10 quirky & Instagrammable cafes in George Town, Penang

Black Kettle

Credit: Black Kettle

1/10

Travel back in time as you enter Black Kettle, a building that is well over 100 years old, located at the heart Unesco World Heritage Zone.

You will be greeted by the charming black and white colonial interior with raw exposed bricks and wooden accents that bring warmth to the space. The wall of books is not to be missed, as you can spend the afternoon reading and discovering more about the rich heritage and culture of Penang.

Black Kettle’s menu selection has a great deal of influence from French culinary techniques, where you can find homemade dishes such as Cocotte, Tarte Flambee, and Tartine with local ingredients like sauces and bakery that are made from scratch.

105, Beach Street, 10300, Penang, Malaysia

Instea

Credit: Instea

2/10

It is hard to say no to a fancy and atas cup of bubble tea, like the Summer Supreme Grapefruit Tea with generous and huge chunks of grapefruit pulp, or would you like to have chocolate milk, otherwise named Cocoa Chanel in a perfumed shape bottle instead?

The spacious and bright store offers plenty of seating for your afternoon drinks, especially when the sun is scorching outside. You can also take expect to take many pictures of your lovely instagrammable drinks. Instea has other outlets in other parts of Malaysia too.

218C-01-3A , No.218, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Tea Expert

Credit: Tea Expert

3/10

If you are a bubble tea addict like me, you will naturally be drawn to trying out different bubble tea options from different stores like Tea Expert.

As a Chinese tea drink chain, Tea Expert offers gourmet fresh fruit tea with freshly brewed tea like Mango Pomelo Sago, Da Hong Pao Milk Tea, and Great Matcha with Cheese.

Don’t miss out on the rooftop seating on level 2 for the extra chill factor, as the indoor seating can feel quite cold and cramped due to the chrome-like interior that almost feels like you’re in a spaceship of sorts.

109-D, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters

Credit: Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters

4/10

The black-and-white interior style with a touch of raw exposed cement is almost synonymous with the cafes in Penang. The coffee aroma hits you the moment you step into the store since the coffee machine is strategically placed right at the entrance.

Aside from drinks, the interesting food menu offerings also ranges from pasta to bagels, like Rose’ Pasta Smoked Duck and Strawberry Cheese Pita Pizza with Asian noodles selections such as Mala Noodles too.

89-L1, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Eyescream

Credit: Eyescream

5/10

When you are near the popular touristy Penang cendol street, be sure to look out for the most quirky and bizarre icecream shop by the name of Eyescream.

No prizes for guessing what kind of ice cream they serve, since it is a huge giveaway thanks to the “eye” in the “eyescream”.

Made of charcoal, the black coloured ice cream has a hint of coconut since charcoal is technically tasteless. On top of the ice cream, you will find an eye staring right at you, which is in fact a gummy if you are wondering.

4, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

The Storyteller Cafe

Credit: The Storyteller Cafe

6/10

Once upon a time, there is a Storyteller Cafe that serves up one of the best non-alcoholic butterscotch beers and portable potions.

Experience a whimsical world of magic with fantasy and fairy tales that come to life, located right along the popular cendol street.

Potterheads assemble, as you put on your witch hat and robe to take a mandatory picture with your Hogwarts House.

Order for yourself some Sherlock Holmes Waffles and Golden Treasure Snacks if you are feeling peckish, or would you like to have the Skull Island English Breakfast set instead?

11, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Lorong Cafe Penang

Credit: Lorong Cafe Penang

7/10

Newly opened early 2023, Lorong Cafe is a hidden cafe quietly tucked at Lorong Kuala Kangsar, which is the perfect spot to la kopi on a lazy afternoon.

You cannot help but take a picture of the hand-brewed coffee served in oddly-shaped and whimsical cups with the most adorable latte art.

As you walk towards the back, you will find a garden oasis filled with lots of plants and even a water feature. It is decorated with hand-painted art pieces and velvet throw cushions that add to the warm cosy ambiance, along with the chill music beats. They serve drinks and yummy pastries too.

75, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Hunt & Hound

Credit: Hunt & Hound

8/10

Welcome to this new minimalist-themed cafe and bar at the heart of George Town called Hunt & Hound, where you will find all things white and dainty, from the exposed brick walls, painted fully white to white chairs and tables too.

It serves all-day and night drinks from coffee to cocktails, where you can enjoy brunch food selections from Asian Royale Pie Tee to Pedas Shrimp Aglio Olio.

If you are having a glass of cocktail, such as the Plum Blossom or Kungfu Pandan, be sure to whip out your phone to capture a story of it, as they are served with dry ice for the extra vibey effect.

120, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Soul Cafe

Credit: Soul Cafe

9/10

Kek Chuan Street in Penang is ranked one of the world’s most beautiful streets and it is also where you will find Soul Cafe, where photography enthusiasts, creatives, food connoisseurs, and coffee lovers are welcome.

If you do identify with any of the above but love a nice plate of pasta, then you should also drop by just to try out their selection of authentic Italian pasta and fusion cuisines from Truffle Carbonara with Crispy Bacon to Smoked Duck Spaghetti.

You will be served by the friendly staff at this cosy hobby shophouse for a soulful meal.

12, Jalan Kek Chuan, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Heh Cafe

Credit: Heh Cafe

10/10

Tucked in a quiet and unassuming corner, Heh Cafe is a great go-to for your morning coffee or even a hangout spot with the best view of one of the most famous Chinese temples, Kek Lok Si.

Get your coffee, cake, and ice cream fix, with their Signature Ondeh Ondeh Cake, Lotus Biscoff Burnt Cheese, and Tiramisu.

The concrete bench with huggable throw cushions is probably one of my favourite seating options, thanks to the spaciousness and large windows with lots of natural light to bask in.

609J, Jln Balik Pulau, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

This article was originally published on Home & Decor.