).
As you drive on Anson Road, the kopitiam is next to the Penang Buddhist Association building.
In Malaysia, local food enthusiasts can never resist looking for ‘Under The Tree’ eateries.
There are a few cool places in Penang where locals like to hang out and have their meals.
Today’s eatery is still a humble, metal roof structure banking up straight to the road curb.
The location is directly opposite the BHP petrol station and the Johore Road afternoon hawker stalls.
If you’ve been to Padang Brown to eat, there are three places where you can eat with Nirvana, which opens at 7 AM.
Inside Nirvana Cafeteria
The drinks and roti bakar occupy a section inside the eatery and a small convenience room.
What’s good at Nirvana Cafeteria?
My answer would be the Assam Laksa with Popiah immediately, but the seller no longer sells at this spot.
Smack right up to the road’s edge, and you find three eye-catching stalls underneath a big banner.
Western Breakfast, Hokkien Mee, and Chee Cheong Fun.
Inside the kopitiam is where the 4th generation operator for the Kopi and Roti Bakar keeps the stove burning.
A stall near the back has Claypot Curry Mee, Char Koay Teow, Nasi Goreng, and more on the menu.
On the day I visited, the 4th stall did not operate.
L: Inside Nirvana Cafeteria R: Back entrance to the Kopitiam
Penang Hokkien Mee RM7
Walking close to the Nirvana Cafeteria, the first smell to hit your nostrils – is the prawny unami boiling hot soup Penang Hokkien Mee flavor.
It is irresistible.
While the bowl of Hokkien Mee did not look attractive, it turned out to be quite tasty.
Customers can add pork skin and spare ribs to their bowl of Hokkien Mee.
You experience a flavor explosion of spicy and garlicky notes.
The Hokkien Mee features a balanced ratio of meat and shells, providing a typical shelly profile.
My Hokkien Mee Bihun (no meat) has prawns, hard-boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and kangkung (water spinach).
But the spicy, rich, comforting broth full of prawns and meat flavor hit you nicely.
A spoonful of spicy chili sauce made the Hokkien Mee so enjoyable.
Chee Cheong Fun RM3
In Penang, the local style Chee Cheong Fun is easy to assemble with a medley of 3 sauces of local favorites
- Hei Ko (shrimp paste)
- a sweet bean paste sauce, and
- a cooked chili paste sauce.
What I love about the simple Chee Cheong Fun is that the thick, fat rice noodles roll had a lovely texture and was temperature hot.
They serve the steamed rice noodle rolls unopened, which helps retain the heat and has a firm bite.
You can opt for a drizzle of Hei Ko over the rolls or have the sauces served separately on your plate.
Topped with fried shallots and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds.
The Chee Cheong Fun has a clever balance of sauces – the plate is a winner any time.
The overall dish was above average because it was visually appealing and tasty.
Delicious Chee Cheong Fun RM3
Claypot Curry Mee RM 7
The lady who sells the Curry Mee has stir-fried items like Char Kway Teow, fried rice, and fried noodles on her menu.
Penang-styled Curry Mee is a delicious, spicy, curried noodle soup with various toppings.
Chicken curry mee is something I can’t resist.
I used to eat this daily at the school canteen—it was my comfort food, especially with the fried chili paste!
The Claypot Curry Mee has an excellent presentation.
That big spoonful of Fried Chili Paste makes it full of oomph!
Updated 16 April 2023
The Curry Mee Stall has closed.
Claypot Curry Mee RM 7
Pros & Cons of Eating at Nirvana Cafeteria
Pros
- Good selection of Hawker noodles
- Under the tree, Kopitiam
- Friendly
- Very Polite
- Tasty
Cons
- Limited parking at Anson Road
- More parking in the back lane behind the eatery
- Close by 2.00 PM
Nirvana Cafeteria next to the Penang Buddhist Association on Anson Road
Conclusion
Nirvana Cafeteria is one of those laid-back places where you can drive by and enjoy a hot meal.
Great for noodles or hawker food whenever you feel hungry – so convenient.
The eatery is best for breakfast, brunch, and lunchtime.
On my second visit, we tried the Claypot Curry Mee, which my friend gave thumbs up to!
Updated 16 April 2023
I started my morning with a mouthwatering meal at a Kopitiam Western breakfast joint.
I couldn’t resist trying the ham and cheese stuffed French Toast (RM6) – it was pure heaven!
The condiments were a delight, too, with tomato sauce, chili sauce, and mayo.
As if that wasn’t enough, I already have my eyes set on the curry chicken with toast bread for my next visit.
Can’t wait!
Nirvana Cafeteria (next to Penang Buddhist Association)
156 Jalan Anson, 10400 George Town
Penang.
Google: https://g.co/kgs/rsHMFhy
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and friends paid for their meal.
