Loong Fong Cafe in Penang
Modern cafes and global chain restaurants may be dominating the culinary scene in Malaysia, but nothing can truly ever top our deep-seated love for good ol’ kopitiams. These old-school restaurants hold a special place in the hearts of most Malaysians with their sense of warmth, community, and timeless ritual of coming together over a humble cup of kopi.
Gladly embracing the best of both worlds is Loong Fong Cafe in Penang, a contemporary retro-decorated kopitiam serving hawker fare and also housing a cosy vintage accessories store on its second floor.
We recently visited the cafe to be whisked away by fond memories of Malaysian kopitiam culture.
Modern-day kopitiam with local meals
The labyrinthine alleys of George Town hold an amalgamation of quaint modern cafes and heritage shoplots. Loong Fong Cafe is a haven that weaves together in perfect harmony the timeless and the timely.
Stepping in, we found the atmosphere buzzing with the similar vivacity of a typical kopitiam – the hum of conversations, the clinking of porcelain cups, and the ripe scent of brewed coffee and toasted bread mingling in the air.
We were enfolded in a familiar embrace of nostalgia instantly with the cafe’s purposeful retro interior and decorations that fully encapsulated the bygone era of Chinese heritage.
Rustic and traditional with an understated charm, the cafe has countless antiques and furnishings that serve as a gateway to an era of the past – there are simple wooden furnishings reminiscent of a humble kopitiam, calligraphy strokes adorning furnishings, and old-school posters embroidering the walls.
Antique display cabinets housed an assortment of relics from the bygone days, delicate porcelain figurines, as well as intricately painted teaware.
Food at Loong Fong Cafe
Eager to get our fill of comforting local brunch, we scanned the menu that offered a fusion of classic and modern dishes, and placed our orders.
The dishes came in no time at all, each placed hastily on the green motif tables before the waiter scurried away to answer to another called-out order – the restaurant was packed when we visited.
For a quintessential local breakfast fare, we could not forgo the classic coffee and kaya toast combo. The Yuan Yang (RM4.90) came served in the typical ceramic kopitiam cup and saucer, the brewed coffee and black tea concoction frothing comfortingly.
The warm coffee made a heavenly pair with the Kaya Butter Toast (RM4.90), which bore enticing char lines from the grill and oozed with the smotherings of salted butter and kaya.
For a latter-day twist on a brunch meal, we couldn’t resist the Scrambled Egg & Cheese Croissant (RM14.90), which came alluringly stuffed with its promised fillings. Upon biting into it, the croissant layers shattered and tore satisfyingly, with every mouthful not devoid of the luscious egg and cheese wadded in between.
In the spirit of being true Malaysians, our mains were no-brainer picks. Packed with flavours of the butterfly-pea stained and coconut-infused rice, and a succulent chicken coated in crispy and fragrant rempah, the Nasi Lemak Chicken Rempah (RM15.90) was everything we expected it to be – simple and lovable.
No less impressive is the Penang Char Koay Teow (RM12.90) that came with glistening ribbons of rice noodles latticing thick scrambled eggs and strips of spring onion. Impressively pulpy prawns completed the dish, which tasted as incredible as it looked.
Vintage store that sells jewellery & home living goods
Loong Fong Cafe houses a home living store called Somtone Studio on its second floor. Head up the rickety staircase after your meal, and you’ll be greeted by a vintage-looking space carrying a wide range of home living items and antiquated accessories.
All proudly handmade by local skilled artisans, the products available here range from handcrafted rattan and wooden kitchenware, timeless kitchenware, and even pet accessories.
Take your time to browse through the assortment of jewellery and ornamental vanity accessories displayed on weathered shelves, each boasting intricate designs so mesmerising you’ll be spoilt for choices.
Relish in the nostalgia at Loong Fong Cafe
A culinary gem that can give us that Insta-worthy cafe shot, along with a plate of char koay teow, is an instant win in our books.
Whenever you crave to relish in some good local fare within the comforts of a modern cafe, head over to Loong Fong Cafe in Penang – rest assured that you’ll get your fill of aesthetics, good food and nostalgia.
Address: 249, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Fri – Wed 8am-4pm (Closed on Thursdays)
Contact: 011-1718 6367
For more food features, here’s Penang Famous Samosa, a Michelin-approved stall with samosas in Little India and Komorebi Dining in Penang that has Kyoto-style Kappo dining.
Photography by Jia-Ju.
Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local Malaysia
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