October 2013
Located a stone's throw away from Penang's town hall, high courts, Esplanade and Dewan Sri Pinang, this Kaffa cafe is two storeys of coffee bar also serving food, an art gallery called The Imaginarium and a second floor al fresco dining area. Its high-ceiling, polished wood and elegant dark grey interior continues upstairs to the gallery. While retro two-seaters and arm chairs offer comfortable meet and chat over cups of coffee spot. Quirky murals of The Beatles along with Marilyn Monroe add colour to its walls.
The gallery space is not only suceptible to art exhibitions but also as an event venue such as private dinners or lunches, wedding or birthday parties and talks. In fact, these are the exact events the proprietors have in mind when they refurbished and renovated the space.
Their philosophy of good coffee is defined by how picky they are with the beans they choose, roasting and preparation techniques. Their coffees are not served piping hot but at a slightly lower temperature that truly allows the coffee to introduce its full flavour and body to your palate, as advised by their contracted coffee sommelier, Claudio Pinto. Also, you may find their coffee a little milder than what most are used to but we suggest you order an espresso shot for that extra kick!
Coffees are from RM6++ while food such as salads, various pasta dishes, sandwiches and burgers are from RM16.90++. Breakfast such as butter croissant, French toast and the served all day long Big Bite is from RM3.90++. What punctuates your sips of coffee here, you ask? The pleasant ambience and service, of course! Don't forget to check out their retro room towards the back of the downstairs area with reproductions of 70s furniture, old fashioned television and radio sets - it's as if you've just stepping into someone's living room. Su Aziz