Admittedly, prior to my visit, I wasn't really convinced by Sweetbar Cafe. I reasoned that since so many coffee shops in Penang Island claim to offer a "unique" experience, this one might just be another Instagram-worthy location with no supporting evidence.
But I was mistaken, totally mistaken.
The feeling of coziness and style struck me as soon as I walked in. Every element, from the tastefully placed décor to the cozy lighting, is evidently the result of much consideration. It has a friendly, understated vibe that makes you want to stay.
The service followed. My coffee and cake arrived with a cleanly folded tissue and a glass of water. Even though it's a tiny thing, it caused me to stop. Not every café makes the extra effort to ensure that everything you require is available. The boarding pass was the next item. A boarding pass, indeed. This cute little card provides you with all the information you need to know about the coffee you ordered, including its origin and flavor characteristics. I couldn't resist grinning at the inventiveness.
What about the coffee? I was partly expecting to be disappointed after hearing so many positive things about it. However, it was amazing. It's rich, smooth, and expertly brewed. It tasted just as delicious as everyone had claimed. The cake was equally outstanding and went well with the coffee.
I was skeptical when I first arrived, but I was won over by the end. Sweetbar Cafe is the actual thing, not just a nice face. This is the spot to go if you want a cafe that does everything right, from the atmosphere to the service to the coffee. I will most...
Read moreI recently visited this cozy café, and I must say, I’m in love with their drinks! You can genuinely taste the rich aroma of the coffee beans, and the delicate fragrance of the genmaicha tea was spot on — a real treat for the senses.
The banana cake was moist, and comforting, but I was a bit let down by the brownie. It was too sweet for my taste and lacked the deep, rich chocolate flavor also the brownie texture that I was expecting. A bit more balance there would elevate it significantly.
One thing that really stood out was the presentation. Everything, from the choice of cutlery and cups to the plates and coasters, was thoughtfully chosen, giving the café a simple yet elegant aesthetic. The design of the space and the way the food and drinks were presented just enhanced the whole experience. It’s clear that a lot of attention was put into creating a pleasant and harmonious atmosphere.
All in all, this café is a great spot for a relaxing drink, and with a few tweaks to the dessert menu, it could easily be a perfect...
Read moreLocated right opposite of Hin Bus Depot- Sweetbar serves cafe, tea and some pastries. The concept here is unique, when you order any kind of coffee, they will give you a boarding pass in which you can collect. Once you have more, you can claim a free cup.
We decided to try their iced black which was extracted well and had a good flavour profile. We also tried their highly raved brownies which was not too soft, dense nor chewy. The sweetness was just right and we loved the addition of the sea salt. Basque burnt earl grey cheesecake had a good texture but it wasn’t really my favourite taste wise.
Service was good and friendly. They checked in with us and offered to refill our water. Tables can be a little small but it’s good enough for a small group. Would come back to try the banana cake and...
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