Penang coffee shops
Penang is an island with plenty of hidden gems, be it for its hawker food haunts or quaint cafes. Its coffee culture has been thriving in recent years, too. Find coffee roasters and hole-in-the-wall coffee shops cropping up around town, where award-winning baristas work up their magic behind coffee machines.
With the myriad of old and new speciality coffee shops in Penang these days, it isn’t hard to find a decent cup of coffee in any cafe. To help you narrow down your options, here are 11 coffee shops in Penang that should not be missed if you’re serious about your daily cup of joe.
Table of Contents
1. Ome by Spacebar Coffee
Hand-brewed drip coffee
Image credit: @ong_suki via Instagram
Nestled within a labyrinth of heritage houses in George Town, Ome by Spacebar Coffee was once a hidden pride among its regulars. Now, you’ll see a line snaking along an alleyway that leads to the cafe’s gorgeous verdant entrance – garlands of green, leafy tendrils bestrewn with flowers drooping over the doorway.
In 2025, Ome was one of three Malaysian names that were recognised on an inaugural list of the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops in 2025, landing the 56th spot.
Inside, the cafe has a reassuringly homely feel with brick walls, lush leafy plants, and a rustic coffee bar.
Image adapted from: @maggie19c, @arhzhen via Instagram
Speciality coffees are Ome’s forte, with light- and medium-roasted beans sourced from local and international roasters on rotation. Fret not if you aren’t well-versed in the types of beans and their aromas, as knowledgeable baristas here are always willing to offer drink suggestions.
The coffees are simple, but well-executed and brewed with great precision. Served in a 6oz cup with a single espresso shot, the White Coffee (RM11) here is satisfyingly light and smooth, with a hint of sweetness from milk. Else, choose from a selection of beans and revel in the melange of flavours as you sip on their Hand Brew (from RM21), the aftertaste a gratifying finish.
Image credit: @bloop.eats via Instagram
While this friendly coffee joint is everything you would hope for from a quaint neighbourhood cafe, the space has limited seats – so do note that dining is limited to an hour per group of patrons, if you happen to drop by on a busy morning.
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2. Forest Cloud Coffee Roasters
Coffee roastery with coffee kombucha
Image credit: @forestcloudbev via Instagram
More than just a chic cafe, Forest Cloud Coffee Roasters is a spacious coffee shop, roastery, and experience store – a combination of a coffee academy, R&D coffee lab, and even a coffee machine “clinic”.
Sleek, airy, and light, this cafe makes a wonderful pitstop for freshly roasted coffee made with their own in-house blend. Snag a seat by the window, where you can watch the bustle of central George Town as you idle your time away with a cup of coffee.
Image adapted from: @jerriexlim, @forestcloudbev via Instagram
At a cafe where the roasting process happens right at the back of the store, having a cup of their Espresso (RM12) is the best way to sample their variety of roasts. Or go for the simple White Coffee (RM14) – nothing like a strong, expertly pulled coffee to awaken your senses.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try their speciality beverages such as Miyama Matcha Latte (RM19). Sourced directly from Kyoto, the tea used in the drinks is packed with deeply soothing earthy notes and umami flavours.
Image adapted from: @forestcloudbev via Instagram
While you can purchase drinks and desserts at the counter, a part of the cafe is reserved for serious coffee drinkers who want to shop for roasted beans, tea collections, as well as coffee equipment and machines.
If you aren’t living in Penang, Forest Cloud also delivers their products throughout Peninsular Malaysia. They’ve also recently opened a branch in Petaling Jaya.
Image credit: @maggie19c via Instagram
3. Constant Gardener Coffee
Tranquil space with zen vibes
Image credit: @brewdepartment via Instagram
Housed in the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce Building, Constant Gardener Coffee is a long-established coffee haven and a favourite spot for locals to refuel when exploring the streets of George Town.
Unlike many cafes that are the buzz of the town for a short while before disappearing, this spot has become a mainstay in Penang’s coffee scene, consistently serving up quality brews with excellent service.
Image adapted from: Constant Gardener Coffee via Facebook, @ooowenong via Instagram
This sliver of a cafe oozes zen vibes – warm auburn planks cover the coffee counters and tables, while a wall of potted plants embellish the space. Serene and comfortable – and with plenty of available plug points around the cafe – many linger over hushed conversations in the cosy corners of this coffee shop, while others sip on their drinks quietly as they read or write.
Expect the order the usuals here – including rich Lattes (from RM14) and perfectly pulled shots of Espresso (RM11). While their brews are topnotch, customers rave about their luscious hot chocolate drinks too, such as the signatures Gardeners Iced Chocolate (RM16) or Gardener’s Dark Magic (from RM15).
Image credit: @cariesty_lim_ via Instagram
4. ae Coffee
Woodsy cafe with savoury croissants
Image credit: @jd_chang via Instagram
Ae Coffee is a pint-sized cafe that’s tucked on a quiet lane of Lebuh Clarke, just far enough away from the bustling main roads – you’ll be able to squeeze into a narrow table and be extremely content for the rest of the day there.
Image adapted from: @jd_chang, @thisismintsmories via Instagram
The cafe is awash with a homely charm, with its weathered wooden interiors, vintage window shutters, and mismatched furnishings. The snug refuge is a carefully orchestrated blend of rustic charm and understated elegance – find shelves containing knick-knacks, potted plants decking corners of the space, and quirky posters on the walls.
Image credit: @steve.c_98 via Instagram
The team that runs this quaint coffee shop is nothing if not devoted to the art of making quality cups of coffee – they are the 1st runner up of the Penang Barista Competition. The beverages are crafted to your exact preference with the coffee bean flavour profiles and the type of milk in your lattes, so you can get your hopes high about having your ideal cup of joe here.
Image adapted from: @rawmoment.s, @leeqin via Instagram
Their pour-over coffees, black (from RM11) and white (from RM12), use seasonal single-origin beans, with picks like Costa Rica Al Esmeralda blend with a sweet, fruity taste, and the Kenya Nyeri Gakuyu AA with nutty undertones. Caffeine or not, anything off the menu will warm your belly, including a simple warm Mocha (from RM14) or a rich Dark Chocolate (from RM15).
5. Slow Coffee Person Coffee Bar
Pick-me-up coffee shop
Image credit: @slowcoffeeperson via Instagram
Much like how tiny Penang is one of the world’s best culinary destinations, Slow Coffee Person Coffee Bar is a petite cafe that is not to be underestimated when it comes to brews.
The compact joint is a bit of a hipster haven with its stripped walls, warm red-tiled floors, mahogany tables and chairs, and a space illuminated with natural light from the open windows. The smattering of coffee equipment and drinkware that crowd the rustic shelves and the lush plants that are scattered about give the cafe an artfully chaotic vibe.
Image adapted from: @phuean.lak.ma via Instagram
For a coffee house on the small side, their offerings are impressive. They take pride in their hand-poured filter coffee (from RM20) with seasonal selections of Costa Rica, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Colombia coffee beans.
Image adapted from: @iris.nihao, slowcoffeeperson via Instagram
The cafe’s steamy cups of coffee are complemented by a short and sweet menu of homemade bakes, such as Chocolate Brownie Cubes (RM14/pc) and their weekend special Canelés (RM15/pc).
Image adapted from: @slowcoffeeperson via Instagram
6. Wells Cafe
A cafe that originated in Taiwan
Image credit: @wuei_loon via Instagram
Originating and founded in Taiwan back in 2013, Wells Cafe has since found a home in Penang.
Their revamped two-storey space at Hin Bus Depot is a mix of modern and retro. It is predominantly contemporary, but has traditional touches such as dark wood panels, wooden communal seats, old-school furnishings, tall leafy plants, and ample natural light that give the cafe a down-to-earth vibe.
Image adapted from: @maggie19c, @ong_suki via Instagram
The cafe takes pride in their thorough roasting and brewing processes, specialising in light roasting with two distinct styles – Traditional Japanese, which creates a sweet and complex brew, and Modern Nordic, which has a balanced, bright and fruity flavour profile.
In-the-know coffee fans will be delighted by their extensive coffee options, made with a blend of the week and served black (from RM11), white (from RM13), or dirty (from RM16). They also have a selection of filter coffee (from RM18) prepared several different ways, including with a V60, Japanese KONO, and Kanazawa Ice pour-over style for distinct and intense notes.
Image credit: @jonbongg via Instagram
While customers enjoy the fruit of the roast upstairs, the ground floor of the cafe is where their baristas go about their business behind the coffee bar, and brewing equipment is displayed.
From packets of house blends that line the shelves to the cafe’s own kitsch and merchandise – such as tote bags and tumblers – you can spend some time browsing through their small retail corner for anything that you might fancy.
Image credit: @jsm0998 via Instagram
7. Reframe Coffee Roastery
On-site coffee roastery
Image credit: @batugotravel via Instagram
The pocket-sized Reframe Coffee Roasters may don an unassuming shopfront, but the cafe has undoubtedly some of the best beans and brews on the island.
Here, you’ll find yourself among a community of friendly coffee enthusiasts, baristas-in-training, and cafe regulars – all of whom will chat up a storm with you, especially when it comes to geeking out about anything coffee.
Image adapted from: @se.ketika via Instagram
The baristas here take their coffee seriously. Besides sourcing some of the best beans from around the world, the small-but-mighty cafe has an on-site coffee roastery where their in-house beans are roasted and later used to serve expertly-brewed speciality coffee.
Their menu is blissfully straightforward. If you’re looking to properly experience their blends, go for a quality cup of brilliantly-pulled Espresso (RM8), Black Coffee (RM8), or White Coffee (RM10). They rotate single origins daily, so don’t hesitate to approach the helpful baristas for customisations and recommendations.
Image credit: @where.i.drink via Instagram
Less-caffeinated options include delicate Hojo Tea (RM12) selections or a creamy Chai Latte (RM12) served with non-dairy milk.
Image credit: @loft.67 via Instagram
Their coffee beans are supplied to a number of cafes in Penang, and are available for orders on their website as well.
8. Sweetbar Cafe
Minimalist coffee pit-stop
Image credit: @sweetbarcafe_ via Instagram
Beckoning those seeking solace in simplicity, Sweetbar Cafe is a minimalist coffee haven that’s dedicated to providing comfort with both the ambience and their coffee.
Upon entering the coffee shop, patrons are enveloped in an atmosphere of calm, with its neutral tones, simple furnishings and an absence of clutter. A single, impeccably designed cement bar spans the length of the space where the baristas transform coffee beans into elegant creations.
Image adapted from: @sweetbarcafe_, @chunchun_coffee via Instagram
The absence of unnecessary adornments directs cafe-goers’ attention to what truly matters – the craftsmanship of the coffee. Their menu is a pared-down one that consists of filter coffee (from RM18), espresso (RM10), black (RM11), white (RM13), and affogato (RM15).
Each drink is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, including the non-caffeine ones such as Matcha Latte (RM15), Hojicha Latte (RM15) and Dark Chocolate (RM15).
Image adapted from: @sweetbarcafe_, @shuyeee via Instagram
You can also nosh on their baked goods if you prefer having your cup of joe with a side of something sweet, such as their Basque Burnt Cheesecake (RM24/slice) or a slab of their rich brownies (RM16/each).
Image credit: @_zz.01_ via Instagram
9. Lunabar Coffee
Cafe for plant & coffee lovers
Image credit: @eatswithjojo_ via Instagram
Lunabar Coffee is housed in a white building, located on a quiet street where there’s a stretch of residential houses and small offices. Without any obvious signs, you might easily miss out on this cafe, if not for its immensely verdant entrance.
The dense jungle of leafy plants takes up the entire front, except for a slight partition as a walkway leading to the cafe.
Image credit: @deerang_625 via Instagram
Inside, it is no less green. This neighbourhood coffee shop feels more like a friend’s cosy home, with simple furnishings, mini bookshelves, random knick-knacks and collectables, as well as smatterings of plants at almost every corner of the space.
You might even spot a few furry felines slinking about the cafe.
Image adapted from: @eatswithjojo_ via Instagram & @shaherazahari via Instagram
The cafe’s uncomplicated menu comprises amazing beverages that use freshly-roasted beans. Their speciality would be their filter coffee (from RM23) – but they make a mean White Coffee (RM15) as well.
Don’t hesitate to ask the friendly baristas about their seasonal beans, which vary quite often.
Image credit: @wendywonderstruck via Instagram
Lunabar Coffee hosts pop-up stores that sell books and clothes, typically every other weekend. So drop by to spend hours browsing for items and sipping on coffee at the cafe.
10. The Alley
Speciality coffee by award-winning baristas
Image credit: @psylancer via Instagram
It is easy to walk right past The Alley and its modest facade. But locals would know that the old-school shoplot is actually home to an OG Penang cafe. Simply look out for a sign that reads Kedai Gaharu Keat Seang, and keep your fingers crossed for available seats at this popular shoebox-sized cafe.
The Alley is a homey haven and a vintage treasure trove.
Image adapted from: @thealleypenang via Instagram & @tqzzzzzz via Instagram
One sip of their coffee and you’ll see how this cafe stood the test of time.
With a team of professional baristas who snagged second place in the Malaysia Brewers Cup 2022, their brews and pulls will not disappoint coffee connoisseurs. Sample their best with Pour-overs (RM17) or Cold Brew (RM14), made with single-origins. To try their house blends, you might fancy a Piccolo (RM11) or Cold Brew White (RM16).
Image adapted from: @thealleypenang, @thealleypenang via Instagram
Non-coffee drinkers will find their Single Origin Chocolate (RM16) a more-ish cup, and the Uji Matcha (RM16) a pleasantly earthy and sleekly sweet drink.
Image credit: @jhphotography_95 via Instagram
The Alley isn’t just known for their coffee – they whip up crowd-favourite Churros (RM15). These sticks of fried fritters are dusted in toppings like Oreo, cookie crumble, or kong tng, and served with a dip of your choice. Their Supreme Burnt Cheesecake (RM19), a silky and velvety beauty, is another winner among customers.
11. R Coffee Co.
Cafe tucked away in a guesthouse
Image credit: @psylancer via Instagram
R Coffee Co. is a sleek coffee shop tucked away inside a guesthouse – The Frame.
The cafe’s roomy space oozes contemporary minimalism with a clean and airy interior that brings in plenty of natural light – the perfect respite from the hustle and heat of George Town. They use their space well, too. There are plenty of seating areas, a simple barista bar, and even a small, tranquil courtyard.
Image adapted from: @maggie19c via Instagram
Though they are new to the coffee scene in Penang, R Coffee Co. is not a cafe to be overlooked. The baristas are professional when it comes to brewing – you can taste the expertise in their coffee.
Choose from single-origin beans or their house blend for their coffee drinks. Their Espresso (from RM9) will give you a satisfyingly bitter kick, while Flat White (from RM13) has the right amount of nuttiness and milkiness.
Image adapted from: @ooowenong via Instagram
Non-coffee drinkers can order iced drinks, such as Sparkling Black Tea (RM15), or Matcha Lemon Tonic (RM16), which is an uncanny but surprisingly refreshing concoction.
Image credit: @carmenbeloved via Instagram
If you’re feeling peckish, pick a sweet treat from the glass display right by the counter. Favourite choices among patrons are the Niko Neko Matcha Cream Cheese Pound or Valrhona Dark Chocolate Pound (RM15/slice), each served with a cascade of soft cream, freshly whipped upon request.
[Closed] 15Grams
Baking studio with takeaway coffees & cakes
Image credit: @sum_jinyi via Instagram
Penangites have likely heard of 15Grams. When talking about coffee shops in Penang, this spot is often brought up by coffee lovers. The cafe recently halted their business in the midst of moving to a new space, leaving regulars longing for a sip of their brews again.
Now hidden in the backstreets of a residential neighbourhood – in a garage, to be precise – 15Grams has been converted into a baking studio with a takeaway coffee counter, so regulars can still swing by for coffee, which is still as good as ever.
Image adapted from: 15Grams
While their new ordering procedure might take an order or two for some getting used to, the ingenuity of this grab-and-go will have you picking up your daily cup of joe here due to the convenience of it.
To order, simply click on the link on their IG page and cart your coffee or dessert picks. Once your payment is through – voilà, your steaming cup of coffee will be ready for you when you arrive at the desired time. Delivery options are available as well.
Image adapted from: 15Grams
There is a mix of old favourites and new beverages on their revamped coffee menu. Of the many bestsellers they have, we recommend Black Angel (RM15) – an iced black coffee with a foamy layer of their special in-house cream on top, making the coffee smoother than it already is.
Their Level Latte (RM13) is also a crowd-favourite – a 4oz cup of intense espresso is elevated with a splash of cold cream and milk.
Image adapted from: 15Grams
Non-coffee drinkers can go for the rich Hojicha (RM14) or Matcha (RM14). But if iced beverages are more to your speed, we recommend their soda drinks such as Raspberry Summer (RM16) and Matcha Lemon Fizz (RM15).
While their drinks are a highlight, their bakes are adored by customers as well. Find Korean-style roll cakes on their menu for RM18 per slice. Flavours include Orange Passionfruit, Black Sesame, and Pandan Sweet Potato, all as impressive to behold as they are delicious to eat.
15Grams accepts whole cake orders as well.
[Closed] TEMU Coffee
Modern coffee bar with signature espresso drinks
Image adapted from: @temucoffee.my, @davinzi_code via Instagram
Exuding an air of chic confidence that sets it apart from its heritage surroundings, TEMU Coffee serves as a spot for friends to temu – which means “meet” in Malay – and linger over quality brews.
Perfectly positioned on Lebuh Melayu, the contemporary cafe draws you inside with its forest-green foliage exterior and airy windows. Its sleek exterior – characterised by monochromatic hues, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and polished metal accents – exudes an air of urban sophistication that’ll make you feel like the coolest cafe-goer.
Grab a seat at one of their ensemble of angular metallic chairs and choose from a range of single-origin beans when you order their Filter Coffee (RM17).
To sweeten your day, opt for their signature drinks such as the milky cinnamon-infused Temu Coffee (RM16) that comes with a lush dollop of soft cream. The Black Forest Cacao (RM18) is a mighty cup of robust chocolate, made lighter with the tang of homemade strawberry puree.
Image adapted from: @haha_loh, @temucoffee.my via Instagram
Apart from serving fine cups of coffee, TEMU Coffee knows just how to bring out the sharpness of their coffee by pairing it with a substantial offering of pastries and desserts. The Croffles (from RM10) make for a toothsome bite while the Burnt Cheese Cake (RM15/slice) contributes to the decadence of a satisfactory snack.
[Closed] Little Collins Street Cafe
A welcoming European-style cafe
Image adapted from: @littlecollinsstreetcafe via Instagram
Reminiscent of a cafe tucked in the cobblestoned heart of England, Little Collins Street is a treat for Instagrammers and coffee-loving customers alike.
Step into the quintessentially English cafe, with its old-school tiled floors and French bistro rattan chairs, and you’ll feel worlds away from the busy streets of George Town. The cafe is packed with Parisian references, including an antique grandfather clock and a collection of European paintings framed on their walls.
Image credit: @aroundthecoffeeshops via Instagram
While the cafe’s ambience pulls a good crowd during the weekends, it isn’t just the aesthetics that make the cafe worth a visit. Their extensive drink menu boasts the usual caffeine choices as well as a decent selection of speciality lattes that’ll appeal to casual and curious coffee drinkers.
A strong cup of Black Coffee (RM10) or Flat White (RM11) are some go-to favourites. But we recommend the Rose Latte (RM12), or Affogato (RM16), which will settle both your dessert and coffee cravings.
The barista bar holds a fairly large display of tempting sweet treats and light pastries – it’ll be hard to turn a blind eye towards them. Like their IG-worthy interiors, these homemade bakes are just as eye-pleasing.
Some of the standouts are the gorgeously crisp Cream Cheese Croissants (RM8). Their massive Cookies (RM10) – Chocolate Chip, Matcha, Red Velvet, and Chocolate Peanut Butter – are so decadent, one could be considered a meal in itself.
Penang coffee shops for a caffeine kick
A great cup of coffee has become an essential part of Penang’s food and cafe culture. So it’s no surprise that there’s an abundance of cafes on the island, which caffeine enthusiasts frequent and coffee connoisseurs would approve of.
Be it in-house roasted beans, excellent drip coffee, speciality beverages, soothing ambience or decadent desserts, this list of cafes in Penang for coffee lovers has the locals’ stamps of approval.
Other food places to check out in Penang:
- P.66, a minimalist cafe hidden in a stationery shop
- Dear You, a hidden Korean-inspired cafe with DIY toasts
- Level 2 Coffee & Food, an industrial cafe with an outdoor campsite
Cover image adapted from: @ooowenong, @ong_suki, @jonbongg via Instagram
This article was first published on 20th September 2022, and was last updated on 24th February 2026.