* Some of the establishments / dishes below are not halal.
Stumbling upon any "old-style" kopitiam (coffee shop) in Penang would be akin to discovering a hidden gem amongst fancier and newer eating outlets. These coffee shops, once so flourished many years ago in George Town, are unfortunately decreasing due to various reasons.
Those that are still operating serve as attraction spots for tourists or as familiar hangout spots for the older generation. Few others enjoy brisk business as locals from in and out of the state head over for their signature dishes. Whichever it is, these coffee shops allow patrons to experience a wave of nostalgia. Once seated on a wooden chair at a marble-top table and drinking your beverage out of those old-fashioned ceramic coffee cups on a saucer, it feels like being brought back in time.
Here are six kopitiam in Penang which deserve a visit or two whenever you are on the island (click on the restaurant names for addresses and OpenRice members' reviews):
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1. Kafetaria dan Hotel Eng Loh @ Lebuh Gereja
(nonhalal)This is a Kopitiam that was established in the 1940s with an adjoining budget hotel. A popular spot for breakfast, patrons come here for the Roti Taiwan (toasted bread spread with peanut butter and crushed peanuts) and its assorted toasts and sandwiches. The other stalls here sell char koay teow, Hokkien mee, curry mee, wan tan mee, koay teow thng, chicken rice and economy rice. Opening hours: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily (closed Sundays)
2. Kafe Kheng Pin @ Jalan Penang
(nonhalal)This Kopitiam offers a variety of local food but it is particularly famous for its variety of loh bak (meat rolls). At RM7, you will get a plate of mixed loh bak consisting of fried tofu, pork, fried chicken, fried prawns and cucumbers along with a starchy sauce and chilli sauce for dipping. Other types of food served here include Hokkien mee, wan tan mee, porridge and char koay teow. Opening hours: 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., daily (closed Mondays)
3. Toh Soon Cafe @ Lebuh Campbell
Customers are willing to wait in a queue here for a seat just to get a bite of the famous eggs and toast from this coffee shop that is located in an alley. The bread, which is toasted over charcoal fire, will be spread with kaya (coconut jam) and you dip it into the half-boiled eggs. Enjoy your meal with a hot cup of rich Hainanese coffee. Nasi lemak is also sold here. Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily (closed Sundays)
4. Ah Lai Kopitiam @ Gat Lebuh Gereja
Instant noodles have never been more sought after than at Ah Lai Kopitiam. Take your pick from their selection of curry, tom yam or duck soup-based instant noodles for a simple and refreshing meal. It is literally refreshing as you can choose to sit outdoors right below the shady old tree. They also have a breakfast set of half-boiled eggs on toast and a Sandwich Special that comes with omelette, sausages and cheese. Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weekdays); 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Saturdays); 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Sundays)
5. Kafe Kek Seng @ Jalan Penang
Most people would associate this coffee shop with the famed ice kacang with homemade durian ice cream. This kopitiam has stood the test of time as it was established more than a century ago in 1906. Once in awhile, you would hear your parent or grandparent fondly recalling their younger days of enjoying the ais kacang here on a sunny afternoon. This coffee shop also sells asam laksa, char koay teow, chicken rice and popiah. Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
6. Joo Hooi Cafe @ Jalan Penang
This is another of those usually populated coffee shops in George Town especially on weekends and public holidays. Patrons would have their Penang Road Famous Teochew cendol served here (at an extra charge of 50 sen) while they indulge in the other popular hawker food. The stalls here sell asam laksa, char koay teow, duck meat koay teow thng, popiah and pai tee (tart filled with vegetables and prawns). Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed when necessary)
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