Craving those cosy coffee-and-cake vibes whilst in Penang? From Insta-worthy cafes to specialised brewhouses, we’ve got you covered! Here’s our list of the best cafes in the Pearl of the Orient to check out ASAP.

Penang reigns supreme when it comes to rich local culture and cuisine, but the great flavours don’t end there. From humble kopitiam roots to a thriving cafe scene, Penang’s street food traits have evolved along with its younger generations of hawkers and aspiring foodies. Scattered between shophouses and meandering alleyways, Penang is now a treasure trove of quaint eateries begging to be found — and lucky for you, we’ve got the map! Whether you’re here seeking respite from the blistering sun, or simply taking some time to unwind with loved ones, read on for our list of unmissable confections and coffee at these best Penang Cafes!

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1. Macallum Connoisseurs Coffee Company

Image Credits: Macallum Connoisseurs Coffee Company

We’re starting big with Macallum Connoisseurs Coffee Company, a cafe-roastery-academy situated in the heart of George Town. Large and industrial-themed, the space welcomes a myriad of coffee lovers— from the ones who know exactly what they like, and others looking to develop their palette.

Pro tip: For the quintessential coffee experience, seek help from their friendly baristas to get the best recs in the house!

Price: From RM 7 (~S$2) 

Address: 1, Gat Lebuh Macallum, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 9 am to 6 pm. Fridays and Saturdays till 9 pm.   

Find out more about the best Penang cafes here. 

2. Mugshot Cafe

Image Credits: TripAdvisor

Gather your friends and family for conversations over great coffee, homemade yoghurt, and artisanal bread at this quirky cafe on Chulia Street. Although the prices may lean slightly towards the higher end, Mugshot Cafe is dearly loved by locals and tourists alike for its oven-fresh bagels. Must-tries include their flat white best paired with the smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel. 

Price: From RM 10 (~S$3.10) 

Address: 302 Chulia Street, George Town 10200

Opening Hours: Sundays to Tuesdays, 8 am to 9 pm. Thursdays and Sundays till 10 pm. Open till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Find out more about the best Penang cafes here. 

3. Beach Street Bakery @ ChinaHouse

Image Credits: Penang Foodie

If you’re in the mood for some grub with a side of arts and theatre, this eclectic joint at Chinahouse is calling you! A contemporary art scene fitted within three heritage structures, Beach Street Bakery is one to take note of. Apart from being ✨ aesthetic ✨, you’ll also find the best melt-in-your-mouth English cakes at this cafe. Don’t leave before trying their Tiramisu.

Price: From RM 19 (~S$5.6) 

Address: 153-155 Lebuh Pantai, George Town, Penang Island 10200 Malaysia 

Opening Hours: Sundays to Thursdays, 9 am to midnight, open till 1 am on Fridays 

Find out more about the best Penang cafes here. 

4. Kraffmen 

Image Credits: Kraffmen

For a quick visit to Melbourne on your Penang trip, look to none other than Kraffmen cafe for instant Aussie vibes. With a balanced fusion of Australian, French and Italian influence, Kraffmen offers some of the most scrumptious options that George Town has to offer. We recommend the Kraffmen “Signature” Scramble with Smoked Salmon, and their signature Nutella Peanut Butter drink to end it all on a sweet note. 

Price: From RM 35 per pax (~S$10) 

Address: 80 Jalan Zainul Abidin, 10400 George Town, Penang 

Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 11 am to 10 pm, closed on Wednesdays. 

Find out more about the best Penang cafes here. 

5. Norm Micro Roastery

Image Credits: Norm Micro Roastery

Spot the person taking a picture of his food in the picture above? Well, don’t judge — you just might be doing the same thing too the next time you’re at Norm Micro Roastery. Camouflaged in an old warehouse, the cafe complements its no-frills exterior with a simplified coffee menu (black or white) and a zen-ed-out interior, complete with high ceilings and a bed of gravel beneath your feet.

Bonus: Try their beloved chia pudding bowl for a guaranteed fresh start to the day! 

Price: From RM 28 (~S$9) 

Address: 13, Gat Lebuh Gereja, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Opening Hours: Sundays to Thursdays, 9 am to 6 pm. Open till 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Find out more about the best Penang cafes here. 

6. Lunabar Coffee

Image Credits: Lunabar Coffee

Forested in comparison to Norm’s rocky terrain, Lunabar Coffee is a cafe nestled in lush greenery. With its own calming palette of green, white and brown, the garden cafe is sure to transport you back to dreamland (or a fairytale). As if that’s not enough to keep patrons coming, their coffee is also freshly brewed from aromatic home-roasted beans to ensure every cuppa joe served is of tiptop quality.

Price: From RM 15 (~S$4.70) 

Address: 10d, Jalan Clove Hall, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Opening Hours: Wednesdays to Sundays, 10 am to 6 pm. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

Find out more about the best Penang cafes here. 

7. Kafka

Image Credits: Kafka

Unlike the mindboggling novel by Murakami of the same name, the picture above clearly doesn’t need supporting captions, but here goes nothing — roomy and aesthetic, Kafka is the perfect place to enjoy a deliciously presented meal and a cup or two of strong robust coffee. 

Price: From RM 15 (~S$4.70) 

Address: 15, Jalan Kelawai, George Town, Pulau Pinang

Opening Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays to Sundays, 8 am to 10.30 pm. Open till 6 pm on Tuesdays. 

Find out more about the best Penang cafes here. 

8. Narrow Marrow

Image Credits: RollingBear Travels

Known especially for its tiramisu, Narrow Marrow offers a variety of cakes and handcrafted coffee and board games! Whether you choose to have a competitive night of wholesome fun with your mates or curl up with your latest read, you’re bound to love the coffee and atmosphere here. 

Price: From RM 8 (~S$2.50) 

Address: 312 Beach Street, 10100 George Town, Penang

Opening Hours: Thursdays to Mondays, 3 pm to 11 pm. 

Find out more about the best Penang cafes here. 

9. Ome by Spacebar Coffee

Image Credits: The Yum List

Tucked away behind ivy-adorned gates, fits Ome, a quaint juxtaposition of its dilapidated exterior. The perfect setting for a quiet afternoon read, or even for a quick catch-up with friends. They make remarkable nitro brews here but their zucchini loaf with olive oil definitely takes the cake!

Price: From RM 25 (~S$7.80) 

Address: 1 Lorong Toh Aka, 10100 George Town, Penang 

Opening Hours: Saturdays-Wednesdays, 7.30 am to 4 pm. Closed on Thursdays and Fridays. 

Find out more about the best Penang cafes here. 

10. The Alley

Image Credits: TripAdvisor

Meet the Alley — a tiny, hipster cafe in the fading, ancient facade right beside the eponymous alley. Considered one of the pioneers of the Penang cafe culture, the Alley boasts an excellent selection of churros and coffee. Definitely try the salted caramel dip, the perfect complement to your churro! A great place to bring your laptop and get some work done as well, with electric plug points around nearly all tables.

Price: From RM 8 (~S$2.50) 

Address: 5, Stewart Lane, 10200 George Town, Penang

Opening Hours: Daily, from 10 am to 6 pm. 

Find out more about the best Penang cafes here. 

Eat & Drink To Your Fill At These Best Penang Cafes With YouTrip!

All equipped with your perfect cafe-hopping list for your trip to Penang? Super! While booking your trip or paying for your coffee, don’t forget to check out with your YouTrip card to get the best wholesale exchange rates and skip those sneaky bank fees! 

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_{*All currency conversion rates are accurate to the nearest 10 cents on 20 July 2022 SGT 11 AM. Bank card prices are calculated based on 3.25% foreign currency transaction fee.}