Penang is more than just laksa and colonial charm: it’s also home to a thriving, ever-evolving coffee scene. From minimalist roasteries tucked into heritage buildings to industrial spaces slinging pour-overs and cold brews, this island offers something for every type of coffee lover.
Whether you’re a café hopper on the hunt for your next flat white or someone who just wants a chill spot to read, here’s a guide to the best coffee shops in Penang. It’s complete with what to order, where to go, and why locals and visitors alike keep coming back!
1. Ome by Spacebar Coffee
Tucked away in a quiet corner of George Town, Ome is a coffee sanctuary for the purist. This spot keeps things simple: white walls, wooden accents, and an open brew bar that showcases the baristas’ handiwork. The real star here though, is the rotating menu of single-origin beans, often sourced from micro-lots across Ethiopia, Colombia, and beyond.
Here, everything feels intentional. It’s quiet, clean, and perfect for slowing down with a V60 in hand.
Must-try: Hand-brewed pour-over with Ethiopian beans
Address: 11, Lorong Toh Aka, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang
2. Coffee Lane
Small but mighty, Coffee Lane is the kind of place where you walk in and immediately sense the baristas care deeply about their craft.
The team here is friendly and knowledgeable, ready to recommend beans or brewing styles if you’re unsure.
Inside, the setup is no-frills but cozy. This makes it ideal for grabbing a seat at the counter and chatting coffee. The espresso is always dialed in, and they stock rare beans that you won’t find elsewhere on the island.
Must-try: Flat white made with their custom house blend
Address: 435, Chulia Street, George Town, 10200 Penang
3. The Alley
Located off the main road on Stewart Lane, The Alley is a rustic little café that feels like your cool friend’s living room. Exposed brick walls, vintage décor, and moody lighting make it ideal for quiet catch-ups or rainy afternoon escapes.
Their Spanish latte is creamy, slightly sweet, and the perfect partner for their famous churros. It’s one of those hidden gems that’s grown a cult following—for good reason.
Must-try: Spanish Latte + classic churros with chocolate dip
Address: 5, Stewart Ln, George Town, 10200 Penang
4. Norm Micro Roastery
If you’re into beautiful, open-concept spaces with natural light and plenty of room to stretch out, Norm Micro Roastery should be on your list. Housed in a converted industrial space, it mixes sleek design with exceptional coffee and a full brunch menu.
The baristas are serious about their beans, but the atmosphere is laid-back and inviting. It’s popular with remote workers and brunch seekers alike, so come early for a good seat.
Must-try: Iced oat latte + burnt cheesecake
Address: 13, Gat Lebuh Gereja, George Town, 10300 Penang
5. Constant Gardener Coffee
Right next to the Penang State Art Gallery, Constant Gardener Coffee feels like an extension of the creative space around it. Warm lighting, wooden furniture, and a steady hum of soft music set the tone.
This café serves both espresso and specialty teas, but coffee lovers will appreciate the attention to detail in each brew. It’s not a spot to rush: take your time and savour it.
Must-try: Long black made with Kenyan beans
Address: Ground Floor, The Whiteaways Arcade, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, Penang
6. Macallum Connoisseurs
Set inside a spacious warehouse-style space, Macallum Connoisseurs is part café, part roastery, and all about big, bold flavours. With plenty of seating and a breezy layout, it’s ideal for groups or work sessions.
You can even see their roasters at work behind the counter, and their beans are available to take home. Pair that with a full brunch menu and strong espresso, and you’ve got one of Penang’s top café experiences.
Must-try: Macallum Breakfast + single-origin filter coffee
Address: 1, Gat Lebuh Macallum, George Town, 10300 Penang
7. Lunabarcoffee
This whimsical little café is tucked inside a quiet lane, and it feels more like someone’s beautifully curated home than a commercial space. It’s warm, slow-paced, and has a charming interior with soft lighting and green plants in every corner.
Lunabar focuses on hand-brewed coffee with a rotating selection of beans. Come for a quiet hour and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere: there’s no rush here.
Must-try: Seasonal pour-over + homemade banana bread
Address: 12, Jalan Clove Hall, George Town, 10050 Penang
8. Black Kettle
Part café, part bakery, and all-around crowd-pleaser, Black Kettle offers something for everyone. It’s lively, and always smells like freshly baked croissants. The coffee is also very reliable, the pastries are heavenly, and the service is spot-on.
We say this is the kind of place you bring friends to for weekend brunch or pop into for a quick caffeine fix between shopping.
Must-try: Almond croissant + cappuccino
Address: 105, Beach Street, George Town, 10300 Penang
9. The Daily Dose
The Daily Dose blends old-school Penang charm with modern café vibes. Set in a restored heritage building, it retains its colonial details while serving up crowd-pleasing coffee and food.
It’s always buzzing but never chaotic. That’s why locals love to drop by for their daily fix! Visitors also come for the hearty food and chill vibe.
Must-try: Iced Americano + duck confit sandwich
Address: 36, Stewart Ln, George Town, 10200 Penang
10. OO White Coffee Café
For a truly local experience, OO White Coffee Café brings you the rich, bold flavours of traditional Malaysian white coffee. The café has a sleek, modern interior but still honors the kopitiam roots with classic breakfast sets and old-school vibes.
It’s popular with locals looking for comfort, and the staff are warm and welcoming.
Must-try: Signature white coffee + soft-boiled eggs with kaya toast
Address: 262, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 Penang
11. Chapel Street Café
Chapel Street Café is a newer addition to Penang’s coffee scene but has already made a name for itself with great food, reliable coffee, and a relaxed, neighborhood feel. It’s bright, clean, and modern, making it perfect for family brunch or a casual date.
Their kitchen is no slouch either. Expect generous portions and comforting flavours to go with your latte.
Must-try: Chicken and waffles + hot mocha
Address: 1, Jalan Masjid Negeri, George Town, 11600 Penang
From heritage hideouts to industrial brewhouses, Penang’s café scene is a flavourful mix of old and new. Whether you’re a specialty coffee nerd, or just someone who appreciates a well-pulled espresso, these spots deliver not just good coffee—but good vibes, good service, and a real sense of place.
