Our 2019 trip to Penang was a whirlwind of delicious food, and George Town’s Cafes were a major highlight. We created a "must-visit" list, carefully plotting cafes on our phones using Google Maps. With limited time, we aimed to explore as many as possible. Luckily, most of the trendy cafes clustered in one walkable area. This made exploring convenient, and the journey itself was a delight, thanks to the vibrant street art lining the streets.
Get ready to be tempted by some delicious food photos below:
1. Gudang Café'
For AJ and I, fans of Japanese cuisine, stumbling upon Gudang Café in George Town felt like hitting the jackpot. Sure, exploring Penang's local food scene was a priority, but this delightful café specializing in Japanese dishes was too good to miss. (Plus, for those who, like me, love to research menus beforehand, Gudang Café was a lifesaver – one of the few with a menu online!)
Link to their menu below:
We both dove into the menu. AJ opted for the Grilled Salmon, while I was drawn to the Teriyaki Chicken.
To complete our meals, we shared a rice bowl, fluffy scrambled eggs, and a warm bowl of miso soup that perfectly complemented both our dishes.
2. OME by Spacebar Coffee
Tucked away in an alleyway, OME café practically bursts with color. A vibrant mural graces the side of the building, while the entrance is partially veiled by lush greenery. This little oasis even boasts a charming seating area – perfect for capturing an Instagram shot.
The friendly staff at OME greeted us like old friends as we stepped through the doorway. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, instantly refreshing. Their selection of coffees was impressive, complemented by a display of mouthwatering baked goods and cakes. Exposed brick walls and inviting lighting created a warm and stylish ambiance.
Shean and Joachim, the owners, offered helpful recommendations. A standard coffee with milk was RM10, while I opted for the double shot at RM14 for a kick and AJ had a rich Iced Chocolate Valrhona (RM13). We intended to keep it light with just coffee, but had to have some freshly baked olive oil loaf. It was light and airy!
3. Daily Dose Café
The Daily Dose Café was especially raved about over their breakfast options so we decided to head there in the morning. The café is situated in Lorong Stewart, George Town. Antique trinkets were on display around the café and it honestly looked more like you are stepping into a house converted into a quaint little café creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Let’s dive into the food, shall we?
The duck dish had an orange marmalade on top which really elevated the whole dish. And you can never go wrong with some fluffy scrambled egg on top of a toast anyway.
The chicken option was equally nice. Tender chicken slices amongst vibrant pumpkin cubes, all drizzled with a balsamic reduction dressing that added a touch of sweet and sour complexity. Crunchy toast served as the base, with some cherry tomatoes and sweet corn.
4. Awesome Canteen
So we actually stumbled upon this café on the way to the Penang Hill. We just wanted to eat something small and light and also chug down a few refreshing drinks because the weather was so humid that day.
They had high ceilings, ambient natural lighting and a semi-open kitchen as well. There was a lot of rustic charm in the place with a lot of exposed brick walls. What I found most interesting about this place was the fact that their menu caters to a range of diets and a lot of healthy options, for example, they had a variety of option for people who follow Paleo lifestyle.
The drink selection was healthy too, in fact. I had the pineapple sage drink and AJ had the Iced Lemon Tea, both great thirst-quenchers!
We both didn't want to eat something too heavy so we thought we would try out their salad options. This was a make-it-yourself salad with an addition of some sliced avocadoes and caramelized onions. The salad dressing is actually a dragon fruit dressing which was sweet and tangy. Absolutely loved this!
5. Urban Daybreak
With a few hours to spare before our departure from Penang, we sought out Urban Daybreak for a final hurrah. And let me tell you, it was the perfect send-off!
I had the "Avocado Smash". Wholegrain toast with homemade guacamole, poached egg and spinach. Loved the cider beetroot puree. It was like Eggs Florentine meets Avocado Toast with a delightful twist.
And then we had the ‘Frenchies Met Spices’. A brioche loaf with strawberries, blueberries and maple drizzle.
It was a sweet and satisfying conclusion to our Penang Adventure!
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