The Journal · Penang café guide
Top 5 brunch cafés in Penang
Five places for a slow breakfast or a late brunch, from Gelugor and George Town to Penang’s north coast.
Some mornings call for eggs on toast. On others, I’m already thinking about coffee before I’ve decided whether I’m hungry. In Penang, where you’ll spend the rest of the morning is often the easiest way to pick a café. If I’m near USM, I’d stay in Gelugor. If I’m heading towards the beach, I’d start in Tanjung Bungah.
In this guide
- The Robin
- Pakhaus
- Norm Micro Roastery
- Kafka Coffee
- Sunnyside Breakfast & Brunch
Gelugor
The Robin
The Robin is in Gelugor, near USM and right beside Maxim Dim Sum. The team chose Taman Pekaka over the more familiar café areas of George Town and Bayan Lepas. There were few Western-style brunch cafés in the immediate neighbourhood when it opened, and it’s a handy stop if you’re around Pekaka or Sungai Dua.
The menu starts with a big breakfast called The Big Robin and a line-up of toasts, followed by Japanese-inspired rice bowls and pasta. I’d go for the Volcano Salmon on Toast with a Pistachio Latte Cheese Cloud. If you’re in more of a lunch mood, the Signature Carbonara and Aglio Olio are two of the café’s signature pastas.
- Address
- 2-G-6, Bangunan Lip Sin, Lebuh Pekaka 1, Taman Pekaka, 11700 Gelugor, Penang. Beside Maxim Dim Sum.
- Hours
- Thursday–Tuesday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm. Closed Wednesday.
- @therobin.pg
Tanjung Tokong
Pakhaus
Pakhaus is one to keep in mind for an early brunch in Tanjung Tokong. The visitor photos show a small café with a sage-green counter and plates of pasta. I’d put it down for a morning when something savoury sounds better than a stack of pancakes.
- Address
- Reported in Tanjung Tokong, Penang. Street address unconfirmed.
- Hours
- Tuesday–Sunday, 8:00 am–1:30 pm. Closed Monday.
George Town
Norm Micro Roastery
Norm is where I’d point someone who decides where to have brunch by looking at the coffee first. The roastery sits in a converted warehouse on Gat Lebuh Gereja, with a skylight over the dining room. It’s an easy stop if you’re spending the morning around the George Town waterfront.
Start by looking at what’s on filter. For food, the waffles make sense if you’re leaning sweet, while the risotto is an option if breakfast has quietly turned into lunch.
- Address
- 13, Gat Lebuh Gereja (Church Street Ghaut), 10300 George Town, Penang.
- Hours
- Daily, 9:30 am–6:00 pm.
- @norm.micro.roastery
Jalan Kelawai, George Town
Kafka Coffee
I’d pick the Kafka on Jalan Kelawai if brunch is the first stop before a morning around Gurney. Think eggs, sandwiches and coffee, with enough choice for a group where one person wants a full breakfast and another is already looking at lunch.
- Address
- 15, Jalan Kelawai, 10250 George Town, Penang.
- Hours
- Monday–Thursday, 7:00 am–6:00 pm. Friday–Sunday, 7:00 am–9:30 pm.
- @kafkapenang
Tanjung Bungah
Sunnyside Breakfast & Brunch
Sunnyside makes sense for an early start on the north coast. It opens at 7:30 am, so you can sit down for breakfast before heading farther along the coast towards Batu Ferringhi.
The Balado Baked Eggs with sourdough caught my eye. It’s the sort of breakfast I’d order when I want something familiar but still want a bit of heat with my first coffee.
- Address
- 30, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang.
- Hours
- Wednesday–Monday, 7:30 am–3:30 pm. Closed Tuesday.
- @sunnyside_________
Menus and opening hours can change, especially on public holidays. Check the café’s latest listing before making a special trip.