Update: 17 July 2025 – This guide has been refreshed with the latest spots and photos.
“Hello, Emily Darling!”
I half expected co-owner Danny Yeong to greet us that way as we stepped into the café’s bold, richly coloured interior.
And believe me—everything looked stunning.
The fuchsia counter stood out.
So did the Swoon Ludwig chair in vivid blue and yellow.
All of it popped beautifully against peacock green walls and a matte black ceiling.
At least, I think those were the colours.
It’s been ages since I last held a colour swatch with any confidence.
But the most beautiful colour? That belonged to the pastries and croissants.
They were baked well past golden—deep brown at the tops, with edges that looked dark and caramelised.
This does two things: it amps up the flavour and ensures every croissant is baked through—no soggy middles here.
Looking out on a bright sunny day.
Emily Darling Interiors
We loved the interiors—bold, punchy, and full of personality.
Large Ming jars, gold frames, and lush greenery give the space a vibrant, daring charm.
Emily Darling has some of the most pleasant café vibes in town.
John, Steph, and I all agreed—we felt instantly welcome.
It was like stepping into Danny and Marcus’ home for teatime, not just another café.
And the pastries? We couldn’t wait to dig in.
EMILY Darling bakes some truly lovely croissants, indulgent desserts, and other flaky, buttery treats.
The fact that all their baked goods are properly covered is a huge plus in my book.
Too many cafés leave their food exposed near the cashier’s counter!
Honestly that feels unhygienic.
Lovely interiors and glass showcase to press your face against.
The beauty is in the details—eclectic décor, bold colors, and thoughtful touches give Emily Darling its signature charm.
Where is EMILY Darling?
For senior Penangites, you might remember the old Boon Pharmacy at the corner of Penang Road and Jalan Dato Koyah.
After the pharmacy moved out, a handful of cafes came and went—some more memorable than others.
Today, EMILY Darling continues to thrive in this cosy spot as a well-loved patisserie.
It’s a quiet haven where café hoppers gather and sweet memories linger.
When you find a café that feels just right, you keep going back—again and again, even years down the road. And quietly, I always find myself hoping they never close.
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Flaky, Crispy, and so delicious! I almost wanted to eat two at a time!
Why EMILY Darling Cafe?
Looking for the Best Croissants in Penang? Here’s my honest take.
I’ve been to many cafes that claim to serve the best croissants in Penang.
Some come with creative toppings and trendy fillings.
They look great on Instagram, but not all deliver on taste or texture.
What really matters is the kind of café in Penang you want to return to.
One that feels familiar.
One that makes you smile.
A place you’d happily revisit again and again.
For me, I always go back to the basics.
Give me a classic croissant—flaky, buttery, and fresh from the oven.
No fancy flavours.
No distractions.
Just good pastry done right.
On my second visit, I tried one of their signature puff pastries.
It came with a warm vegetarian filling inside a light, hollowed core.
Flaky on the outside. Comforting on the inside.
To turn it into a full meal, I added a fresh salad.
The Darlings served up a colourful mix with avocado, oranges, and cherry tomatoes.
It came on a bed of crisp lettuce, topped with edible flowers.
A feast for the eyes and the tastebuds.
I also had their house-made quiche.
It was light, savoury, and packed with flavour.
Since that first visit, I’ve become a regular.I dro
p by twice a month—sometimes with a friend, sometimes with a guest from out of town.
Sometimes just to sit quietly with a croissant and unwind.
It’s my little go-to cafe in Penang when I need a pause.
When I asked for an add-on salad, I got this huge platter.
Flaky, golden croissants and artisan pastries—perfect with your morning brew.
Some all-time favourites: buttery madeleines, rich cheesecakes, and our signature cempedak cake.
Conclusion
I’ve been recommending all my friends to go and can’t wait to make the next trip to try their high tea sets.
While many people want Instagram-worthy food shots, aunties like Dory want good service and real food that tastes as delicious as it looks!
Highly recommended. And yes, this is Dory’s favourite cafe in Penang.
Do let me know your favorite pastry and cakes in the comments below.
Emily Darling Cafe
186 and 188, Jalan Penang, 10000, Georgetown, Penang.
Business Hours: Daily 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM.
Emily Darling Cafe Map
Blog Disclosure: This blog is written independently. No compensation, such as free meals, monetary payment, or services, has been received from featured establishments. Emily Darling Cafe is the editor’s favourite cafe.
