The 11 Most Instagrammable Cafes in Penang That’ll Make Your Feed Pop (and Stop People from Scrolling)!
I’ve always seen Penang as the more artsy destination among all the states in Malaysia, thanks to its selection of beautiful street murals. Recently, I’ve noticed that these pieces of art aren’t the only things capturing the lens of visitors, but also the state’s Instagrammable cafes!
Back then, I visited cafes to enjoy my favourite drink and escape my daily grind, but today, I can’t leave without taking a bunch of photos. Kudos to the cafe owners as well, who stepped up their game and built beautiful and peaceful spots for coffee lovers and photographers alike.
As much as I have my favourites, however, I try to discover new ones to add to my list of go-tos, which led me to make this list! Continue reading to find your next coffee date spot with your friends, partner, or yourself!
Norm Micro Roastery
– Media credit: norm.micro.roastery
Address: 13, Gat Lebuh Gereja
Contact details: +60 16-730 8660
Operating hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Cost: $$
Norm Micro Roastery immediately captured our hearts due to its minimalist yet beautiful all-white theme. It’s only made better with the addition of light wooden tables and chairs, as well as the greenery, most notably the tree in the middle of the cafe.
The white brick walls are just begging to be used as a backdrop for your self-portrait or food and drink photos! Speaking of, all their offerings are presented beautifully as well, such as their deconstructed buttermilk waffles, which come complete with flower petals and rum raisins.
Their hot latte is also a perfect example, as it never leaves the counter without some form of foam art. In fact, all of their drinks look pretty to the point where you don’t want to touch them to avoid messing up the art, but then again, you’ll be missing out on amazing flavours!
Pro tip:
Before or after enjoying your cup of joe, we recommend stopping by the Wonderfood Museum, where you can take photos of lifelike replicas of your favourite dishes!
Macallum Connoisseurs
– Media credit: macallumcoffee
Address: 140, Burmah Road
Contact details: +60 4-261 3597
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
Macallum Connoisseurs is one of the largest cafes in Penang, which means more space for taking photos! From the moment you see its huge windows and glass doors, you will get a glimpse of the warm and cosy vibes that await you on the inside.
We love the overall white and wood motif it has going on, with some sprinkles of green plants here and there. Plus, thanks to its spacious area, you’ll never have to worry about other people photobombing your shots!
What impressed us the most, however, was their food because aside from looking like a dish presented by Gordon Ramsey himself, they tasted spectacular! A perfect example of this is their seafood pasta, which features massive prawns that would put seafood restaurants to shame.
Pro tip:
Follow their official Instagram to discover their upcoming and ongoing promotions. They’ll sometimes hold BOGOs, as well as free drinks with any meal ordered, so keep an eye out!
Urban Daybreak
– Media credit: rocky.goldenbaby
Address: 34, Lebuh Bishop
Contact details: +60 4-229 9835
Operating hours: Daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Cost: $$$
Urban Daybreak brings the flavour of Australian coffee and brunch to Penang, all while offering a laid-back vibe. This vibe can be attributed to the beautiful stone beach house motif it has, and the amount of natural sunlight that enters through the roof throughout the day.
Of course, the dishes also play a huge role, as they’ll immediately make you feel at home and satisfy your tummies at the same time, which is rare these days. You can’t go wrong with any of their brunch specials, but if we have to choose one, the big breakfast takes the cake.
In true Australian fashion, you can also enjoy various types of tartines or toast, such as avocado and ricotta cheese, mushrooms and egg, or pulled pork. Their drink selection is also impressive, boasting milk-based, espresso-based, and fruit-based beverages.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for the most Instaworthy spot in the cafe, we recommend heading to the second-floor hallway! It features beautiful natural lighting, a charming patterned rug, and wooden window slats.
Kopi Hutan
– Media credit: kopihutan.pg
Address: Bukit Bendera
Contact details: +60 12-428 9585
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $-$$
Kopi Hutan immediately earned a spot on this list because it’s one of the few cafes in Penang that doubles as a nature retreat destination. Located in a lush garden amidst Bukit Bendera’s rainforest, you’ll have a hard time not finding an Instagrammable corner in this cafe!
Meanwhile, the interior of the cafe is as humble as it gets, featuring wooden boards, rickety chairs, exposed bricks, etc. They’re all part of what makes this place charming, though, but we still recommend grabbing an al-fresco seat.
Although their coffee and tea selection is a bit more limited than we like, they make up for it by offering amazing desserts. For instance, you can either opt for the classic espresso-based tiramisu or enjoy a creamy Basque burnt cheesecake—there’s no wrong answer!
Pro tip:
Before proceeding to Kopi Hutan, be sure to stop by The Habitat at Penang Hill first! It’s one of the top attractions of the state, offering a pristine nature preserve filled with interesting flora and fauna.
Utoo Boho Cafe & Patisserie
– Media credit: utoo.bohocafe
Address: 156, Victoria St.
Contact details: +60 12-423 7147
Operating hours: daily from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Cost: $$
As you may have gleaned from its name, Utoo Boho Cafe & Patisserie features an overall bohemian theme, as seen with its eclectic rugs, white cloths and wooden furniture. If you’ve ever dreamt of going to Coachella back in 2014 to 2016, you’ll know why this cafe is on this list!
It’s the perfect spot to take dreamy Instagrammable photos, and the best part is that their food and drinks deliver as well! This isn’t one of those cafes where you’ll only be paying for the vibes, as you’ll also get to indulge in delicious and beautifully designed cakes.
Their coffee and matcha series are unmatched as well, offering perfectly balanced flavours of milk, espresso, and green tea. Speaking of, you can also order a matcha fondue, complete with fruits and biscuits to dip in rich and flavourful green tea.
Pro tip:
We recommend treating this cafe as a sweet way to end your meal. This is because it’s right next to The Jetty Food Court, where you can feast on delicious local Malay street food such as Hokkien mee, char kway teow, asam laksa, etc.
Ome by Spacebar Coffee
– Media credit: ome.space
Address: 1, Lorong Toh Aka
Contact details: +60 19-690 8259
Operating hours: Saturday to Wednesday: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Cost: $$
Ome by Spacebar Coffee will immediately pique your attention with its old-timey charm, as it was once a staple shophouse. The result is a perfect combination of modern and nostalgic, featuring new furniture and exposed brick walls.
The cafe also features overall warm lighting that adds to its hominess and laid-back vibe. This type of relaxation, paired with the fresh aroma from the espresso machine, is one of those combinations that’s hard to replicate.
Aside from the vibes and the overall motif of the cafe, however, we have a feeling that your lens will be glued to your orders! Everything from their coffee to their homemade cakes makes for a perfect subject for your next Instagram post.
Pro tip:
If you’re craving for something more savoury that will satisfy your hunger, you can stop by Chick Chicks Thai Canteen before visiting Ome. You can either get their signature Thai winglets or their red curry.
Kafka Coffee
– Media credit: kafkapenang
Address: 15, Jalan Kelawai
Contact details: +60 11-1250 6286
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Monday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: $$
We immediately fell in love with Kafka Coffee because of its raw and industrial interior, featuring exposed beams, concrete, and steel shelves. This theme is perfectly contrasted by the soft furniture and the abundance of potted plants, creating an overall strong yet relaxing ambience.
This place is also a go-to of ours whenever we’re craving something heavy because they offer brunch classics like double-decker sandwiches, quesadillas, and avocado toast. However, we’re bigger fans of their varied coffee selection.
For starters, they offer classics like cappuccinos, mochas, and salted caramel while also featuring newer flavours like iced coconut coffee and dirty matcha. We also have to give kudos to their baristas, as their drinks are always presented as if they know we’re going to take photos.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning on commuting, you can take the bus and get off at the Gurney Hotel station, which is directly in front of Kafka Coffee.
The Alley, 5 Stewart Lane
– Media credit: thealleypenang
Address: 5, Stewart Ln
Contact details: +60 17-373 4829
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: $$
The Alley is the perfect example of a hidden cafe, as its unassuming exterior doesn’t do justice to what’s inside, but that’s part of its charm! It was converted from an old shophouse with a more modernised interior, featuring air conditioning and vintage yet comfortable furniture.
The walls are decorated with vibrant posters, both old and new, as well as a cool mural made from Sharpie pens. If you want to get THE iconic Alley shot, you can hold your drinks in front of this mural and take a snap!
They offer a wide variety of espresso-based coffees, including their signature Alley Fredeo drink, which we can best describe as feeling like a warm hug. As for their food, we highly recommend churros, as they’re perfectly crunchy and generously coated with powdered sugar.
WHEELER’S
– Media credit: wheelerspenang
Address: 67, Lorong Love
Contact details: +60 19-524 7703
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Cost: $$
If you’re looking for a nightlife experience that doesn’t involve alcoholic drinks and loud music, then WHEELER’S is the shelter you’re looking for! It serves as a beacon at night, with its welcoming, warm lights and open layout that will allure you into its space.
Every corner of WHEELER’S can be considered Instagrammable, from its industrial bar to its white brick walls and the wooden floorboards. Even the food is Instaworthy, as they’re presented beautifully, whether you’re ordering toasts, salad, pasta, or anything in between.
We also love the freshness of their espresso-based drinks, which starts with the grinding of their locally sourced beans. We’d say that the best way to taste their blend is through an americano, but you’re welcome to try any of their flavours because they’re just THAT good.
Pro tip:
While you’re here, we recommend exploring the rest of Love Lane, where you’ll find hidden and more Instaworthy bars and cafes, as well as budget-friendly hostels!
Hanakoya Flower Café Penang
– Media credit: hanakoyaflowercafe.penang
Address: 83 Lebuh Muntri
Contact details: +60 17-440 1516
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
Hanakoya Flower Café is a fantastic option if you’re looking to impress your date. Aside from brewed coffee and cute pastries, you can also get freshly arranged flowers from their local florist to make your date even more romantic!
We also love its vibrant and dainty interior, as it’s a breath of fresh air from the usual rustic and industrial themes of the majority of Instagrammable cafes in Penang. Plus, you’ll have the benefit of smelling fresh and aromatic flowers, which beats any air freshener on the market!
Going back to the aforementioned pastries, they all look like they’ve been ripped straight out of an anime show, with their vibrant pink hues and overall pleasing looks. For instance, the typical bun is made much more aesthetically pleasing by adding a single flower petal.
Pro tip:
Consider coming here during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Penang! They offer some of the prettiest mooncakes in the state, which are must-haves during this exciting festival.
Reggae Cafe Penang
– Media credit: iffadalila
Address: 163, Lebuh Pantai
Contact details: +60 13-950 0867
Operating hours: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Cost: $
Reggae Cafe will make you feel like you’re by the beach with its beautiful blend of boho and tropical themes. It’s dazzled by rattan lanterns, Peranakan tiles, bright-coloured walls, and murals, all of which make for a great Instaworthy interior.
It’s also a great spot if you’re coming with friends, as they offer a wide variety of dishes that are perfect for sharing. For instance, they offer a wide array of pizza and pasta that could easily feed at least two people.
However, we have a feeling that you’ll head straight for the dessert section, thanks to their alluring slices of cakes, cinnamon rolls, and cupcakes. They’re the perfect accompaniment for their cups of coffee, especially the incredibly silky cheesecake!
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting Penang for a day, we recommend treating this cafe as your lunch spot. It’s the perfect place to refuel your energy after visiting its nearby attractions, like the Penang Street Art lane and Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi.