When you think about places that serve good food with greater aesthetics, you can’t help but think of Penang! While there’s a myriad of halal food options - ranging from street foods to upscale restaurants, finding a halal cafe in Penang that's Instagrammable can be a bit tricky. That's why we’ve put together this article for you ?! Listed below are some of the most popular halal or at least, Muslim-friendly cafes the island has to offer - each one serving a veritable feast for both the stomach and the eyes. So if you’re itching to sample some truly scrumptious bites or get some new material for your IG-feed on your next trip up north, read on to find out more about these 10 Muslim-friendly IG Worthy Cafes In Penang ?
P.S. If you’re looking for some cool places in Penang to stay at, you might want to check out this list of 6 amazing accommodations - they even come with private pools ?!
1. KOTA Dine & Coffee
Set within the historic grounds of Fort Cornwallis, Kota Dine & Coffee (or KOTA for short) is a captivating cafe that offers not only amazing food but also great insight on Penang’s colonial history. Visitors will love how cosy this cafe is with its bright and inviting facade - with the most notable feature being the floor to ceiling glass windows that allows for plenty of natural light to filter through. This is perfect because all that natural light only serves to highlight just how beautiful the food served at KOTA looks ?.
Serving a full menu of beautiful local fusion food with a touch of Penang Nyonya-flavours, the presentation of the food is impeccable! Each meal is served on antique Peranakan-inspired plates - adding a splash of colour that really helps to make the dishes pop out; especially when caught on camera ?!
Halal status: Halal-certified
Opening hours: Daily, 11 am - 10 pm (Last call at 9:15 pm)
Address: Fort Cornwallis, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Contact: 04-371 4929
Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. ALAMAK Cafe
With its industrial look, bright, Broadway-esque light-up sign and air-conditioned interior, ALAMAK is what you would get when you take typical Mamak food and made it bougie. The exterior of the cafe is just so eye-catching that you can't help but want to snap a few pictures before even stepping foot inside the cafe ?!
When it comes to the food served, you'll be pleased to know that not only does the food taste and look good but it’s also reasonably priced! Famous for their coconut shake, melted cheeseburger and Nasi Lemak Chicken, this cafe is perfect for those of you who are looking for an aesthetic supper spot with filling, no-fuss meals ?.
Halal status: Halal-certified
Opening hours: Daily, 6:30 pm - 2:30 am
Address: 175, Jalan Argyll, George Town, 10050 George Town, Penang.
Contact: +6018-231 8018
P.S. Check out our 3D2N Penang itinerary!
3. Canning Dim Sum Express
Finding a cool cafe that serves halal Chinese food in Penang can be rather difficult ?. Which is why Canning Dim Sum Express is such a blessing! Famous for its delicious steamed buns and bite-sized Cantonese delicacies, this vibrant cafe is strategically located in D'Piazza Mall in the Bayan Lepas area.
Spacious and contemporarily decorated, the cafe exudes a very comfortable and cosy atmosphere. With a huge, floral statement wall, unique decor items and a colourful children’s area, it’s the perfect spot for a fashionable family! The food is just as delightful as the cafe's decor! The colourful har gows (traditional prawn dumplings) and Lava paus will definitely make a beautiful addition to your Instagram feed ?.
Halal status: Halal-certified
Opening hours: Opens daily except Wednesday, 8 am – 2:30 pm, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 pm
Address: 70-1-60, D'Piazza Mall, Jalan Mahsuri, Bandar Bayan Baru, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Contact: +6016-557 0507
P.S. Love taking photos during your trip? Here are 12 Instagrammable spots in Penang that aren't street art!
4. Rumah Kacha
Nestled within the trendy space of the famous Hin Bus Depot is Rumah Kacha. This a see-through wooden-glass house serves as a cosy cafe and comfortable hang out spot for both locals and tourists alike ✨. Especially popular for its abundance of natural light, spacious and airy setting as well as its rustic-styled decor, Rumah Kacha is the perfect spot for nature loves and people seeking a comfortable place to just unwind, take some pictures and enjoy tasty fusion food ?.
Well known for their affordable homemade western meals with a localised twist, you definitely need to try their Masak Lemak Cili Api With Prawns pasta and the Grilled Chicken Salad ?.
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Opens daily except Monday, 11:30 am – 9:30 pm
Address: 31 A, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300, Georgetown, Penang.
Contact: +6014-307 4285
5. Urban Green Cabin
Plant-lovers will go absolutely 'ga-ga' over Urban Green Cabin - a cool, modern and nature-themed cafe that's decked out from floor to ceiling with live green plants. This friendly hangout spot is no doubt Instagram-worthy - the interior sleek, minimalistic and exuding a soothing atmosphere ?. The unique moss garden located right next to the bar counter immediately draws the eyes - as do the various ferns adorning the counter front and bar area ?.
Serving a selection of light bites such as cakes and pastries, Urban Green Cabin is the perfect spot to grab a cup of coffee, enjoy catching up with friends and if you’re feeling particularly inspired, trying your hand at making your very own terrarium ?.
Halal status: Ingredients sourced from halal-certified suppliers and no pork or alcohol is used in their cooking.
Opening hours: Opens daily except Wednesday, 9 am – 6 pm
Address: 156, Lebuh Victoria, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang
Contact: +6012-423 7147
6. HAP Dessert & Toast
If you're looking for a place to grab a fanciful looking breakfast or delectable desserts, look no further than HAP Toast & Desserts. As the name implies, the cafe serves all sorts of breakfast menu items and sweets that will satisfy your cravings for all things sweet and savoury. From Souffle Pancakes and Shibuya Toasts to Japanese style kakigori (shaved ice), you'll definitely have no complaints about the food ?!
As for the overall look and feel, HAP has a very light and clean atmosphere. Both the exterior and interior gives off an elegant and minimalistic vibe - making it the perfect place for taking photos of your food or OOTD for the 'gram ?!
Halal status: Ingredients sourced from halal-certified suppliers and no pork or alcohol is used in their cooking.
Opening hours: Daily, 9 am - 10:30 pm
Address: 9, Lebuh Nanning, George Town, 10400 George Town, Penang.
Contact: +6012-387 9378
7. The Warung
Located on Lebuh Victoria, The Warung is a cool and quaint cafe that serves amazing coffee as well as some sweet and savoury waffles. An excellent hangout spot for those of you who are more creatively inclined or are looking for a place that serves something light to munch on, their signature fruit waffles are a must-try. Served with fresh fruits and a scoop of Haagen-Dazs ice cream, the waffles are also lovingly drizzled with either chocolate or strawberry sauce and dusted with cookie crumbles - making them a treat to eat ?️.
Besides serving some pretty amazing coffee and amazing desserts, The Warung, with its rustic look and decor also serves as a platform for artisans and designers to market their products - ensuring that there's always something new and interesting for you to see and photograph ?.
Halal status: Ingredients sourced from halal-certified suppliers and no pork or alcohol is used in their cooking.
Opening hours: Daily, 9 am - 6 pm
Address: 145, Lebuh Victoria, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang.
Contact: 04-226 0123
Website | Facebook | Instagram
8. Inherit Taste Patisserie
Inherit Taste Patisserie is on one of the latest desserts joints in Penang that has gained a lot of attention on social media. With their wide range of eye-catching and colourful desserts, you can't help but want to snap photos of them for the 'gram before even properly digging in! Inherit Taste Patisserie is also one of those cafes that don't really have a set menu - so be on the lookout for some of their seasonal speciality items like the Durian Mousse, Lemon Cheese and Nyonya Kaya Milk crepe cakes ?.
As for the interior, the cafe is quite cosy and refreshing; with a colour scheme that is predominantly white and the furniture featuring a few contemporary pieces ?.
Halal status: Ingredients sourced from halal-certified suppliers and no pork or alcohol is used in their cooking.
Opening hours: Opens daily except Wednesday, 12 pm – 10 pm
Address: 16, Jalan Imigresen, 10400 George Town, Penang.
Contact: +6019-766 6869
9. Rainbow Cafe
Classy, comfortable and surprisingly colourful - those are just some of the words that can be used to described Rainbow Cafe ?. With a sleek and minimalistic interior decorated with a blue neon rainbow sign, vases of flowers and interesting lighting choices, this cafe practically screams 'Instagram' ?.
And that's not even touching the desserts and drinks served here! Famous for their colourful shaka-shaka series of iced drinks, gorgeous cakes, and adorable meringue cookies (shaped like unicorns, teddy bears and all manners of cute characters), the Rainbow Cafe is a great spot for casual meets up ?♀️!
Halal status: Ingredients sourced from halal-certified suppliers and no pork or alcohol is used in their cooking.
Opening hours: Opens daily, 11 am – 10 pm
Address: 8, Gat Lebuh Gereja, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang.
Contact: +6016-452 2647
10. Joies Sourdough Cafe
The last cafe on our list not only has a chic, modern atmosphere, but they also have one of the best sourdough-centric menus in Penang ?! Located in the Pulau Tikus area, Joies Sourdough Cafe is a meat-free cafe that is best known for not using any sugars or artificial flavourings for their impressive range of artisanal bread. A great spot for breakfast or light meals, the food served here are cooked upon order - ensuring that you’ll be able to enjoy your meal in their freshest state ?.
For the health-conscious eaters, the various sourdough toasts will surely leave you feeling awestruck! Vibrant and delicious, they pair up perfectly with coffee or the cafe’s extensive range of healthy, cold-pressed juices ?.
Halal status: Ingredients sourced from halal-certified suppliers and no alcohol is used in their cooking.
Opening hours: Opens daily except Thursday, 8 am – 9 pm
Address: 1st floor, 32, Jalan Moulmein, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Penang.
Contact: 04-2260479
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Now that you have a list of Muslim-friendly Instagrammable cafes in Penang in your hands, it's time for you to grab your friends or family and start planning a quick weekend getaway up north ?! And if none of these 10 cafes strikes your fancy, here's a list of 8 more hipster cafes in Penang that you might also want to consider checking out!