The first Cafe Lagenda Review made history as the first Malay café in George Town to serve traditional Malay cuisine alongside Western fusion dishes with a creative twist.
Inspired by Seniman Agong P. Ramlee, this café honors his legacy with a flavorful, halal dining experience in historic George Town.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
I first visited Café Lagenda in 2015 while writing for where2 and Santai magazine.
First Cafe Lagenda Review appeared in Santai Magazine in 2016.
Later, I just started Smartdory, my travel and food blog.
Back then, it had a tiny kitchen packed with the biggest flavors.
Bold, unapologetic, and absolutely fragrant, every bite told a story of rich spices and cherished heritage recipes.
Fast-forward to 2025.
A decade later, the café has moved to Carnarvon Street, but has it retained its soulful essence?
Naturally, I had to find out.
Three Visits, Three Different Experiences
- It was a solo trip — just me, nostalgia, and a hungry stomach.
- A foodie gathering — sharing plates and laughter with friends.
- A dinner with a Westerner friend — introducing him to authentic Malay flavors.
I felt like stepping into an old friend’s home when I arrived.
The warm, inviting interior beautifully blends nostalgic charm with modernity.
The iconic mural of P. Ramlee remains a silent guardian of the café’s legacy.
I closed my eyes and imagined hearing his melodies floating through the air.
The cafe plays nostalgic old tunes that go so well with the ambiance.
Has Café Lagenda stood the test of time? Absolutely.
The cafe has a loyal following of fans who often benchmark new Malay restaurant food with the taste they have grown accustomed to.
The flavors remain as legendary as ever.
As always the dishes pack that signature punch of rich spices, and the experience is unforgettable.
Step into the flavors of tradition at Café Lagenda, Lebuh Carnarvon!
Café Lagenda Review Menu
Café Lagenda’s menu is a tribute to traditional Malay cuisine, infused with creative interpretations that keep diners returning.
As usual, I revisited old favorites like old friends, so I’m looking forward to a welcoming atmosphere.
The Essence of Legendary Malay Cuisine
Malay food is all about bold flavors — a heady mix of herbs, spices, and belacan (shrimp paste), often enriched with creamy coconut milk.
In Penang, the generous use of local herbs takes these flavors to the next level.
At Café Lagenda, every dish is cukup rasa — just the right flavors.
From authentic Malay specialties to modern fusion creations, each bite pays homage to tradition while offering something excitingly new.
Discover the flavors of Café Lagenda in George Town!
Starters
Malay restaurant starters can include chicken satay, vegetable fritters, and Gado-Gado
Contents
Gado-Gado (RM24)*
This vibrant Indonesian-style salad is perfect for sharing.
This platter includes crispy prawn fritters, yam beans, tofu, and tempeh—all drenched in a luscious peanut sauce that brings everything together beautifully.
The salad is crunchy, nutty, and utterly satisfying.
Cafe Lagenda Chicken Satay (RM18)*
These juicy satay skewers have a smoky char and are served piping hot.
The satay sauce is thick, nutty peanut sauce, and every bite is a flavor bomb.
Only one thing missing? Beef satay! I wish they had it on the menu.
What to eat at Cafe Lagenda?
You can have a shared meal with friends or order a set for yourself if you are dining alone.
Signature Dishes
Café Lagenda serves two styles of à la carte dishes.
The best ones come with fragrant turmeric rice and a selection of ulam (fresh herbs and vegetables) beautifully arranged in a congkak platter.
Pak Belalang’s Beef Rendang (RM28)*
We loved the Slow-cooked tender beef in coconut milk and an aromatic blend of spices.
The deep warmth of star anise, cinnamon, and black pepper adds incredible depth.
This dish is perfect with blue butterfly-pea rice, the ultimate comfort food.
Ikan Bakar Panca Delima (RM28)*
Grilled sea bass, perfectly marinated and infused with smoky flavors.
The bones are removed for easy eating, letting the delicate fish shine. Served with a spicy sambal, this is a must-try for seafood lovers.
Smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor! Ikan Bakar Panca Delima (Grilled Sea Bass)
Prawn/Squid Lemak with Pineapple (RM28)*
Plump prawns or tender squid are cooked in a creamy turmeric coconut curry, subtly sweetened with ripe pineapple.
The butterfly-pea rice stays warm and aromatic.
Wrapped in banana leaf, it—is a well-balanced masterpiece.
The Prawn Lemak with Pineapple at Café Lagenda is a must-try.
Save Room for Dessert!
Café Lagenda doesn’t just do savory well — the desserts are just as memorable.
Panna Cotta Seri Muka
A fusion twist on a local favorite, this dessert layers silky Italian panna cotta with fragrant pandan custard and is finished with a strawberry sauce drizzle.
It’s a delightful East-meets-West creation.
Sago Do Re Mi
Inspired by P. Ramlee’s classic film, this dessert features three colorful mounds of sago pearls bathed in thick coconut cream and fragrant palm sugar syrup.
It’s nostalgic and oh-so-satisfying!
Banana Bakar
Everybody loves a grilled banana dessert with freshly grated coconut, rich Gula Melaka, and a big ball of vanilla ice cream.
It is simple, nostalgic, and an absolute treat.
Sweet, smoky, and oh-so-delicious! The Banana Bakar is a must order and my favourite!
Cool Refreshing Drinks
Penang’s heat is no joke, but Café Lagenda has just the thing to quench your thirst.
Opt for soda or bottled mineral water if you prefer light refreshments.
But why stop there?
Try their tropical delights like:
Fresh Soursop Juice — tangy, refreshing, and full of antioxidants.
Nutmeg Cooler — a Penang classic with a unique spicy-sweet kick.
Pandan Sarabat — aromatic, soothing, and wonderfully fragrant.
Every sip is a tropical escape in a glass!
Iced Latte — smooth, nice velvety texture with a balanced blend of rich espresso and lightly sweet, cold milk.
Cool, refreshing, and absolutely delicious! I’ve tasted a few for Cafe Lagenda Review.
Cafe Lagenda Review
After 10 years, Café Lagenda still holds a special place in my heart.
Is Cafe Lagenda worth visiting?
The flavors remain bold, the portions generous, and the experience?
Simply unforgettable.
Whether you’re a first-timer bowled over by the vibrant dishes or a returning fan reliving old favorites, this café never disappoints.
If you haven’t been, it’s time to rediscover Café Lagenda — where tradition meets innovation, one delicious plate at a time.
Café Lagenda
Address: 2, Lebuh Carnarvon, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Hours: Noon to 10 pm (Closed on Wednesday)
Phone: 019-472 9030
* The editor’s favourite dishes.
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and friends paid for their meal.
