A coffee lovers guide to 10 cafes in Penang you shouldn’t miss
Penang, Malaysia has been a place synonymous with food, but in recent years, the city has seen a big boom in its cafe scene, creating an endless list of must-visit cafes in Penang.
The Malaysian island is rich in heritage, vibrant street-art, and fantastic food, so if it’s on your travel destination, now is as good a time as any to check it out, especially since it’s barely an hour away from Singapore by plane.
If you’re not sure where to go, we’ve done the hard work of chugging coffee and eating cakes to round up a list of 10 cafes in Penang to gun for — from charming artisanal spots tucked in quiet lanes to buzzing Instagram-worthy cafes, we’ve got a little bit of everything.
1. The Alley
Why visit? Nestled in a heritage building, The Alley is a quaint cafe, popular amongst the locals with a nose for a good cup of coffee. The space is small but full of rustic charm, with exposed brick walls, cement floors, and a warm, homely feel. Seating is limited, so expect a wait — or you can join its stream of takeaway orders, too.
A specialty coffee cafe and small-batch roastery, it takes its brews seriously. The menu stays focused and no-frills, so drop by for well-executed coffee with clear tasting notes and a selection of homemade bakes. Don’t expect syrup-heavy, flavoured drinks here, though!
Crowd favourites: The house filter coffee (from RM21 or S$6.77) is the go-to. The Alley usually offers a rotating selection of beans, so check with the barista for the latest flavour profiles.
For something to munch on, the churros (RM15) deliver — crisp on the outside, soft within. A portion comes with eight sticks, plus a dip and topping. For dips, you can choose from classics such as salted caramel, chocolate, or cinnamon, with toppings such as cookie crumble, Oreos, or even the Penang peanut candy (kong th’ng).
2. The Table Speciality Coffee Bar
Why visit? Located in the heart of Penang, The Table Speciality Coffee stands out from the many cafes in Penang for its focus on exceptional brews, specialising in single-origin beans.
Whether you’re well-versed in coffee or just starting out, it’s easy to find a cup suited to your taste here — just chat with its friendly baristas. The menu covers everything from classic espresso and pour-overs to matcha and more playful flavoured lattes.
Beyond the coffee, the cafe pairs a sleek, minimal exterior with an industrial-leaning interior. The all-white brick facade gives way to a light-filled space with unfinished walls and well-spaced seating, offering plenty of room to unwind.
Crowd favourites: For purists, the espresso on the rock (RM10) is the best way to appreciate its beans. Pair it with a brownie (RM8) for a simple post-meal treat.
If you prefer something more indulgent, the Black Forest latte (RM16) blends raspberry notes into a latte, topped with cream and shaved chocolate.
3. Kafka Coffee
Why visit? Kafka Coffee feels a little bit like a sanctuary for coffee lovers. The space is encased in a glass exterior, giving it a polished, modern look, while its interior stays warm and inviting with raw textures, wood furnishings, and plenty of greenery.
The menu leans into classic cafe favourites — think eggs, pastas, and well-crafted coffee. While there is no shortage of similar cafes in Penang, Kafka Coffee quietly stands out by focusing on quality over quantity.
Crowd favourites: Anyone who enjoys perfectly velvety eggs must try the eggs benedict (from RM27.90). It comes with a choice of pork bacon, beef rendang, or mushrooms — the pork bacon is a timeless classic, but the beef rendang adds a fun local twist.
Kafka Coffee does coffee really well, too, with the flat white (from RM11.90) having just the right balance in acidity and a well-rounded flavour profile.
4. Lunabar Coffee
Why visit? A little like a speakeasy for your cup of joe, Lunabar Coffee sits tucked away in a residential area and is easy to miss. Look out for a burst of greenery and you’ll know you’ve found it.
It keeps its offerings focused on coffee, tea, and desserts, but draws a steady crowd for its nature-leaning ambience and cosy interior. Locals drop by throughout the day — some for a quick fix, others to linger with a book or laptop. Come for the coffee, stay for the vibes.
That said, prices lean on the higher side, and it has a minimum order of one drink per person.
Crowd favourites: The filter coffee (from RM21) is a popular pick, with a rotating range of beans showcasing different flavour profiles — ask its baristas for recommendations if you’re stuck.
For something to pair your coffee with, the Luna burnt cheesecake (RM19) is a classic that’s hard to go wrong with.
5. Black Kettle
Why visit? One of the more well-known cafes in Penang, Black Kettle sits along Beach Street and draws crowds for its comfortable setting, flaky croissants, and fuss-free cafe fare.
Black Kettle’s menu spans both cafe staples and local dishes, but the in-house bakery is the real star. It uses artisanal levain — a natural mix of flour and water — instead of instant yeast, and bakes its fresh pastries daily with French butter, so quality is a guarantee.
Beyond the bakes, we particularly liked that its coffee menu comes with a handy visual guide that breaks down the different styles of coffee — helpful if you’re deciding between an americano and a long black, or a flat white and a cappuccino.
Crowd favourites: Its large croissant display is hard to ignore, with around 12 flavours to choose from. The pistachio croissant (RM13) is a solid pick if you like a touch of sweetness — it’s essentially a classic butter croissant topped with white chocolate and crushed pistachios for added texture and richness.
For something more filling, go for the authentic fish and chips (RM32), which comes with two large pieces of crisp, battered fish with fries, tartar sauce, and a squeeze of lemon. It’s a generous portion that delivers on value and taste.
6. The Daily Dose Cafe
Why visit? The Daily Dose Cafe blends the essence of Penang’s heritage with modern cafe aesthetics, creating a tranquil space full of character for anything from a morning coffee to a late-night dinner. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, each with a distinct vibe to suit your mood.
Daily Dose’s main appeal is its pet-friendly setup, complete with a few resident dogs. Paired with a well-rounded menu for both humans and pets, it’s a great spot to spend time with your furkid— or simply people- and dog-watch over a leisurely meal.
Crowd favourite: While the menu covers a range of cafe staples, the local selection stands out, especially the Sarawak kolo mee (RM22). It looks simple — egg noodles, minced pork, and a braised egg — but delivers on flavour and balance.
On a hot day, the smoothies (from RM16) hit the spot, with seven options to choose from. The mixed berries smoothie (RM18) is light and refreshing, while the chocolate banana (RM18) one offers something more filling.
7. Utoo Boho Cafe & Patisserie
Why visit? Winner of the Best Cafe Design Award in 2022, Utoo Boho Cafe & Patisserie feels like a dream. As its name suggests, it leans fully into a boho theme — think neutral shades of beige and brown, macrame accents, wispy curtains, wicker lampshades, and wooden furnishings. It’s one of those places that’s just effortlessly picture-worthy.
Utoo’s menu is just as appealing, with a wide range spanning brunch staples, French fare, Italian comforts, and an eye-catching pastry display. It also offers a full matcha lineup, from cakes and drinks to a shareable matcha fondue (RM39), too!
Crowd favourites: The pastries are a big hit here and will satisfy whether you’re a fan of classics or something more distinctive. For the latter, try the canele box (RM25), which comes with three flavours — matcha, espresso, and vanilla. Utoo’s take on the fluted French pastry has a crisp exterior and a soft, tender interior, a little bit like a madeleine.
Another pastry which has gotten rave reviews is its sourdough croissants, which come plain (RM8) or with toppings such as seafood (RM16), as well as its seeded sourdough bread which it provides for the table if you’re ordering something more substantial, such as its mains.
8. Whisk & Whiz Cafe Bistro
Why visit? Another unique cafe in Penang, Whisk & Whiz Cafe Bistro is best described as pure fun. It leans into a safari-art theme, with large animal statues, quirky woodwork, and animal-print tablecloths throughout its space. It might sound wild and somewhat eclectic, but the decor comes together tastefully, thankfully, creating a space that still feels relaxed and inviting.
Whisk & Whiz’s menu focuses on European cuisine, with dishes such as lobster soup, pastas, and escargots, alongside a handful of fusion plates that weave in Asian flavours. Standouts include the cempedak battered chicken (RM21) and its iberico collar (RM69.90), featuring 200g of tender collar cooked to a medium finish.
Crowd favourites: The truffle bacon carbonara (RM32.90) is a must-order. It comes with smoky bacon in a white wine cream sauce, layered with aromatics and tossed with a raw egg yolk, then topped with ikura and truffle pate for a rich, indulgent finish.
For something different, try the burgundy escargot (RM29.90). The snails are baked in a herb and garlic sauce, finished with cream and a layer of cheese, and served with bread sticks. The snails are tender, while the sauce is rich and flavourful — you’d want to mop all of this up with the accompanying bread sticks.
9. Matcho Cafe
Why visit? Another Insta-worthy spot for your weekend, Matcho Cafe is nestled in a heritage building along a quieter stretch of George Town. Its interior leans into a soft palette of pinks with touches of greenery, creating a calm, artsy, boho-chic space that feels effortlessly aesthetic.
If you’ve not already guessed, Matcho Cafe is all about… matcha! The menu is packed with matcha-forward drinks and desserts, all presented with careful attention to detail. It opens at noon, though, so it’s better suited for an afternoon pick-me-up or a post-meal treat than a morning coffee stop.
Crowd favourites: Matcha lovers looking for something a little different can try the matcha pink macchiato (RM18). It layers an iced matcha latte with a generous topping of pink rose cream, adding a sweet, creamy contrast — it also has a striking pink-and-green colour pairing that mirrors the cafe’s decor.
Among its waffles, pancakes, and housemade cakes, the matcha cheesecake (RM20) stands out as a bestseller. It features a biscuit base, topped with a rich matcha filling and a dusting of matcha powder. This one’s firmly for matcha lovers — the intensity might overwhelm you if you’re on the fence about matcha.
10. The Palm Cafe & Bistro
Why visit? The Palm Cafe & Bistro is an absolute stunner, giving off laid-back island vibes. Its indoor space feels cosy and comfortable, while its al fresco area transports you to a breezy beachside cafe — weather permitting, of course.
The Palm Cafe & Bistro leans fully into its theme, with thatched roofs, rattan furniture, large umbrellas, and bamboo blinds setting the scene. If you’re after good food with equally strong vibes, this cafe more than fits the bill.
Food wise, it serves familiar Western staples across sides, mains, desserts, and an extensive drinks list that includes playful cocktails. It opens at 11.30am, so expect lunch and dinner-style dishes rather than breakfast options.
Crowd favourites: Meatballs are a must here — the Swedish (from RM26 for chicken) keeps things simple with six meatballs, mash, pickled cucumbers, and lingonberries. The cafe also lets you customise the protein in your meatballs, with beef available, too.
For a starter, the truffle sweet potato fries (RM23) stand out, especially if you love sweet potatoes — they’re crisp, fragrant with truffle oil, and finished with a good dose of grated parmesan.
For more places around Malaysia to explore, check out our Penang food guide. If you’re in Singapore, craving a slice of Penang, there’s also the recurring Penang Hawkers’ Fare at York Hotel.
Rowena is always on the prowl for coconuts, coffee, and cocktails. She's perpetually dehydrated and often forgets that water is the source of life; water, not gin.
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