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Header image courtesy of @eddiefoo92 (via Instagram)
Penang is a world-renowned food paradise that offers a variety of delicious cuisines. Although it is mostly known for its street food, Penang’s café scene is also gaining popularity. Due to the increase in demand, there are more and more new cafés opening despite the pandemic, so if you are looking to satisfy both your appetite and your Instagram feed, here are some of the most aesthetically striking cafés in Penang that are not to be missed.
Sedaun Modern Food is the epitome of minimalism. Furnished with a white-toned, “clean” interior design, this café is the perfect spot for Instagrammers who live by the motto of “less is more.” Sedaun Modern Food is also popular for its fusion menu. For brighter photos with a crisp and airy aesthetic, visit during the day.
Sedaun Modern Food, 72-1-05, Arena Curve, Jalan Mahsuri, 11950 Bayan Lepas, Penang | (+60) 17 498 6536
65c Ondo offers speciality Japanese pastries ranging from cakes and croissants to buns and much more. In particular, it is famous for its shokupan bread—a fluffy and soft type of Japanese milk bread. Besides pastries and baked goods that look like art, its earthy aesthetic has made the café a popular destination for Instagrammers.
65c Ondo, No. G- 11, Pangsapuri Eco Bloom, Tingkat Eco Meadows 1, 14100 Simpang Ampat, Penang
Upon entering Little Collins Street Café, you will be swept away by the welcoming aroma of handcrafted coffee, accompanied by a calm atmosphere. If you are feeling peckish after your photography session around the café, try out the range of freshly baked pastries, which includes cookies, croissants, and cakes.
Little Collins Street Café, 57, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Penang
Madame Samantha is a Korean-themed café that doubles as a great location for #OOTD shots with its soft-toned, studio-like ambience. If you are new to the place, we suggest its croissant signature set (RM18) which comes with three unique flavours: original cream cheese, lotus cream cheese, and mango passion with pomegranate. It is best to visit during weekdays to avoid waiting in line for the shop’s famous photoshoot spot (as pictured).
Madame Samantha Cafe, 350, Lebuh Chulia, 10200 Georgetown, Penang | (+60) 12 928 9755
Macallum Connoisseurs is the largest café in Penang, boasting 8,000 square feet of space. Inspired by the industrial-chic aesthetic of warehouses, the well-designed space has since become a popular spot for architectural photography. If you are into minimalist photos with great geometry to boot, Macallum Connoisseurs will not disappoint. Its coffee is some of the best in Penang and well worth a sip.
Macallum Connoisseurs, 1, Gat Lebuh Macallum, 10300 George Town, Penang | (+60) 4 2613 597
Located behind Penang Flying Club, Kafka is a popular hangout due to its cosy and rustic ambience. Not to mention, it’s also surrounded by greenery and plants that make every corner of the café Insta-worthy. Don’t forget to try the mouth-watering food—we highly recommend the burnt cheesecake (RM15.90 per slice) with a perfect custard-like centre, and the Japanese chicken curry rice (RM22.90) that is served only during weekends.
Kafka, 15 Jalan Kelawai, 10250 George Town, Penang | (+60) 4 218 9726
It might look like a warehouse from the outside, but once you walk in, you will see that this café’s industrial-themed design makes use of its stripped-back aesthetic to balance elements of bare walls, stones, and a high ceiling to create spacious angles that are perfect for photos. Its food is equally picturesque. A few of our personal favourites include the spiced prawn, clams, and pumpkin risotto (RM32) and chia pudding (RM18). For the best visual effect, place your food on the “wavy” benches or the pebble-covered area of the ground to snap a picture.
Norm Micro Roastery, 13 Gat Lebuh Gereja, 10300 George Town, Penang | (+60) 16 527 6273
Miodis is both a café and a florist, which explains why it’s heavy-handed with the florals. Upon entering, you will be welcomed by a strong floral scent and a pastel-coloured interior filled with rows of fresh flowers for sale. Although the café serves mostly Western and Asian mains and cakes, we recommend that you order its selection of drinks and desserts for an Insta-worthy experience. Take note: Miodis Café is closed on Sundays.
Miodis Cafe, No 34-B Lorong Abu Siti, 10400 Georgetown, Penang | (+60) 4 228 5771
Unlike other bright and airy cafés, Narrow Marrow offers a rustic and grunge aesthetic. Besides the interior, its cakes are also noteworthy when it comes to pleasing the cameras! Made without artificial colouring or flavouring, their popular selections (RM15 per slice) include the matcha rum tiramisu, espresso Kahlúa tiramisu, and coconut clitoria baked cheese. Note that you can request non-alcoholic versions of their tiramisu cakes, too.
Narrow Marrow, 312 Lebuh Pantai, 10300, George Town, Penang | (+60) 16 527 6273
Diana has been a lifestyle blogger since 2012. Her ‘kryptonite’ are good food, games, and all things furry (try luring her into a van with puppies, it will work). Currently a full-time digital nomad, you may find her working in a quiet corner of an obscure café, with a latte in hand.
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