Over and Above designed by EMPT Studio (Photo: TWJPTO)
Cover Over and Above designed by EMPT Studio (Photo: TWJPTO)

Penang’s most artistic environments to discover heritage, design and delectable confections

Penang, more than anywhere in Malaysia, has more than its share of artistic cafes house housed within heritage buildings and old houses.

Whether industrial and raw or decorative and polished, these artistic interiors blend history and innovation to create an immersive experience while savouring your coffee and treats. 

Showcasing the perfect amalgamation of vintage tiles, restored facades, and exposed wooden beams, these six beguiling cafes around Penang offer a cultural journey appealing to history enthusiasts, art aficionados, and culinary explorers alike. 

Read more: 5 beautiful Michelin-starred restaurants by acclaimed designers worldwide

1. Over and Above

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Photo 1 of 3 Over and Above designed by EMPT Studio (Photo: TWJPTO)
Photo 2 of 3 Over and Above designed by EMPT Studio (Photo: TWJPTO)
Photo 3 of 3 Over and Above designed by EMPT Studio (Photo: TWJPTO)

Over and Above cafe in the charming Pengkelan Weld area was designed by Penang-based interior designer Empt Studio. Its name refers to its second-floor location in an ex-warehouse not far from Weld Quay.

A cafe by day and a bar by night, the clever design makes the most of the building’s high ceilings with ample natural light during the day and acrylic panels that light up during the evening.

 

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Photo 1 of 3 Over and Above designed by EMPT Studio (Photo: TWJPTO)
Photo 2 of 3 Over and Above designed by EMPT Studio (Photo: TWJPTO)
Photo 3 of 3 Over and Above designed by EMPT Studio (Photo: TWJPTO)

Sleek furniture designed by Empt Studio populates the space, which was transformed to retain the space’s industrial charm while introducing modern aesthetics.

See also: 5 inspiring heritage homes in Penang

2. JT Pattiserie

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Above JT Pattiserie (Photo: Facebook/@jt_patisserie)
Tatler Asia
JT Pattiserie (Photo: Facebook/@jt_patisserie)
Above JT Pattiserie (Photo: Facebook/@jt_patisserie)

Located in the affluent suburb of Pulau Tikus, JT Patisserie is the brick-and-mortar home of chef Jeffrey Tan. The accomplished pastry chef offers his exquisite French-Asian desserts in this renovated house surrounded by lush trees

Like the refined desserts, JT Patisserie’s interior design exudes elegance in white. The pristine interior features softly rounded furniture, gentle arches and gold accents to create a sophisticated backdrop allowing their delectable desserts’ vibrant colours to take centre stage.

Don't miss: Inside 5 delightfully designed dessert spots in the Klang Valley

3. Cafe Mangga

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Photo 1 of 3 Cafe Mangga at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Photo: David Yeow)
Photo 2 of 3 Cafe Mangga at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Photo: David Yeow)
Photo 3 of 3 Cafe Mangga at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Photo: David Yeow)

Mangga Cafe is a cafe on the grounds of one of Penang's most iconic heritage buildings, Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion. Located in a single-store building that used to be the servant’s quarters, the breezy cafe gets its name from underneath a mature mango tree. 

Indoor seating sees diners eating amongst original timber trusses set against an elegantly designed interior with saffron-coloured feature walls, timber furniture and large windows. Outdoor seating is offered on a raised platform with chequered yellow-and-white mats and nostalgic string chairs in cheerful colours.

Read more: Studio Tour: Sputnik Forest's Lush Penang Studio

4. Chapel Street Cafe

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Photo 1 of 4 Chapel Street Cafe (Photo: Instagram/@chapelstreetcafe)
Photo 2 of 4 Chapel Street Cafe (Photo: Instagram/@chapelstreetcafe)
Photo 3 of 4 Chapel Street Cafe (Photo: Instagram/@chapelstreetcafe)
Photo 4 of 4 Chapel Street Cafe (Photo: Instagram/@chapelstreetcafe)

Set in a pre-war terrace house in George Town, Chapel Street Cafe, as its name suggests, is inspired by Australian cafe culture. The monochromatic interior gives the space a sleek appearance with industrial flourishes from the mild steel detailing and raw surfaces. 

Natural lighting and plenty of plants soften the interiors, offering clients a chic backdrop to capture their best shots of the hearty menu. 

See also: Embrace serenity with these 7 Japandi-style plants

5. Norm Coffee Roastery

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Photo 1 of 4 Norm Micro Roastery (Photo: Instagram/@norm.micro.roastery)
Photo 2 of 4 Norm Micro Roastery (Photo: Instagram/@norm.micro.roastery)
Photo 3 of 4 Norm Micro Roastery (Photo: Instagram/@norm.micro.roastery)
Photo 4 of 4 Norm Micro Roastery (Photo: Instagram/@norm.micro.roastery)

Housed in an erstwhile shipping yard, Norm Micro Roastery is a cafe in an art-deco-style building with rounded corners and sky-high ceilings.

Reputed to serve some of the island’s best (and boozy) cakes, the spacious cafe benefits from abundant natural light and is designed with an industrial meets zen aesthetic. A sculptural garden with grey pebbles and low shrubs is at the heart of the space, with polished cement seating wending through it.

Don't miss: The Most Expensive Condominiums and Penthouses in Penang

6. Jo Gourmand

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Photo 1 of 4 Jo Gourmand (Photo: Instagram/@wenddiesyeoh)
Photo 2 of 4 Jo Gourmand (Photo: Instagram/@wenddiesyeoh)
Photo 3 of 4 Jo Gourmand (Photo: Instagram/@___wanshihfoodhunter)
Photo 4 of 4 Jo Gourmand (Photo: Instagram/ @jo.gourmand_penang)

A relatively new addition to Penang’s plethora of cafes, Jo Gourmand is a new Parisian-inspired cafe on historic Lebuh Pantai. Appropriately the cafe features charming European details like awnings, wainscotting, patterned mosaics and a fireplace.

Open weave rattan chairs and stripey bistro chairs populate the space, with soft lighting and greenery completing the look.

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