Tomorrow English Cafe in Penang
When it comes to breakfast, there’s the classic toast and nasi lemak. There are also the mugs of coffee you’ve been sipping on all the way past lunchtime, claiming that those are all you survive on.
And then there’s the posh brunch we indulge in every once in a while that makes us feel like nothing hits quite the same – especially when it’s a full classic English breakfast that we’re luxuriating in.
England may be home to a good ‘ol fry-up, but Tomorrow English Cafe in Penang is here to make sure that we Malaysians get a taste of some of best. Craving for a change-up from empty morning stomachs, we made a trip to the cafe with tummies rumbling to bring you this review.
Ambience at Tomorrow English Cafe
Brekkies don’t come much more classic than the no-frills Tomorrow English Cafe nestled in Tanjung Bungah’s Lembah Permai, a known mecca of brunch spots in Penang.
The cosy greasy spoon is run by Manchester-graduated owner-chef Chew Qiu Qi who fell in love with her hangout spot back in the city and wanted to replicate the offerings upon returning to Penang.
A word-of-mouth favourite eatery amongst locals and a hit amongst expats, the cafe has patrons flocking over to indulge in hearty English meals in a snug space that’s straightforward in its adornment yet so homely, your meals will taste all that much better.
Wooden tables and chairs fill its space, with ample greenery livening up the muted vibe of the cafe.
In place of extravagant embellishments and ‘Grammable decor, there is a modest section in the cafe that they dub “Tomorrow’s Grocer”, where shelves of homemade offerings are displayed, such as Kombuchas (RM18), dairy products, and an assortment of tea leaves.
We were impressed with the selection of fresh homemade deli goodies stored in the frozen section, containing British sausages (RM30/300gm), thick cut bacons (RM35/300gm) cured for 3-weeks by the owner herself, as well as British goods that are hard to find in Malaysia such as black pudding (RM30/12 pcs) and haggis (RM30/12 pcs).
Right behind the frozen section, the pastry counter flirted with us hard – and we let it. The alluring offerings held within the glass box display are delightfully British, including warm and fluffy scones (RM10), sweet-tart apple crumble (RM20), as well as unctuous treats such as loaded pork pies (RM26) and hefty sausage rolls (RM20).
Food & drinks at Tomorrow English Cafe
Breakfast in this caff is truly an epitome of the phrase “Eat breakfast like a King”. We gawked at the lengthy menu listed with names that we barely ever see at our usual brunch spot, and we most certainly drooled at the description of each.
Whether it’s superior platters of fry-ups you’re planning to feast on or the lighter classics that you want to dig into, know that you’ll inevitably be unbuttoning your pants at the end of it all.
Signature English Breakfast
Unquestionably the real highlight on their menu is the Signature English Breakfast (RM49). It’s a full monty of juicy Lincolnshire sausage, streaky bacons, baked beans, gorgeously grilled globe tomatoes and potatoes, sauteed button mushrooms, and poached eggs – all perfectly cooked and presented that it almost feels like a crime to eat them.
We had the option to include some add-ons to the already packed dish, and as we were feeling extra adventurous in this Brit culinary journey, we asked for the black pudding (RM10).
The breakfast came out looking like a spectacle. Notably its centrepiece is the a gargantuan yorkshire pudding that acts as a stage for the rest of the temptations to lay upon.
The savoury bready pancake was simply delightful too – swelled edges that are ridiculously crisp and softer centres that had a slight chew which sponged up every single aromatic grease from the components of the dish.
Our only carp – and no one’s fault but ours – was the black pudding that we tried our utmost best to love, but cannot deny that we were not particularly fond of. To describe its taste to the curious who are still apprehensive about actually tasting them, the slices had the texture of extremely crumbly cookies with an iron-y metallic tang that left us feeling squeamish after a few nibbles.
Overall, the breakfast platter was coronary-inducing, yes, but glorious, for sure.
Banger With Mash
Enticement abounds in this very simple and very classic dish – Banger with Mash (RM26). The quintessential English dish showed us what the ideal comfort food was with succulent wurst jam-packed with outstandingly flavoured and spiced meat, laying atop a bed of luscious mashed potatoes, and drenched in rich gravy.
Sausages and spuds may sound plain, but this hearty dish sure was smashin’.
Sea Salt Hot Chocolate
Yes, we know, there is nary a Brit who would say no to a warm cup of tea and it is a shame we skipped out on a steaming pot.
But the cafe’s Sea Salt Chocolate (RM13) is a signature, so we’d be remiss to not give it a try – and boy, were we glad we did.
Unlike most hot chocolate which goes heavy on the intensity of the cocoa, this one is lighter and reminiscent of the ones you’ll get at an old-school cafe, but it certainly isn’t any less dreamy. It’s presentation certainly isn’t showy, but what makes this drink so good is the sprinkling of sea salt in the hot cocoa.
Every sip is notably thick, smooth and velvety, and jazzed-up by the satisfying hit of saltiness that makes the drink so incredibly more-ish.
The verdict
We have to say, tucking into the meals at Tomorrow English Cafe left us feeling chuffed to bits, and happily full. If you fancy a pleasant brunch spot where you can relish in Lady Whistledown-esque tea with your friends over hearty meals that are as decadent as they are authentic, give this greasy spoom a try, you will not be displeased.
Dishing out some of England’s most ubiquitous fare, the eatery is the place to have that leisurely brunch with friends, with the promise of a food coma after.
Address: 37, Lebuh Lembah Permai 1, 10200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang
Opening hours: Fri – Wed 8.30am-8.30pm (Closed on Thursdays)
Contact: Tomorrow English Cafe’s website | Facebook | Instagram
For more food features, here’s Dream Burger, muslim-friendly burgers at Hin Bus Depot and Wu Wei Tea, chinese tea-flavoured ice cream in Penang.
Photography by Jia-Ju.
Cover image adapted from:The Smart Local Malaysia.