Breakfast in Penang is a golden opportunity to try Penang food! Don’t just stick to your hotel!
The best breakfast in Penang doesn’t have to be an authentic local breakfast either!
Among the kopitiam and hawker food courts are halal options too. And if you want to switch up flavors, there are an abundance of Penang breakfast cafes that serve western food!
Table Of Contents:
13 Best Breakfast In Penang
Local Breakfast In Penang
Many Malaysians love having nasi lemak or a bowl of noodles for breakfast! Together with teh tarik or kopi-o!
Thus, it’s not uncommon for the local coffee shops (i.e. kopitiams) to open as early as 6:30am!
If you go early, you can have the benefit of a quieter atmosphere and a larger choice of add-ons for your noodles!
1. Kong Thai Lai New Coffee Shop
Despite having to move from its original location on Hutton Lane:
Kong Thai Lai continues to serve affordable and excellent local coffee and one of the best roti bakar (i.e. toast) in town! With homemade kaya (i.e. coconut jam)!
You can also order char kuey teow, nasi lemak and fried rice!
Location: 38, Leith St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening Hours: Daily from 7:30am to 3pm (Except Sundays)
Contact: +6011-2344 7832
2. Goh Chew Kopitiam – Fish Meat Hokkien Char
Famous for its upgraded version of fried bee hoon, Goh Chew Kopitiam does justice for many local dishes like Hokkien mee, char kuey teow and chee cheong fun too!
What makes their bee hoon special? Crispy deep fried sea bass, large prawns, sambal with sprinklings of fried pork fat cubes on top!
Locals know all about this place so if you want to try the dish together with the sambal sauce and prawns, come early!
Location: No 45, Lorong Baru, George Town, 10450 George Town, Penang Island
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30am to 11:30am (Except Tuesdays)
Contact: +6011-5668 8664
Read more: 11 Best Char Kuey Teow In Penang
3. 113 Duck Meat Koay Teow Soup
Koay Teow soup usually has slices of shredded chicken but this place serves it with duck meat! The unassuming coffee shop is normally packed with people at lunch time!
There is the option to add homemade fish balls, duck intestines and bean sprouts. Do specify if you don’t want these in!
Go for their flavorful duck meat koay teow th’ng (clear soup) over their duck meat koay chiap (brown soup)!
Location: 113, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang Island
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 6:30am to 3pm
- Sunday: 6:30am to 1pm
4. Ah Wang Café
If you want simple kopitiam fare for brunch, you can try this coffee shop in Tanjung Tokong!
Local residents adore their traditional Hainanese coffee and homemade kaya on toast! Paired with soft-boiled eggs!
Their lime barley beverage is a caffeine-free option if you’ve already had your coffee fix for the day!
Location: J-6, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, Tanjung Tokong, 10470, Penang Island
Opening Hours: Daily from 11:30am to 6pm (Except Sundays)
Contact: +604-898 2318
5. Zim Sum Restaurant
Have a variety of dim sum for breakfast at this busy establishment! Where the prices are reasonable!
Notable menu items include:
- Siew mai (Pork dumplings)
- Fried yam balls
- Egg tarts
- Turnip fried with bean sprouts
- Glutinous rice
- Har gao (i.e. prawn dumplings)
Location: No. 62, Jalan Macalister, George Town, 10400, Penang Island
Opening Hours: Daily from 6:30am to 2pm
Contact: +6014-302 9177
Western Breakfast In Penang
There are almost just as many western breakfast places in Penang as there are local eateries in Georgetown!
Particularly around Love Lane Penang and Chulia Street!
You should definitely include at least 1 Penang cafe during your trip!
6. Big Ben Breakfast & Western
In Malaysia, western food is usually more expensive than local food. But this café keeps the prices lower by maintaining a no-frills ambiance.
You can come here after a run at the Penang Botanic Gardens to sit down to their signature Big Ben breakfast set!
They have sandwiches, pasta, local coffee and toast too!
Location: 674, Jalan Kebun Bunga, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Penang Island
Opening Hours: Daily from 8am to 2pm 5 to 10:30pm (Except Mondays)
Contact: +6016-433 6900
7. Penang Yin’s Sourdough Bakery And Café
Craving for some freshly-baked sourdough bread, bagels or pizza?
At Yin’s Sourdough Bakery And Café, you can have sourdough bread with homemade pineapple jam, almond butter, cheese or even grilled banana slices!
For drinks, try their western-style coffee or delightful kefir smoothies with tropical fruit!
Location: 11, Pesara Claimant, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang Island
Opening Hours: Daily from 7am to 5pm (Except Sundays)
Contact: +6011-2419 5118
8. The Big Beans
Walking distance from the Penang State Museum or Zim Sum:
You can spot the café from its bright turquoise exterior! The blue carries on inside the interior that hosts an eclectic mix of chairs and tables!
The Big Beans is run by an amiable couple. Their newly refreshed menu features western food with a Malaysian twist! Like bacon fried rice!
Pancakes, BLT, burgers and quesadillas are on their menu too! And an extensive coffee menu!
Location: 52, Lorong Madras, George Town, 10400 George Town, Penang Island
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:30am to 7pm (Except Mondays)
Contact: +604-226 1876
9. Let’s Meat
Let’s Meat is an authentic American restaurant not far from Penang Avatar Secret Garden:
Eggs Benedict, pancakes, American biscuits, and the pulled pork and steak sandwiches are all delicious! And come in generous portions!
The other highlight is the children’s play area!
Don’t forget to order one of their milkshakes!
Location: 18, Lebuh Lembah Permai 4, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang Island
Opening Hours: Daily from 8am to 8pm (Except Sundays)
Contact: +6016-215 4234
10. Urban Daybreak
Next on the list, Urban Daybreak touts Australian-style breakfast, brunch and lunch!
Blue walls and decorative red windows mark the interior of the narrow but cozy space.
Ann’s Big One is their massive breakfast set that comes with salad and their homemade pork sausages!
Besides this, there are savory waffles, French toast, burgers, omelets, bagels, pasta and sandwiches!
Location: 338, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang Island
Opening Hours: Daily from 7:30am to 5:30pm (Except Tuesdays)
Contact: +604-262 9693
Halal Breakfast In Penang
All the places we have listed up till now include pork in their menus.
So to be fair to our Muslim readers:
Here are some halal eateries so you don’t have to miss out! The first 2 are already on our Penang food list! So you can tick them off you bucket list!
11. Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang
Right from the moment the shop opens, you can tell from the long line of customers that this is one of the best nasi lemak stalls in Penang!
Add on some fish, squid or prawns if you want! Watch the way they prepare the nasi lemak in batches!
Location: Sri Weld Food Court, Beach St, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang Island
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday 7am to 3pm
- Friday 7am to 3pm
- Saturday 7am to 2pm
- Closed on Sundays
Contact: +6016-407 0717
Read more: 11 Best Seafood Restaurants In Penang (Recommended By Locals)
12. Gemas Road Roti Canai
Gemas Road Roti Canai serves Indian paratha and parotta (i.e. roti canai) a bit differently:
With a slice of cheese, Sunnyside up eggs and raw onions! To go with any of their 3 available curries – dhal, chicken or beef curry!
The peak time is between 9am and 11:30am!
Location: 51, 29, Jalan Gemas, Taman Kampar, 10460 George Town, Penang
Opening Hours:
- Thursday, Saturday & Sunday: 7am to 12:30pm
- Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 7am to 12:30pm 5:30 to 9pm
- Closed on Mondays
Read more: Penang Famous Cendol – 9 Best Cendol In Penang That You Can Try Today!
13. Nasi Kandar Kampong Melayu
All the way in Ayer Itam, this reputable nasi kandar stall has a loyal following (of Penangites and locals from other states) for its homemade curries and fresh ingredients! Like squid and beef!
They open really early so you can have yourself a hearty breakfast before checking out Kek Lok Si temple!
Prepare yourself for a long queue on weekends!
Location: A-29, Jalan Kampung Melayu, Kampung Melayu, 11500 Ayer Itam, Penang Island
Opening Hours: Daily from 6:15am to 1:30pm
Contact: +6019-575 5877
Getting To Penang Breakfast Places
Want to find more hidden food spots? You can trust our local travel guides from RayTheTour to bring you to their favorite breakfast haunts!
More about our private tour service:
- Completely flexible itinerary from morning till evening
- We have tours in Ipoh, Cameron Highlands and in-between too!
- Vans and MPVs are what we use
- Tour includes pick up and drop off from your hotel/ airport
- Chinese-speaking or English-speaking guides
Further reading:
- 4 Best Ways For Getting Around Penang (With All Penang Transport Options)
- How To Get From Penang Airport To Georgetown (4 Easy Ways)
Conclusion
Treat yourself to the best breakfast in Penang with this guide!
Have yummy local Penang food or western food at various breakfast places in and around Georgetown! Even dim sum!
You might just find your new favorite breakfast of all time!
PS: We have an awesome Penang travel guide for you.
Other posts you might like:
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- 9 Best Places To Eat Durian In Penang
- 11 Best Asam Laksa In Penang
- 13 Best Restaurants In Penang For Lunch & Dinner (With Good Ratings)
- 11 Best Shopping Malls In Penang
