Known as a ‘food paradise’, Penang offers a diverse and exotic mix of dishes including Chinese, Malay and Indian food which reflects the diversity of race and ethnicity in Malaysia. The resulting cuisine is nuanced, extremely flavourful and occasionally spicy. So If you’re planning a trip to the northern island state soon, check out these 5 halal cafes in Penang worth visiting.
1) Wheeler’s Coffee Café
From outside, Wheeler’s Coffee looks like a hipster coffee joint with really cool bicycle-themed decor but they are so much more than just a pretty cafe. What we really like about this cafe is that on weekdays they serve great set lunches. The set comes with lemon tea and a scoop of ice cream. If you’re not a fan of set meals, opt for one of their delicious a la carte mains like grilled salmon, chicken roulade and seafood fajita, among others. Personally, it’s our favourite Halal breakfast in Penang.
What We Like: Interior decor & live performances
Opening Hours: 9am – 12am Daily
📍 Address: 67 Lorong Love, George Town, 10200 George Town, Malaysia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wheelers67/
2) Jawi House Cafe Gallery Penang
Settled in a fashionable and historical Armenian Street, the Jawi House Penang is both cafe and gallery. Their cafe is famous for its traditional Jawi-Peranakan cuisine with a touch of Western-fusion. We recommend their signature dishes ‘Roti Jala’, ‘Nasi Lemuni’ and ‘Laksa Lemak’. Aside from the mouth-watering main courses, their ‘Yogurt Cheesecake’ is a must-try! After your meal head to the second floor for the exclusive range of handcrafted textiles (like Malaysian batik), vintage brass and other heritage crafts made by craftsmen associated with Malay royal courts.
What We Like: Cafe and gallery in one
Opening Hours: 11am – 9.30pm (Mon), 1.30am – 9.30pm (Wed – Sun); closed on Tuesdays
📍 Address: 85 Armenian Street, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jawihouse/
3) The Safe Room
Located at the Penang UNESCO area, this cool and uniquely decorated café serves liquid nitrogen desserts, probably the first in Penang! If you’re curious about the preparation process, observe the whole process from the bar as they have an open-kitchen concept: from the beginning to the final freezing step. We promise things will get foggy there! Apart of nitrogen food wonders, the cafe’s highlight is the LOVELOCK tree in the ‘vault’ for visitors to pour their hearts out and lock it safely. If you come here with your significant other, purchase a “Love Lock” (you can also engrave your names on the lock) and have it secured to the tree. Perfect for couples.
What We Like: Romantic lovelock tree & liquid nitrogen desserts
Opening Hours: 12pm – 11pm (Tues – Thurs), 12pm – 12am (Fri – Sat), 12pm – 11pm (Sun)
📍 Address: 42, Campbell Street, 10100 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesaferoompenang/
4) Cafe Lagenda
If you ever find yourself in Georgetown yearning for Malay/Indonesian food, head to Cafe Lagenda in one of the old shops along Campbell Street. It serves fusion Indonesian-Malay cuisine with a western touch like the ‘Panna cotta seri muka kuih’ to name one. We would definitely recommend you to try ‘Gado-gado’, and ‘Kelaman roasted chicken’. The chef insists on using fresh ingredients so you could really taste those herbs and spices so you’re guaranteed to be blown away by the delicious dishes. Note that the waiting time could be slightly longer.
What We Like: A+ Food presentation
Opening Hours: 8am to 11pm; closed on Tuesdays
📍 Address: 43, Campbell Street, 10100, Georgetown, Penang
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cafelagenda/
5) Kesum Art Restaurant
Kesum Art Restaurant is one of the perfect spots for art lovers as it’s both an art gallery and a restaurant, featuring delicious Southern Malaysian cuisine! One of newly opened halal cafes in Penang is already a talk of the town for its authentic food for budget-friendly prices. While waiting for your food, explore around the art gallery on the first floor and admire oil paintings of heritage Penang by the local artist. Come early as this Penang halal cafe has only 5 tables and 30 daily sets available.
What We Like: Variety of Malaysian desserts!
Opening Hours: 11.30 am – 6.30 pm. Closed on Friday.
📍 Address: 57, Stewart Lane, Georgetown, Penang
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KesumArtRestaurant/
Did we miss any good halal cafes in Penang? Do let us know about YOUR best halal food in Penang! Also, check these awesome 10 halal buffets in Penang and the list of 30 things to do for free in Penang.
P.S. Looking for a Muslim-friendly accommodation in Penang? Check these certified hotels.
Note: This list was last updated in May 2018. The information provided is subjected to changes.