Best Coffee in Penang, Ranked
I have family in Penang, so I visit often. Penang's coffee culture punches above its weight for a city its size — but if you know Penang, it makes sense. This is a town that takes food very seriously, and coffee is no different. I'm definitely biased, but in all my travels visiting coffee shops around the world, Penang has the one shop I consider the best in the world — wonderful baristas and owners, and a welcoming vibe you rarely find anywhere else. The order below is how I rank them on taste, vibe, and the overall experience.
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OME Spacebar
OME Spacebar is best in class and probably my favorite coffee shop in the world, with excellent rotating beans, handmade cakes, engaging owners, and staff who clearly care deeply about coffee.
Order: espresso, filter coffee, cake
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Photo source: The Yum List Norm Micro Roastery
Norm Micro Roastery has a nice space, pretty solid food, and works well as a Penang cafe to hang in.
Order: food, coffee
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Photo source: Daniel Food Diary Lunabar
I have only done takeout at Lunabar so far, but they seem to take coffee seriously. First impressions, pending a proper sit-down visit.
Order: coffee
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Photo source: Penang Time Slow Coffee Person Coffee Bar
Slow Coffee Person Coffee Bar was fine and cozy, making it a quiet Penang cafe stop rather than a destination.
Order: coffee
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Photo source: Vulcan Post Lea Beans & Living by Ceed
Lea Beans & Living by Ceed is a neighborhood quick-coffee stop inside a design studio. Espresso drinks only, no filter, and not much seating.
Order: flat white
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Photo source: Taufulou Kafka
Kafka in George Town is good for brunch, with solid food and good seating, but it is not really a coffee-focused cafe.
Order: brunch
Questions
What's the best coffee shop in Penang?
OME Spacebar. It's probably my favorite coffee shop in the entire world across all countries. The baristas taste almost every shot for consistency, the beans rotate constantly, and the owners are wonderful.
Is Penang worth visiting for coffee?
Yes. Penang takes food very seriously and coffee is no different — the specialty scene punches far above its weight for a city its size.