There’s a passionate, long-standing debate among Malaysians about whether Penang rightfully holds the title of the nation’s food capital. Strong arguments often point to the presence of experienced, second- or third-generation hawker vendors still serving their incredible, time-honoured dishes on the island. But that’s a delicious discovery we’ll leave for you to savour and decide for yourself.

However, you’re likely here because you’re curious about another side of Penang’s food scene: its vibrant café culture, diverse enough to satisfy virtually any preference – from minimalist settings serving fusion cuisine to cosy spots dedicated to the art of fine coffee.

With countless cafes in every nook and cranny of the island, perhaps you’re drawing a blank on where to actually begin and then how to connect the dots from there. This is precisely why we brought our Cafe Crawl series to Penang. We’ve mapped out a day-long itinerary that hits the sweet spots – identifying both the places and the drinks, with timing considered.

9:30 a.m. – Norm Micro Roastery

Greeting the day with good coffee and beautiful morning light is surely one of life’s simple pleasures. Step inside Norm Micro Roastery, and you’ll discover a spacious area simply welcoming natural light, thanks to its high ceilings, huge windows, and skylight. Adding to its bright and airy morning vibe, the space is pet-friendly too!

Of course, with ‘Roastery’ in the name, you’re right to expect great coffee. The selection includes various coffees featuring their house-roasted beans, as well as other handcrafted beverages. On the food front, the options are well-suited for late morning or brunch. You can opt for a savoury dish like the Signature Scallop and Prawn Pumpkin Risotto or satisfy your sweet tooth with their inviting selection of house desserts. Word has it their classic Tiramisu is definitely worth trying – and we can attest to that. 

While it might not be the spot you book for a large evening meal, it’s absolutely a go-to for that essential morning coffee or a well-deserved break with a drink and sweet treat.

Norm Micro Roastery
13, Gat Lebuh Gereja, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening hours: 09:30 a.m. – 05:30 p.m. daily
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12:30 p.m. – Café Mangga

Just within a kilometre from our previous stop, Cafe Mangga offers a beautiful contrast in atmosphere. Located inside the Blue Mansion, an iconic George Town heritage building, you’ll find a cool, laid-back refuge. However, step outside and you’re welcomed into a sun-lit picnic space under a mango tree – befitting the cafe’s name, as ‘mangga’ means mango in the native Malay language.

The outdoor space is designed for a grounded experience, offering mostly low tables and comfortable rattan seats. It’s an invitation to just slip off your shoes and connect with nature. Whether you settle into the cool indoors or relax under the mango tree, the menu offers tempting ways to complete the experience, featuring all-day brunch and tea-time options.

You’ll find classics available, including staples like Green Eggs on Toast. One particular highlight is their signature Lemon Butter Pancakes: imagine fluffy pancakes generously topped with mango compote, shredded coconut, and fragrant gula melaka. Without doubt, it’s worth visiting just to experience that ‘shoes-off’ picnic feel in such a cherished heritage location.

Café Mangga
14, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening hours: 08:00 a.m. – 06:00 p.m. (Mondays), 08:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. (Tuesdays to Sundays)
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3:30 p.m. – Komichi Tea House

Shifting focus now, the next experience centres entirely on a world of focused flavour. Matcha and tea aficionados will find Komichi Tea House to be just the spot for a relaxing time-out. The moment you step inside, a distinctly calming and rustic environment greets you. It’s a well-loved spot where locals often head for their matcha fix, largely thanks to a modest yet incredibly focused menu. 

The owners directly source high-quality matcha from their family’s tea farm in Japan, which sets high expectations for the authentic taste and quality of their menu items. When you try the matcha, you’ll likely find it strong yet smooth, and nicely balanced with very little sweetness. The Iced Genmaicha is another popular option if you’re after cool refreshment, favoured for its distinctly clean and simple profile.

A visit here wouldn’t feel quite complete without indulging in the matcha desserts. Komichi usually offers a handful of homemade options, with signatures like the Matcha Burnt Cheesecake – celebrated for its beautiful green appearance and rich flavour. This dedication to matcha, combined with the peaceful retreat atmosphere, solidifies Komichi Tea House’s status as a special spot you’ll likely want to return to.

Komichi Tea House
6, Lebuh Clarke, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening hours: 12:00 p.m. – 06:00 p.m. (Wednesdays to Fridays), 11:00 a.m. – 06:00 p.m. (Saturdays to Sundays)
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5:30 p.m. – Batu Café & Bar

Not all great spots are obvious at first glance – proving this point, finding Batu Café & Bar feels like uncovering a well-kept secret. It’s located inside a private property overlooking the scenic Penang Island bay, offering a welcome sense of quiet exclusivity away from the main bustle. Once here, you can choose between relaxing indoors or finding a spot outdoors. While the outdoor area can be warm, pleasant seating is available under the shade of a large tree, letting you fully enjoy the picturesque surroundings and sea breeze.

True to its coffee-meets-cocktails concept, Batu Café & Bar offers a diverse drinks list ready for any time of day. Whether you’re after a classic espresso, a refreshing milkshake or mocktail, or perhaps settling in with beers or wines as evening approaches, there’s something for most preferences. The cafe also wins hearts with its selection of cakes and desserts.

For the best experience, time your visit closer to sunset – shades of orange colour the sky then, best enjoyed alongside their drinks. It’s also worth noting that parking is complimentary within the property. A visit here captures that special late-afternoon or evening mood, hitting all the right notes for a cafe crawl experience.

Batu Café & Bar
46A, Jln Sultan Ahmad Shah, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening hours: 09:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Sundays to Thursdays), 09:00 a.m. – 02:00 a.m. (Fridays to Saturdays)
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8:30 p.m. – ChinaHouse

Our final stop brings us to one of the island’s most iconic multi-concept spaces. Established in 2011, ChinaHouse occupies three interconnected heritage buildings, cleverly converted into fourteen distinct areas including galleries, shops, and eateries. Perhaps the most famous highlight among these spaces is the well-known bakery counter, which reportedly offers up to fifty different varieties of cakes and desserts each day. 

The counter showcases everything from layered cakes to pastries, offering plenty of tempting choices. Signature desserts like their Tiramisu and Pistachio Sponge Layer are often considered must-tries by many visitors, best enjoyed alongside coffee. If you’re looking for something savoury around dinnertime, ChinaHouse also serves options like chicken mushroom pie and sandwiches.

Beyond the food and drinks, part of ChinaHouse’s charm lies in its creative atmosphere. Tables are lined with white drawing paper and crayons, inviting visitors to doodle, sketch, and contribute to the space’s artistic ambience while they relax. All told, ChinaHouse provides a pleasant and interesting setting to sit back and reflect on your day exploring George Town.

ChinaHouse
153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. daily
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