Krave Mee coffee shop
Kopitiams are ubiquitous in Malaysia, and for us, it’s all about the taste. But in recent years, many foodies have started to become more appreciative of the aesthetics and ambience of not just cafes, but also local eateries – case in point, the plethora of modern-day kopitiams that exist in our country.
Krave Mee in George Town, Penang, is another example of a local eatery that doesn’t only pull a crowd for its yummy array of food. With antiques that deck its space – from the walls to ceiling – this cafe is where you can get your fill of cheap comfort food with a side of nostalgia.
Vintage-themed kopitiam with a collection of antiques
Image credit: Christine Wong via Facebook
This new kid on the block, located along the streets of Dato Keramat, is actually an oldie. With its time-warped interior, Krave Mee in Penang epitomises nostalgia.
Spherical pendant lamps help amplify the vibrancy of old-school turquoise wooden tables and chairs in the eatery. Adding to the interior’s already cheerful vibe are traditional door frames that line the earthy walls, acting as whimsical and tasteful backdrops.
The cafe’s characterful space is decorated with retro kitsch – find vintage tricycles hanging casually from the ceilings, as well as colourful bumper cars and flashy old-school posters embellishing the walls. Committed to its yesteryear aesthetic, the cafe even hosts a collection of fascinating antiques such as tins of out-of-production food brands and a whole antique oven.
Image adapted from: Christine Wong via Facebook
Local and western delights
Image credit: William Tan via Google Photos
Krave Mee’s food menu doesn’t stray far from the usual classic kopitiam fare – it’s timeless and comforting in every sense.
Tuck in to a homey meal with their Kerabu Bee Hoon (RM6) – an eclectic rice vermicelli noodle dish with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spice – or the Beef Koay Teow Soup (RM18) if you’re craving for a robust broth to sooth your soul.
A dish that customers would recommend is the Bubur Ayam Krave Mee (RM10) – golden broth steeped with bursting umami flavours, and made cloudy with bits of shiitake mushrooms, eggs, and a hashing of fried garlic shreds for a boast of texture.
Image adapted from: Christine Wong via Facebook
Their Western food items are as old-school as they can get. The Makara’s Grilled Lamb Shoulder (RM28) is a massive plate of New Zealand lamb shoulder that has been heavily marinated with herbs, and accompanied by crinkle-cut fries and vegetables. For more protein-based meals, there’s also the Oma’s Steak (RM28) – the steak is well-seasoned, juicy, moist, and best of all, reasonably priced.
Enjoy a classic kopitiam fare at Krave Mee in Penang
Relatively cheap, fuss-free, and with a charming ambience, Krave Mee in Penang is a vintage-themed kopitiam that checks off all the boxes for a good dine-out meal – while also taking us for a rather wistful trip down memory lane.
Address: 150, Jalan Dato Keramat, 10150 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 017-578 6445
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Cover image adapted from: Christine Wong via Facebook, William Tan via Google Photos