A cafe by day and bistro by night, SHINISE is where you can get hearty food, live music, coffee, beer and baked goods all at one destination. The vintage cafe is housed in a pre-war heritage building centrally located in George Town, Penang.

Their food menu is inspired by Western eats but the creative minds behind the team at SHINISE has incorporated local influences in certain dishes to turn it up a notch. As such, visitors can expect to see fusion creations on their dining table that are mostly priced below RM30/ S$10.

We love how the owner has embodied a personal touch to this cafe (something that is lacking in many cafes nowadays) by displaying handwritten notes, Polaroids, name cards and well wishes from their guests.

The House Chicken Burger (RM26/ S$8.67) comes with a chicken which is marinated for 24 hours before it is ready to be served with a special smoked BBQ sauce made by the chef. Diners also get crispy fries at the side for a complete meal.

While the burger was delicious, we felt that the Oriental Chicken Chop (RM25.90/ S$8.63) was not on par. The garlic rice was decent but the deep-fried chicken chop was bland and its saving grace was the brown sauce which gave it some flavour.

If desserts are your weakness, you will find a selection at SHINISE. We tried their Cheese Fruit Flan (RM12/ S$4) which came with cotton cheese and various fruit toppings. It is interesting to note that the ‘cake’ base is actually a type of soft kueh!

Other food options diners have there include Malaysian Rendang Chicken (RM24.90/ S$8.30), Fish & Chips (RM24.90/ S$8.30) and Seafood Aglio Olio (RM 28.90/ S$9.63).

SHINISE
62, Lebuh Melayu
George Town, Penang
Malaysia
Tel: +60 16-469 6859
Daily: 12pm – 11pm

For more recommendations, read our Penang food and travel guides.

Bird’s nest is a valuable Chinese tonic that is said to provide plenty of health benefits and improve your body’s immune system. This is the reason why it is highly sought after by the Chinese who use it to enhance their health.

We came across 92 Armenian, an upscale vintage cafe in Penang offering various types of bird’s nest delicacies such as their signature Bird Nest Egg Tart and other desserts. While some may think that is excessive, we are rather impressed with the team’s creativity and how they reshape the way we think of this traditional Chinese tonic.

Penang is a heritage site with houses that have stood the test of time and 92 Armenian is one place that will take you back into history. Featuring colourful vintage floor tiles, antique cabinets and aged wooden tables, we appreciate the amount of effort taken to maintain the interior and furniture.

What caught our attention first was the Bird Nest Egg Tart (RM8/ S$2.67 per piece). It may seem expensive for an egg tart, but bear in mind that it comes with bird’s nest too. The egg tarts came with a crumbly pastry crust filled with smooth egg custard. So delicious!

Ever had cake with bird’s nest? Probably not. Bird’s Nest Mango Cake (RM25/ S$8.33) came in just the right amount of sweetness which is not overwhelming. We particularly liked the layers of soft sponge cake and mango cream with diced mango fruit. Of course, there is also the addition of bird’s nest on the top most layer.

92 Armenian’s Bird Nest Jelly (RM15/ S$5) is served cold and the osmanthus jelly is filled with Goji Berry and topped off with bird’s nest. It left a strong bitter aftertaste and is not for those with a sweet tooth.

Other bird’s nest bites you can find there include Bird’s Nest Chicken Porridge (RM30/ S$10), Bird’s Nest Tiramisu Cake (RM25/ S$8.33 per piece) and Bird’s Nest Coconut Jelly (RM25/ S$8.33).

92 Armenian
92 Armenian street, Penang
Penang, Malaysia 10200
Tel: +60 4251 9712
Daily: 11am – 7pm

Planning a trip to Penang soon? Go for a 3D2N trip under S$250.

Gone are the days where travelling leisurely is reserved for the wealthy. Vacations need not be extravagant and Singapore’s closeness to other Southeast Asian cities have equipped us with the privilege to frequent weekend travels. Why stay at home when you can venture out? Furthermore, Malaysian state Penang is only an 85-minute flight away from Singapore!

After spending a week in Georgetown, Penang, it dawned upon us that a getaway at this UNESCO World Heritage City is really a lot more affordable than what most people think – especially when you would be travelling without having to compromise on comfort. Starving yourselves is absolutely unnecessary and it helps that Penang’s street food is incredibly cheap.

From exploring Ernest Zacharevic’s street art, sampling Penang’s famous assam laksa to riding a trishaw, here is How You Can Travel To Penang For A 3D2N Trip With S$250 (All-Inclusive).

#1 EXLPORE ERNEST ZACHAREVIC’S STREET ART

Lithuanian-born artist Ernest Zacharevic’s street art is located all over Penang, where you can find interesting painted walls and wrought-iron caricatures. Each artwork humorously illustrates Penang’s unique colonial past and these 24 masterpieces are super popular.

$: Free

Various locations

#2 SAMPLE PENANG’S FAMOUS ASSAM LAKSA

The world-famous Assam Laksa encapsulates an interesting myriad of contrasting flavours; each mouthful of the tangy broth packs a punch of sweetness, sourness and even spiciness! Many ingredients – such as chilli, cucumber, mint leaves, onion, pineapple, prawn paste, poached mackerel, shallots and tamarind – are used to create this complex noodle dish.

$: Approximately RM$4 / S$1.30 per bowl

#3 PENANG ROAD FAMOUS TEOCHEW CHENDUL

Chendul (also spelt as chendol) is inherently a bowl of shaved ice dessert drenched in coconut milk and gula melaka. The refreshing treat is topped with kidney beans and pandan worm-shaped rice flour jellies. Eating this ice-cold dessert is a great way to combat Malaysia’s unbearable tropical heat. Chendul can be commonly found in roadside vendors across Penang.

$: RM$2.10 / S$0.70 per bowl

Jalan Penang, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-262 6002
Mon to Fri: 10.30am – 7pm
Sat and Sun: 10am – 7.30pm

#4 RIDE OR HOP ON A TRISHAW

Over at Penang, you can either hop onto a trishaw or even rent an entire trishaw to ride it around the city! It may seem a little outrageous but the experience will be a memorable one that you would still remember in years to come. The price varies across each rental company so do look around for the best rate before settling for one.

$: Approximately RM$22.50 / S$7.50 per hour

#5 MACALLUM CONNOISSEURS COFFEE COMPANY

At first glance, one cannot help but to wonder if the industrial-chic Macallum Connoiseurs cafe is actually a warehouse. We soon found out that it was once a factory and has since then retained its container-like vibes. The place is so huge that it even has its own outdoor carpark! Macallum Connoiseurs is also a proud owner of an on-site coffee roastery and coffee academy.

$: Coffees from RM$6; Mains from RM$10

1, Gat Lebuh Macallum
10300 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-261 3597
Daily: 9am – 12am

#6 CHECK OUT HIN BUS DEPOT ART CENTRE

Hin Bus Depot Art Centre was formerly a bus garage, but has since then evolved into an open-space art venue. Artist Ernest Zacharevic had his first solo exhibition here and the rest is history. Today, visitors can drop by the art exhibits or check out the periodical pop-up shops.

$: Free

31, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town
10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-226 5691

#7 CHULIA STREET WANTON MEE

When daylight wanes away, Lebuh Chulia street awakens from her afternoon nap and transforms into a bustling food street. One particular vendor – with no visible signboard – is exceptionally famous for its springy wanton noodles. It is the go-to place for locals and tourists alike, even before celebrity food critic Anthony Bourdain sang praises of this glorious dish.

$: RM$3.50 / S$1.20 per small bowl, RM$4.80 / S$1.60 per large bowl

Lebuh Chulia, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

#8 LIVE MUSIC AT CHINA HOUSE

China House is arguably one of the most famous cafes in Penang. The multi-concept venue features 14 different spaces and spans across 16,000 square feet; it is simply amazing how they can actually coexist together harmoniously. Think live band entertainment, Australian-style cafe, outdoor Chinese courtyard, a local art gallery and more! A definite must-visit in Penang.

$: Beers from RM$12 

153, Lebuh Pantai, George Town
10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-263 7299
Sun to Thu: 9am – 12am
Fri and Sat: 9am – 1am

#9 HIKE UP PENANG HILL

Penang Hill -otherwise known as Bukit Bendera – stands at 2,732 feet and boasts the highest point in Penang. Situated six kilometres away from the city centre of Georgetown, the forested area comprises a number of hills and could be accessed by the funicular railway or foot.

$: Free

#10 BANGKOK LANE MEE GORENG

Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng has been unanimously coined by natives as Penang’s very best. The stall can be easily missed if you do not look hard enough. It is found inside Seng Lee Coffee Shop, where the cook whips up fragrant plates of sweet and spicy fried noodles.

$: From RM$3 per plate

Seng Lee Café, 270, Jalan Burma, Georgetown, 10050, Pulau Pinang, Pulau Pinang Malaysia

#11 QUEUE FOR CHAR KWAY TEOW

As its name implies, Siam Road Char Kway Teow is located along Siam Road and you can opt for takeout or dine at the nearby coffee shop. The locals love him so much that many have nicknamed him as the God of Char Kway Teow. Each aromatic plate of stir-fried noodles is served with beansprouts, Chinese sausage, chives, cockles, eggs, fried pork lard and prawns.

$: Small – RM$5 / S$1.70, Medium – RM$5.50 / S$1.85, Large – RM$6.50 / S$2.20

Siam Rd. (off Jalan Anson), 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

#12 TELUK KUMBAR

For an unforgettable dining experience, head over to Teluk Kumbar, a tiny fishing village at the south of Penang Island. The remote area is where Penangites visit for the freshest mouthwatering seafood; in fact, you can see many sampan boats floating atop the waters! The deserted village also boasts a breathtaking views of the sunset, so don’t forget your cameras.

$: From RM$20 per person

#13 NEW LANE HAWKER CENTRE

New Lane Hawker Centre is a stretch of road with vendors lined up on both sides of the street. This is the one-stop destination where you get to savour a plethora of Penang local delicacies such as char kway teow, char koay kak, nutmeg juice and whatnot at very budget prices.

$: From RM$5.50 per dish

Lorong Baru, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Mon and Tue: 4pm – 10pm
Wed: Closed
Thu to Sun: 4pm – 10pm

#14 GRAVITY ROOF TOP BAR

Perched atop G Hotel Kelawi is Gravity Roof Top Bar, a stunning bar featuring alternative vantage points of Penang. Opened throughout the day and into the night, it is a great place to chill out with friends over a drink or two.

$: From RM$26 per cocktail

2 Persiaran Maktab, 10250, Penang, Malaysia

Daily: 12pm – 11pm
+60 4-238 0000

#15 BRUNCH AT BLACK KETTLE

Black Kettle only opened its doors for less than half a year, but has already become a popular brunch destination amongst locals and expats alike. The bakery-cum-cafe offers a plethora of freshly baked goods as well as sumptuous mains. Our favourite items were hands down the Smoked Duck Pasta (RM$28 / S$9.15) and Ramen with Slow Braised Beef (RM$24 / S$7.85).

$: Coffees from RM$7 ; Mains from RM$18

105, Beach Street, Georgetown
10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-251 9270
Daily: 8.30am – 12am

TOTAL EXPENSES PER PERSON FOR 3D2N (ALL-INCLUSIVE)

4-Star Hotel Stay (2 nights): S$148 (for 2 persons)
Return Tigerair tickets: S$68** (per person)
Transportation + Return airport transfer: S$58
Food: S$50
Attractions: Mostly free
TOTAL: S$250 per person (all-inclusive)

** This fare is based on Skyscanner’s flight booking platform with no check-in baggage.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

Our recent cafe-hopping adventure has brought us to Georgetown – the capital of Penang – where we witnessed an up-and-coming cafe scene in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City.

What makes Georgetown’s cafes so unique is that majority of these Malaysian cafes are located within restored colonial shophouses and each exudes an alluring old-world charm.

Here are 10 Gorgeous Cafes in Penang with Free Wifi and Great Ambience that we highly recommend.

#1 AWESOME CANTEEN AT SEKEPING VICTORIA

As its names suggests, Awesome Canteen is located right within Sekeping Victoria Guesthouse. The vast rustic-looking space is characterised by raw concrete walls and tall trees; it was love at first sight the moment we stepped into the serene cafe!

The menu includes dishes such as handmade sandwiches, Western pastas, burgers and artisanal cakes.

164-A & 164-B, Lebuh Victoria
Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-261 3707
Mon: 11am – 10pm
Tue: Closed
Wed and Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri and Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 10pm

#2 BLACK KETTLE

Black Kettle only opened its doors for less a year, but it has already become a popular brunch destination among locals and expats alike. The bakery-cum-cafe offers a plethora of freshly baked goods as well as sumptuous mains.

Our favourite items were hands down the Smoked Duck Pasta (RM28/ S$9.25) and Ramen with Slow Braised Beef (RM24/ S$7.90).

105, Beach Street, Georgetown
10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-251 9270
Daily: 8.30am – 12am

#3 BRICKLIN CAFE BAR

Bricklin Cafe Bar is situated within the compounds of Hin Bus Depot Art Centre, where you can visit the bricked-wall cafe before/after exploring the surrounding art exhibitions. Bricklin Cafe Bar takes pride in serving third-wave specialty coffees (RM$10 / S$3.30 for a latte) and a mouthwatering selection of pastries (from RM$5 / S$1.65).

P.s. Bricklin Cafe Bar is brought to you by the same people behind Kuala Lumpur’s Feeka.

31A, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300
Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-226 6813
Mon to Fri: 10am – 7pm
Sat: 10am – 10pm
Sun: 10am – 11pm

#4 BROWN POCKET CAFE

Brown Pocket Cafe differs from the other cafes listed here as it is not found in one of Penang’s heritage shophouses, but is instead perched atop of Gurney Paragon Shopping Mall. The spacious modern-looking cafe is renowned for their liege waffles and pancakes, but a wide selection of other desserts are too available. It is a perfect pitstop for exhausted shopaholics.

Gurney Paragon, Jalan Kelawai
George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-218 9668
Daily: 10am – 10pm

#5 CHINA HOUSE

China House is arguably one of the most famous cafes in Penang. The multi-concept venue features 14 different spaces and spans across 16,000 square feet; it is simply amazing how they can actually coexist together harmoniously. Think live band entertainment, Australian-style cafe, outdoor Chinese courtyard, a local art gallery and more! A definite must-visit in Penang.

153, Lebuh Pantai, George Town
10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-263 7299
Sun to Thu: 9am – 12am
Fri and Sat: 9am – 1am

#6 CONSTANT GARDENER COFFEE

Tucked away at the ground level of Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce Building is Constant Gardener Coffee, an impressive specialty coffee shop. Coffee is serious business here; you can choose to have your caffeinated beverages prepared from Malaysia or overseas roasters. Have a Latte (RM $12 / S$3.95) or try the Black Coffee Filter (RM 15.50 / S$5.10).

9, Light St, Georgetown
10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-251 9070
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sun: 9am – 12am

#7 MACALLUM CONNOISEURS

At first glance, one cannot help but to wonder if the industrial-chic Macallum Connoiseurs cafe is actually a warehouse.

We soon found out that it was once a factory and has since then retained its container-like vibes. The place is so huge that it even has its own outdoor carpark! Macallum Connoiseurs is also a proud owner of an on-site coffee roastery and coffee academy.

1, Gat Lebuh Macallum
10300 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-261 3597
Daily: 9am – 12am

#8 NARROW MARROW

Retro-looking Narrow Marrow could be easily missed if you do not look hard enough. Housed in one of Penang’s pre-war shophouses, the inconspicuous narrow cafe is definitely the most hipster cafe in this listicle.

Narrow Marrow used to import their roasted coffee beans from award-winning Australian Dimattina Coffee, but they have since switched to a blend from a local roastery, Tongue Mission.

252, Lebuh Carnarvon
George Town, 10100 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 16-553 6647
Mon: Closed
Tue to Thu: 3pm – 12am
Fri, Sat & Sun: 2pm – 1am

#9 TAVERN IN THE PARK

Tavern in the Park is too situated a stone’s throw away from Hin Bus Depot Art Centre. The beautiful cafe bears an uncanny resemblance to an english cottage house, except that it is illuminated by contemporary spherical lamps and floor-to-ceiling transparent glass doors.

125, Jalan Timah
George Town, 10150 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-218 9394
Mon: 11.30am – 10pm
Tue: Closed
Wed to Sun: 11.30am – 10pm

#10 THE ALLEY CAFE

As shown in the pictures above, The Alley Cafe certainly deserves a medal for its catchy artwork.

The cafe serves only handcrafted coffees and desserts, so make sure you have had proper meal before visiting it. Churros (small – RM$7 / S$2.30, large – RM$10 / S$3.30) are the bestselling dessert here, where you get to pair it with caramel, chocolate or nutella dips.

5, Lorong Stewart
George Town, 10200 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-261 3879
Daily: 12pm – 12am

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

Located in a compound of three heritage buildings, China House is a multi-concept venue spanning across 16,000 square feet. It features 14 unique spaces, including a bakery, cafe, live music performances, local art gallery and outdoor courtyard.

China house is arguably one of the most famous places in Penang and its interesting concept is worth a special detour.

Whether you are after an Australian-style wholesome brunch or great live jazz, China House – which opens from 9am till late daily – has all your varying preferences covered.

Till date, we find it mind-blowing how these different concepts can actually coexist together harmoniously. China House in Penang has indeed challenged the notion of a typical cafe.

China House’s Beach Street Bakery section is a head-turner and is extremely popular amongst patrons. Those with a sweet tooth are spoilt for choice; the long table boasts a splendid selection of 30 mouthwatering cakes!

After heeding the recommendation of China House’s regulars, we decided to order the Tiramisu Cake (RMB15) which has been infused with kahlua. Crunchy, sweet and moist, the large portion of cake is indeed one of the best we’ve ever had.

Cakes aside, the numerous spaces at China House each offers interesting spreads of gourmet food and beverages. From bento sets, hearty Western classics, international wines to aromatic coffees, the options are aplenty and there is definitely something that will please.

Coffee beans used at China House are on a rotational basis, but the primary roasts that are used in preparing caffeinated drinks are namely El Primero Blend and Single-Origin Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza that are imported from Singapore’s reputable Nylon Coffee Roasters.

If you ever intend to visit China House, do make it a point to walk through the entire complex – there are many great photographic opportunities and exciting discoveries awaiting you.

153, Lebuh Pantai, George Town
10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-263 7299
Sun to Thu: 9am – 12am
Fri and Sat: 9am – 1am

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

Black Kettle is not a spin-off from popular Melburnian establishment, but an impressive up-and-coming independent Malaysian cafe that is set to raise the bar for other Australian-style bistros in Georgetown, Penang.

Located in a restored heritage shophouse, the 5-month-old cafe is within walking distance from famous attractions Pinang Peranakan Museum and Chew Jetty.

The all-encompassing dining menu features a mouthwatering selection of Western classics, Asian fusion gourmet and freshly baked confectionery which are available till midnight daily. Black Kettle is also where talented German Master Pastry Chef Lutz – who had the honour to serve breads and cakes to the King of Bahrain and King of Saudi Arabia – is currently based at.

Black Kettle’s Ramen with Slow Braised Beef (RM$24++) might not be the most photogenic dish, but was clearly the highlight of our meal. So much so that we devoured it in no time! The piping hot bowl of springy ramen noodles – served in a hearty white radish stew alongside a myriad of condiments – is completed with generous portions of fork-tender braised beef.

The Smoked Duck Breast Spaghetti (RM$28++) and Benedict Poached Eggs (RM$25++) are two of Black Kettle’s bestselling dishes and we decided to give them both a shot.

The former is a rich cream-based pasta infused with roasted garlic, loaded with parmesan cheese, mushrooms and a runny yolk; while the latter is your ubiquitous breakfast staple eggs royale done right.

Coffee connoisseurs will be pleased to hear that award-winning Dimattina’s Gusto Oro coffee blend – imported from Down Under – is used to prepare Black Kettle’s espresso beverages.

Sourced from India and South America, these medium-dark roasted beans are characterised by a series of unique traits – distinctive dark chocolate aroma, hints of nuts and creamy finish.

The in-house patisserie is quite a showstopper with its incredible variety of freshly baked treats such as Cinnamon Rolls, Eclairs and Pain Au Chocolat etc.

These delicious confectionery are prepared lovingly by Lutz, who has been in the baking industry for nearly four decades. His past working stints have seen him working in many countries before settling in Penang.

Black Kettle
105, Beach Street, Georgetown
10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +60 4-251 9270
Daily: 8.30am – 12am

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.