Loong Fong Cafe 龍鳳茶室 @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Step into Loong Fong Cafe and you will be instantly transported back to 30-40 years ago as the place is full of antiques and old decoration. You will find plenty of retro knick-knacks here, making it photo-worthy. This is also one of the reasons how this place gained fame since its opening late May 2023. The cafe offers a menu with traditional Malaysian dishes; familiar items like Nasi Lemak, Kaya Butter Toasts, Kaya Balls, Char Bee Hoon are on offer. Also note-worthy is that this place is pet-friendly, you can bring along your canine friends for a meal here. But it is less accommodating for larger groups and the seating arrangement can be uncomfortable. Loong Fong Cafe is right next to Laksa Ong and Le Dux Patisserie on Beach Street.

8AM Hainanese Cafe @ Kimberley Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Probably the only Thai-Hainanese cafe in town, 8AM Hainanese Cafe is a new addition to the Georgetown cafe scene. Right smack in town, the cafe offers a menu with some Thai and Hainanese elements- the Thai element is represented by the Steamed Bread with Sangkaya and Thai Pan Eggs (Khai Krata) while the Hainanese element is represented by the Hainanese Toast. There are also some odd combinations like Polo Bun, Nyonya Kuih and Kolo Mee that make up the numbers. Food items are affordably priced but we hope to see stronger Thai and Hainanese elements here, we thought the menu is a little weak for now. 

Haven 埔 @ Greenhall, Georgetown, Penang.

At the far end of Greenhall (opposite SEGI College Penang) where Just Caffe was located.... welcomes a new venture- Haven 埔. The new kid on the block offers traditional local food with a modern twist. The cafe does not carry a big menu but more than good enough to create excitement; expect to see playful dishes like Nasi Lemak Rice Bowl, Sambal Salad Bowl, Purple Potato/Green Tea Kaya Toast etc. Reasonable price points, comfortable dining atmosphere and fast serving speed; perfect for a quick, casual fix. 

Chǔ Cafe 厝 @ Cintra Street, Georgetown, Penang.

With a name like Chǔ, it paints a picture that the place is offering a homey experience. The newly opened cafe focuses on offering Asian dishes served in Bento style. The menu is not big and mostly featuring Japanese and Korean-inspired dishes but all of them will be served in a stainless steel container. Purists will not like how they serve it as it may be quite inconvenient to scoop the soup or sauces up. The menu has good variety- something unusual and unique; most importantly, reasonably priced. If you do enjoy Korean or Japanese dishes, this place is worth a look. Chǔ Cafe 厝 can be found at Cintra Street, towards the junction to Chulia Street. 

Ah Ji Old Kopitiam 阿吉老茶室 @ Melaka Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Penang Hokkien Mee, one of Penangites' most beloved hawker food receives an upgrade here at Ah Ji Old Kopitiam 阿吉老茶室; while the old-school classic version is still available, the Mantis Prawn and Tok Tok Shrimp Ball are two popular variants. This place is fairly new and has been gaining some attention on social media platforms, mainly due to its various uncommon toppings. The dining area is fully air-conditioned, diners who would prefer more variety can also try the Steamed Buns, served with Sambal Hae Bee and Kaya/ Butter (or Half Boiled Eggs). If you do like a bowl of Penang Hokkien Mee with bold Prawn flavors, this place is worth a look. 

Sin Boon Kee Coffee Concept Store 新文记咖啡 @ Jelutong, Penang.

Said to be one of the oldest Coffee brands in Penang, Sin Boon Kee Coffee 新文记咖啡 has come a long since its humble beginnings in the 1940's. The brand first started as a local Coffee manufacturer and has recently open up a new concept store that allows customers to dine-in and have a sip on their cup of Joe. The concept store is a stone's throw distance away from their coffee factory at Jelutong (adjacent to Straits Garden). Apart from offering their signature Coffee, the place also churns out delicious Nasi Lemak and Hainanese Toasts as well as some local Chinese delights. A worth-checking out place if you do enjoy the Coffee-Hainanese Toast combo.

Mun Thung X Soon Huat 满堂 x 顺發 @ Campbell Street, Georgetown, Penang.

For classic and old-school dishes, make your way to Mun Thung X Soon Huat 满堂 x 顺發 at Campbell Street, the place dishes out familiar timeless delights like Hainanese Toasts, Stir Fried Vermicelli Noodles, Curry Chicken, Pork Lard Noodles etc. The name of the eatery is Mun Thung whilst Soon Huat is a long-established brand in Penang that sells alcohols and liquors. The young proprietor is combining two brands together by taking up a corner of the place to serve food. The seating arrangement is very simple... with some tables and chairs but the good thing is, the place is equipped with air-conditioners. Pretty straight-forward menu with wallet-friendly prices, a place worth-checking out.

Cafe World War II @ Ghee Hiang Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

One of the oldest brands for Tambun Biscuits- Ghee Hiang is known for churning out pastries and biscuits but they have recently welcomed a nice addition to their outlet at Beach Street... opening up a new cafe inside the shop. Unlike Teels at the Burmah Road branch, Cafe World War II offers a local, Chinese menu featuring an array of Hainanese breakfast items (like Toasts/ Soft-Boiled Eggs), Rice dishes and some specialty Coffees. Nothing spectacular on the interior decor nor seating arrangement but a simple space over a casual meal. But do avoid peak hours when planning your visit unless you want to to sign up for a long-hour meal and muscle your way through to get the orders served on your table (we did not have a pleasant experience if you must know).

Coffee Cave By Toh Soon Cafe 多春茶室 @ Bishop Street, Georgetown, Penang.

A new venture by Toh Soon Cafe 多春茶室 (popular for Toasts grilled over Charcoal fire and Hainanese Coffee), Coffee Cave has modern take with a fusion menu that has a blend of Western and Oriental menu. The newly opened branch can be found at Bishop Street and has a clean, well-renovated interior (no drains nor not tucked in a back lane) and proper tables and chairs. It feels like a standard modern cafe... though the menu seems to be a little confusing. The regulars' favorites are there (except Nasi Lemak), with quite a handful of new Western addition (like Salad, Steak, grills, Pasta etc). Not too sure how many are willing to come here for Western food but they certainly have rooms for improvements... in terms of service and food quality. 

Three Fifteen 三点三 Meet @ Jelutong, Penang.

Three Fifteen 三点三 Meet is a place that you get to enjoy local breakfast in a city but surrounded by serene village setting. It's hard to come by... imagine enjoying local Kaya Butter Toast while watching the chickens moving freely within the compound. The place can be found right opposite to Lam Wah Ee Hospital along Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim; it is manned by one of the residents staying in the village houses, part of the compound is transformed into a breakfast place. Do not expect big menu though... merely simple Hainanese-styled Toasts, Polo Bun, Half Boiled Egg etc. 

The Memory Lane- MUFE @ Service Road, Georgetown, Penang.

The Memory Lane- MUFE is space that marries history and culture with food; the interior decor brings its visitors time-travel back to the 1960's, with vintage wallpaper adorning the walls and old-school furniture setting the tone. The first floor is a cafe serving light local snacks and delicacies while the second floor is set to transform into a museum. For the cafe, diners who prefer a more outdoorsy ambiance could choose to take the al-fresco zone, take a seat inside for the extraordinary and picturesque interior decor otherwise. One of the highlights of the interior decor is the 'chai diam ma' (grocery shop in Hokkien dialect) behind that features snacks and nibbles, which are reminiscent of many's childhood. The menu however, is weak and lacked of personalities; probably the selling point is the atmosphere and ambiance in lieu of food. It is nevertheless, a worth-visit place with evocative decorations that may bring back many memories of the past. 

Lollipop Ropitiam @ Campbell Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Kaya Butter Toast... a staple for the working class in the past and less appreciated by the younger ones right now... probably eating Kaya Butter Toast with Half Boiled Egg is not as glamorous as having Egg Benedict for brunch. Also, the ambiance is often being compared. Lollipop Ropitiam is a young invention that ventures into local food culture; originated from Kedah, it seeks to offer something different- to provide a comfortable space to enjoy their variety of artisan Kaya Butter Toast (acclaimed). The menu is an anthropological record of the Hainanese-styled breakfast, featuring the Hainanese Brew as well as various condiments that go with the Toast. The space, however, can be quite warm and stuffy in the afternoon so the best time to visit is probably morning. The Penang branch of Lollipop Ropitiam is situated at Campbell Street, a few doors away from Campbell House on the same street (near the junction to Cintra Street).

Teh Tarik Place @ Sunway Perdana, Seberang Jaya, Penang.

An upscale Mamak establishment, Teh Tarik Place is a franchised brand that has recently stepped foot in Butterworth, Penang. The cafe has a menu almost similar to most Mamak places except... the items are priced higher but in a reasonable manner. It has a young, vibrant interior decor but the staff was not well-trained. I did try to ask for some recommendations but to no avail. My orders were messed up either. When asked about my order... I was told that they have scrapped away the receipt. Teh Tarik Place occupies a lot at Sunway Perdana, the new shop lots behind Sunway Carnival Mall, Butterworth. 

Hainanese Afternoon Tea (Kong Thai Lai Coffee House) @ Hutton Lane, Georgetown, Penang.

Many would drive past this old rustic Coffee House along Hutton Lane, not knowing its one of the Coffee Houses frequently visited by the Millionaires and Billionaires in Penang. Step in Kong Thai Lai and you will be enveloped in a time portal, instantly teleporting you back to those older days. The Coffee House is beautifully preserved; guests seemed to enjoy their cup of Joe quietly reading newspaper while some happily discussed on the current issues happening in the country. Time appears to be slowed down in that space. One of the few places that is still preserving the unique Penang-retro vibe. Kong Thai Lai Coffee House is a stone's throw distance away from the multi-storey car park along Hutton Lane, opposite to Eden Restaurant.

Ken Hunts Food: 24-Hour Food Guide in Penang.

Penang is famous for its diversified range of street food. It is not impossible to find and indulge in good food throughout the day. Here's how, this guide is especially useful when you are short of time and wish to fully utilize the time as well as your tummy space.

6 am: Te Chang You Tiao Wang/ Chinese Crullers

Caffeine Chemistry Coffee @ Chime Heritage, Georgetown, Penang.

Caffeine Chemistry Coffee is yet another new tenant that entered the newly refurbished heritage building- Chime Heritage. Unlike The Haven Harbour, Caffeine Chemistry Coffee walks a slightly different path. The cafe is more casual and the whimsical interior decor exudes a younger and energetic vibe. We glad that the cafe tries to offer something different than the ubiquitous cakes. They do not serve any mains at the moment but they do serve some light snacks and Salad for the health-conscious. While the seats may not be very comfortable, we were well-pleased with the friendly and attentive service. A decent place to have a quick chat with your friends and have your caffeine fixed.  

Ah Wang Cafe (Tea-Time Toast) @ Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Hidden in one of the corners of Tanjung Tokong (from Prima Tanjung, drive straight up to Tanjung Tokong route, drive pass Tesco Sri Tanjung, and look for the first traffic light which you are about to turn right into Jalan Tokong Thai Pak Kong, it should be surrounded by some low-cost flat), Ah Wang Cafe is rather a hidden gem in Tanjung Tokong, it is a small cafeteria that serves home-made kaya(Coconut Jam)-butter toast and Hainanese coffee to satisfy your taste buds. The place is well-known by the residents nearby, and even some kaya-enthusiasts. The business hour of this cafe can be quite problematic, as it opens from 1.30pm until 6pm only, and closed on every Sunday, so tea time (ideally at 2-3pm) can just be the perfect time to savor this heavenly delicious kaya-butter toast with the uniquely brewed Hainanese Coffee. Price-wise, I'd considered that to be very economical, there were three of us and the total damage was just Rm12.30. Our orders were as follow: