Mobile working is a norm these days, particularly after the post-pandemic era. And while working from home sounds like a great idea, there are times you want a change of environment. You can always go to a co-working space or drop by at a cafe that provides free WiFi access and if possible, plug points to keep your laptop charging. However, not every cafe is work-friendly but don’t worry, though. Here are the 7 Work-Friendly Cafes for Digital Nomads in Penang worth checking out.
1) Bean Sprout Cafe
Good WiFi and a calming ambience, thanks to Bean Sprout Cafe’s charmingly rustic interior made this cafe a favourite among many digital nomads. The spacious area helps too and not to forget, they serve delicious comfort foods and brunch options like Big Breakfast, Avocado Toast and Ham & Cheese Sandwich. Prices may have been on the steeper side but the overall environment offsets its shortcomings, particularly if you are looking to get some work done with no interruption.
Address: 35, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, 10200 George Town, Penang.
2) Kafka Coffee
Kafka Coffee’s unpretentious interior and lots of greenery give it a breath of fresh air and cosiness to its cafe environment. It’s a nice place to chill with your friend or your loved one. And let’s not forget, they provide reasonably strong WiFi — perfect for digital nomads to do some work on their laptops. A friendly reminder, though: The cafe is rather a popular spot, and it’s best to bring along a good pair of headphones for minimising noise distraction. Food-wise, do try some of their must-order choices like Chicken Avocado Wrap, Pan Seared Salmon and the creamy Fettuccine Carbonara.
Address: 15, Jalan Kelawai, 10250 George Town, Penang.
3) Frenchie Coffee
Enjoy a good cuppa like Double Shot Espresso or Slow Brew while doing some laptop work at Frenchie Coffee. They have WiFi and a few plug points available in some seats while the simple, heritage-style interior exudes a sense of tranquillity. Apart from coffee, they also sell delicious baked goods and sliced cakes. Do note that at the time of writing, they no longer sell kitchen foods from February 2024 onwards.
Address: 12, Lorong Chulia, 10200 George Town, Penang.
4) Black Kettle
With plenty of space and reliable WiFi, no wonder Black Kettle is a haven for many digital nomads. The cafe can be packed due to its tourist-friendly prime location on Beach Street. In other words, expect a noisy environment so it’s best to have a pair of headphones in your backpack, just in case. They serve good artisan coffee here and if you are hungry, Black Kettle got you all covered here — pasta, pizza, burgers and sandwiches, just to name a few.
Address: 105, Beach St, 10300 George Town, Penang.
5) Coffee Elements
The word “cosy” is best described for Coffee Elements, given its minimalist decor along with the predominantly white-walled interior. It’s an ideal place to get your work done while sipping a cuppa. Even if you do not drink coffee, they serve other choices like smoothies, ice-blended drinks and fresh lemonade. Hungry? Try some of their hearty pasta dishes here, namely Chicken Carbonara and Seafood Spicy Aglio Olio.
Address: 97-1, Jalan Pisang Embun, Farlim Square, 11500 Air Itam, Penang.
6) The Mugshot Cafe
The Mugshot Cafe welcomes you with its laid-back interior and plenty of seats available. They offer fast WiFi and some good coffee to perk you up no matter if you prefer hot or iced. Need to fill in your tummy? Try one of their savoury bagel muffins with fillings like Cream Cheese & Smoked Salmon, Bacon & Egg or Turkey Ham with Cranberry Sauce. Or go classic with fluffy scrambled eggs on toast. For dessert, don’t forget to order their homemade yoghurt served with delicious combo such as Jackfruit & Gula Melaka and Mango & Walnuts.
Address: 302, Chulia St, 10200 George Town, Penang.
7) WHEELER’S
Here’s a cosy cafe with lots of choices on the menu. From the creamy frappe-like Freddo to fizzy sodas and fresh juices, their drink options are pretty wide. The same also goes for their poultry, fish and meat-based dishes along with pasta and desserts. You get reliable WiFi but given the fact that Wheeler’s is located in the heart of George Town, it’s best to adjust your expectations if you are coming here with your laptop to do some work (read: quiet setting).
Address: 67, Lorong Love, 10200 George Town, Penang.
