What To Eat On Penang Hill?
Set 821m above the capital city of Penang, Penang Hill is a must-visit when in Penang! Also affectionately known as Bukit Bendera by the locals, Penang Hill has a long and vibrant history, offers breathtaking views of the city from the top, and is full of fun things to do, making it a popular hangout spot amongst tourists and locals alike.
If you're planning a visit to Penang Hill and are looking for places to eat while you're at the top, check out our list of food spots to grab a bite or snack after some exploration!
Check out our full Penang Hill visit guide:
Restaurants And Food Spots On Penang Hill
1. Cliff Cafe
Cliff Cafe (also known as Astaka Bukit Bendera) is Penang Hill's spacious three-storey food and beverage centre that houses a food court and a variety of souvenir and drinks stalls. Feast on a variety of local favourites here from asam laksa to char kuey teow, or Western delights like pizza and sandwiches.
If you'd like something refreshing, the ais kacang stall is definitely a crowd-favourite! There are also beverage stalls with fresh fruit juices and smoothies if you're looking to quench your thirst.
- Address: Astaka Bukit Bendera, Jalan Tunku Yahaya Petra, 10000, Penang.
- Opening Hours: 8AM - 8PM, daily
2. The Habitat Cafe
Tucked away in The Habitat Penang Hill, The Habitat Cafe is a tranquil spot surrounded by foliage and lush greens. With a chic interior, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and a calming vibe, there's nothing like sipping on a cup of coffee with the sounds of the birds chirping outside.
The cafe also doubles up as a shop where you can browse their selection of handpicked items from essential oils to handmade woven bags sourced directly from local communities. We'd recommend popping by after going on a nature walk through the beautiful The Habitat!
- Address: The Habitat Penang Hill, Bukit Bendera, 11300 Penang.
- Opening Hours: 9AM - 6PM, daily
3. Kopi Hutan
Did you know that you can visit the highest cafe in the city on Penang Hill? Tucked away in the Monkey Cup Garden, Kopi Hutan is where you can enjoy a good cup of coffee, delectable cakes, or a sandwich while being surrounded by trees and fresh air. While the cafe serves a relatively small menu, it's still worth a visit for its charming vibe, and if you're looking for a spot to rest your legs a little after some sightseeing.
Do note though that the cafe is located deep in the woods (a 2KM walk from the main area), you can walk over if you're up for some exercise, or hop on a pickup truck at a small fee.
- Address: Monkey Cup @ Penang Hill
- Opening Hours: 9AM - 6PM, daily
4. David Brown's Restaurant and Tea Terraces
Tucked away in a picturesque corner of Penang Hill, David Brown's is a true-blue English teahouse where you can enjoy an elegant afternoon tea or fancy dinner. Set in a beautifully-restored colonial-style cottage that has retained its charm from the 1940s, the menu here consists of a variety of hors d'oeuvers, steaks and chops, fresh puddings, pies, traditional roasts, as well as a nice vegetarian selection.
With indoor and outdoor seating, you can opt to dine in a cosy corner indoors on soft armchairs, or out in the chilly breeze with stunning views of Penang spread out below you. We'd recommend going for the al-fresco seating if the weather pleasant, the seats on the well-manicured lawn are especially popular in the afternoon.
- Address: Strawberry Hill, Penang Hill, Bukit Bendera, 11300 Air Itam, Penang.
- Opening Hours: 11AM - 10PM, daily
5. Kacang Putih
Ask the locals and they'll definitely know the kacang putih man on Penang Hill! Mr. Sakthivel manages a humble pushcart on Penang Hill, selling the healthy yet tasty heritage Indian snack that consists of chick peas, muruku, corn, nuts, and secret blended sauces that have an addictive kick to it.
The little stall was established in the 1950s by Mr. Sakthivel's grandfather, and has witnessed the whole development of Penang Hill since the early days to what it has become today. The kacang putih has become a popular snack for those who visit Penang Hill, and has even garnered many loyal international fans from all over the world!