When you ask Malaysian locals where to find good, delicious food in Malaysia, most would immediately point in the direction of Penang. The exciting food culture in Penang is one of the reasons why Penang is often regarded as one of the must-travel locations in Malaysia.
There are many establishments within the state that serve a variety of food from local to foreign that you may never run out of things to try. In fact, some even take it a step further with their businesses by contributing to a good cause, and paying it forward in a continuous effort to help those in need.
You may have read our article on eateries in the Klang Valley area that are helping people, especially those in marginalized communities. In this article, we will highlight social enterprise eateries in Penang that strive to help the community.
#1: The Lighthouse Cafe
The Lighthouse Cafe, a snug homestyle cafe located in Penang Road, serves a range of Chinese stir fry and western dishes, and usually gets very busy during lunch hours. If you are looking for a place that sells a bowl of hailam char or a plate of beef pepperoni pizza at an affordable price, then this is the place for you.
Another unique thing about the establishment is that it also consists of a laundry, a thrift shop, and a bakery. But what’s really great about this cafe is that it’s a social enterprise that offers vocational training, where parts of the proceeds will go to charity as well as education funds for those in need.
If you’re in town, go visit this cafe, and perhaps even join their vocational training classes!
Get there: 52A, Jalan Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang. Opens: 11am to 7pm daily (except on Tuesday).
Check out their Facebook page for more info!
#2: Quarantine Home Food
Unfortunately, the pandemic has caused many businesses to shut down, which also resulted in many becoming jobless. However, this did not stop Nabindran Borah, Sanjay Jayashankar, and Duncan Nages Scully from opening their own stall after having to leave the eatery they previously worked at.
Their stall, Quarantine Home Food, is located at Sungai Pinang Food Court. Their Indian food is not only delicious, but also extremely cheap and affordable. In fact, the trio even made sure to cook extra daily, so that they could provide the food to the needy and homeless. Talk about generosity!
Get there: Sungai Pinang Food Court, Lebuh Sungai Pinang Jelutong, 11600 George Town. Opens: 12pm – 3.30pm (lunch), 7pm-10pm (dinner)
Check out their Instagram page for more info!
#3: Kesum Art Restaurant
This charming shophouse decked with beautiful paintings from local artists also serves a mighty Malay-inspired menu. Kesum Art Restaurant prides themselves in their selection of signature local cuisine from the southern Peninsula, such as Asam Pedas, Laksa Johor, Soto, Lontong, Sambal Goreng and Satay.
While you dig in and savour the delicious meals, let your eye wander around and if any of the art pieces on display catches your eye – consider purchasing it. Proceeds from the sale of any of the art pieces are directly donated to charities.
Get there: 104, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling 10200 George Town, Penang. Opens: Currently, from 6pm – 9.30pm (except on Monday)
Check out their Facebook page for the latest updates.
#4: WTF Studios
WTF Studios is an all-in-one cafe where it is not only an eatery that serves delicious food, but it is also a bar, a workshop studio, and a community space that welcomes anyone and everyone. During the pandemic, this hip-looking cafe decided to lend a helping hand to those in need by providing packed hot meals. To top it off, WTF Studios also has a ‘Pay-It-Forward’ programme, in which they will donate one hot meal with every order made.
Be sure to check out the cafe, and donate to their Pay-It-Forward programme.
Get there: 252A, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 Pulau Pinang. Opens: 11am – 11pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Check out their Facebook page for more info!
#5: Annalakshmi Temple of Fine Arts
Annalakshmi Temple of Fine Arts is an all you can eat, a buffet-style restaurant that serves Indian vegetarian food. The restaurant offers daily lunch buffets and a Saturday dinner buffet while other evenings are a la carte.
What is unique about this restaurant is that the waiters are all volunteers, so the restaurant has a ‘pay what you want’ payment through donation system. All of the proceeds will then go to charity.
If you are looking for some good vegetarian Indian food, be sure to check this place out!
Get there: 1 Babington Avenue, Georgetown (at Barrack Road, near YMCA), Penang. Opens: 11.30am – 2.30pm (lunch), 6.00pm-9.30pm (dinner) (daily except for Monday)
Check out their Facebook page for the latest updates.
Do you know of any other eateries in Klang Valley that are paying it forward? DM us on Instagram, we would love to know and may even feature them!
Written by: Aliesya Sofea
