Just like the title suggested, it is my personal preference (in fact, this is my blog with my own words) so of course this post is going to be biased (who is not anyway). With that in mind, let's go!
The owner knows his trade well and so I am not disappointed with his selection of coffee (including roasting, beans, brewing) and he seems to be a strict boss when I encountered how he interact with his staff. Well, Chinese said, 名師出高徒 (great teacher breeds good disciples). Do know when to talk to him and when is not suitable to have conversation.
Taste is the same even after they moved to current premise. I know, it is quite warm to sit in the center of the café during hot day because of its glass ceiling but I am sure their signature lattes and coffees would not be disappointing or perhaps you should visit them at night? Awarded barista in the house and they are the only one who can mix citrus and caffeine well in Penang.
Sorry, no latte here. Assuming the owner is closely related to Tzu Chi (I saw many members dining in), I still think there is a reason why soy is not considered (for latte) here even though this is the only vegetarian café in my list. Ample, serene and bright space for black and serious talk. Photogenic, too.
The café that applies organic chemistry to make coffee...or so do they publish during their establishment. They have off menu items if you are dare to ask. After all, it is just chemistry. It is a quiet little café in front of busy street (Light Street), and below a commercial chamber. Good place to spend your time chatting or reading (soundproofing is good).
Want a latte which is less than RM10 yet delicious? Here, the only café at Air Itam are of Penang island. Super friendly (and beautiful → the barista) staff and surprisingly affordable price which is not discounted by quality. They are pricing it correctly and maintaining quality ever since establishment despite they failed once (small corner in Gurney Paragon mall). Remember, failure is best teacher.
A Melburnian café which I don't know whether the owner has relationship with a Melburnian but the food quality and free stuff is always there since its conception. Hideout for a woman business group (because I know some of its members) and you could tell how the lady boss is always there to keep quality in check, not just about food and drink quality but customer service, as well (which is disappearing in our community, sadly). Keep it up.
A new and passionate addition to Penang café list and its forté is cakes. Coffee, of course is open for discussion and custom brew if you dare to ask because the owners are still experimenting what they can offer, at South western part of Penang island. With so many certification displayed on wall, I am sure their cakes are not disappointing you along with off menu coffee.
Want to "gap leng zai" (peek at handsome men) if you are alone in café? Here. Blonde or brunette, your choice. Leng lui (pretty lady)? The pastry master! OK, it is about their France pastry and of course coffee quality here. It takes French to know its pastries well? Maybe, but this is one of the place where
pâtisserie are unique here. Oh, their fire shuttle is pink, too...
Well well well, the big bro among them all, the ever green, the biggest café (at least physical lot) on Penang island. In this harsh market, surviving is not a choice and they have made it to be mentor for some of local café. They have their in house ice cream, 100% local made besides their own roastery and coffee academy (possibly coffee farm, too). Quality is differed from time to time because of mastery among the students and staff but you can't be upset with pioneer in Penang.
There are few more that I would recommend which you could check them out and again, there is no good or bad, right or wrong, taste is ultimately, subjective.
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| Beautiful barista who knows her coffee well |
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| For the light-roasted brew lovers |
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| Zodiac themed coffee/beverages and barista courses |
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| Another high quality pâtissière café |
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| Don't play play with café that has its roastery | |
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| yay, cyclist owner who does hand brew and roasting |
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