Loong Fong Cafe — Restaurant in George Town

Alright, listen here, you culinary adventurers and those with a palate perpetually in search of something truly worthwhile. Loong Fong Cafe in George Town, Penang, isn't just a cafe; it's a delightful poke in the ribs to the notion that all new establishments are mere pastiches of the old. This place, nestled within a charming shophouse, manages to evoke a delicious 70s nostalgia without feeling like a dusty museum. It's got the hum of conversation, the clinking of porcelain, and the general air of a place that knows its onions, or rather, its kaya.

Now, let's talk specifics, because that's where the rubber meets the road, or in this case, the bread meets the steamer. Their steamed Kaya bread is an absolute triumph. Forget your toasted iterations for a moment; this is a cloud of fluffy, yielding goodness, imbued with that unmistakable pandan-kissed kaya. It's warm, it's comforting, and it's the kind of uncomplicated joy that makes you wonder why everyone isn't doing it quite so well. A true masterclass in humble perfection.

And then, to wash it all down, the Pineapple Mango Kombucha. If you're expecting some saccharine, sickly sweet concoction, then you, my friend, have another think coming. This is a wonderfully bright, tangy affair, with a pleasant fizz that cuts through the richness of the bread. It's refreshing, it's intriguing, and it proves that they're not afraid to dance a little on the wild side while still respecting the classics.

So, if you find yourself wandering the captivating streets of George Town, do yourself a favour, and for goodness sake, make a beeline for Loong Fong Cafe. This isn't merely a recommendation; it's an urgent plea. Go, and bask in the culinary glow of this genuine gem. You'll thank me later, preferably with a mouthful of that...

If you’ve been to Instagrammable shophouse cafes, this is ONE to head to if you’re also looking for home-styled, old school nostalgic food.

Disclaimer: The cafe does have free tote bags to give away for every review given (while stocks last). Notwithstanding that, this is a good stop to have on your trip to Georgetown to look at historic architecture, Penang street art and just immerse in this heritage site.

For 2 persons, we had ice teh-o, hot kopi, kaya toast, blue-pea nasi lemak with chicken rempah and a herbal chicken soup with silky mee sua.

The kopi surprised me by how much foam was holding on the top - like a creamy Guinness - and it was really yummy - creamy, thick and strong. Paired with the lightly toasted and delicately balanced kaya toast with butter, it was a good start to the breakfast feast.

The nasi lemak’s star was the sambal - sweet, spicy and a great match to the rice (which was a little wet) and the chicken (which was gloriously fried and not very seasoned so that it wasn’t overwhelming on your taste buds). The second star was the ikan bilis - they don’t look much - but this is one of the better ikan bilis I’ve had in a long time (rivals the Coconut Club’s ikan bilis in Singapore).

The final item - the herbal chicken soup - got me really quiet as I took a first spoon of soup, then a second spoon of mee sua with some soup, and finally a third spoon all in - a piece of meat from the chicken drumstick, mee sua and soup. If you are in the generation where you grew up eating mee sua with drumstick for your birthday or the first day of CNY, you’ll love this. It brought me back to my younger days, and shockingly, this was my fav.

I’ll come back again if I cannot find another option for...

Penang has this way of creeping up on you, sinking its hooks into your soul with that irresistible mix of old-world charm and Peranakan flair. Stumble into this cafe—more like a traditional kopi tiam—and you're instantly transported to a time when things were simpler, but still exciting enough to make you lean in a little closer. It's my second time in Penang. I found this place thanks to Google, but stepping through the door, you wouldn't know it’s the 21st century. The vibe? Silky smooth. Think vintage tiles, low-hanging ceiling fans, and a kind of understated cool that’s impossible to fake. You feel like you've been invited into someone's home, and they just happen to serve the kind of food that makes you sigh in satisfaction.Everything I ordered was spot-on. No frills, no fancy garnishes—just honest, good food. There wasn't a single dish that made me question my life choices. The coffee? Strong enough to wake the dead, with just enough local flavor to remind you where you are. Yeah, the space is tight, but that’s part of the deal. It keeps the atmosphere buzzing with energy, chatter, and the occasional clink of cutlery. If you're the kind of person who needs acres of elbow room, you're missing the point. This place is all about getting close, whether it's to the food, the culture, or the stories shared across the table. So if you're cruising through Penang and want to experience a slice of its soul, get yourself to this cafe. It's not about perfection; it's about authenticity. Come for the food, stay for the stories, and don't complain about the seating—you'll be too busy enjoying the...