Breakfast In The Fort: Brunch Spot Within Fort Cornwallis In Penang

Breakfast In The Fort

Picture this – it’s a weekend morning and the weather is gorgeous…but your usual buttered toast just won’t cut it to kickstart your day. In any case, an outdoor brunch is always a good idea. And if you would like to take it a notch further, having your first meal at a historical treasure is definitely worth getting out of bed for.

Breakfast In The Fort in Penang is a charming cafe spot that’s nestled within the grounds of the monumental Fort Cornwallis. If you like your muffins with a side of living history or your coffee garnished with the golden days of yore, this quaint breakfast spot will be right up your alley.

Brunch in a historical site

Image credit: @conniesimplelife

Once a military base where British officers resided, now a serene ground wherein stands a small brunch joint. As explained in its name, Breakfast In The Fort is a breakfast spot that’s on the grounds of Fort Cornwallis – a historical defensive fortress built on Penang island way back during the British occupation in then-Malaya.

Breakfast In The Fort - entrance

Visitors have to pay an entrance fee to visit Fort Cornwallis, but if you’re there for breakfast, just inform the guard that you’re headed for the cafe, and you’ll be let in without a fee.

The breakfast spot is located on your right as soon as you enter. Run from a food truck, the kitchen-cum-coffee bar is housed in an adorable black caravan where you can see the baristas busying themselves with orders.

Image credit: @conniesimplelife

There’s something magical and soothing about their al-fresco seating. Sprawled out on rolling greens are plenty of seats that provide the perfect perch for you to enjoy a picnic-style brunch.

Image adapted from: @fort_breakfast & @fort_breakfast

You won’t have to worry too much about the scorching sun either – the profusion of lush greenery provides a canopy-like shade for patrons, so you’ll be able to enjoy the refreshing outdoors and the surrounding colonial structures, without feeling suffocated by the heat.

Image adapted from: @fort_breakfast & @fort_breakfast

The best part about brunching at a place of immense historical significance – apart from the food – is perhaps the view of the various unique structures and buildings that you’ll be treated to as you eat. Each with a rich past and history, they also make great subjects and backdrops for stunning photographs and Instagram shots.

English breakfast in a British colonial site

Image credit: @fort_breakfast

Reflect on the location’s rich history as you dine on your meals, each one with a story to serve.

Brunches always mean big breakfast platters, which you’ll be delighted to find that this spot serves numerous options of. The classic Fort Big Breakfast (RM22.80) consists of ham, baked beans, toast, roasted potatoes and mushroom ragu – a stellar first meal of the day.

Breakfast In The Fort - dishes
Image adapted from: @fort_breakfast & @fort_breakfast

If fluffy carbs are what you crave in the mornings, go for the Egg Benedict (RM20.80) and savour in the luscious avocado smash doused in the creamy yolk of the poached egg and hollandaise sauce, all atop fragrant sourdough muffins.

There’s also a range of pastas on their menu, including their specialty Chicken Meatball Spaghetti (RM18.80) and Smoked Duck Carbonara (RM18.80).

Image credit: @fort_breakfast

Don’t forget the essential brunch item, a good cup of joe. Order a Dolce Latte (RM11.80) or a warm Mocha (RM11.80) to accompany you on a mini exploration of the historic landscape. If you’re looking for a drink that’ll cool you down in the warm outdoors, there’s the Avocado Gula Melaka Ice Blended (RM13.80) and a variety of Kombucha (RM18.00) for a boost of health.

Image credit: @fort_breakfast

Breakfast In The Fort in Penang

If you’re a history buff – and hungry – drop by Breakfast In The Fort for a hearty breakfast fare with a dash of yesteryear charm. After all, where better to sip on a coffee and soak up local culture at the same time than in a monumental site of Malaysia.

Address: Fort Cornwallis, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Sun – Mon, 7.30am-2pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 012-454 6666 | Breakfast In The Fort Facebook | Instagram