Ome by Spacebar Coffee Georgetown, Penang

Ome by Spacebar Coffee

Monica Tindall

Ignore all of your mother’s warnings about venturing down dark alleyways on your own as those narrow lanes are precisely where you want to be in Penang. From hidden bars to art galleries, vibrant wall murals to some of the best coffee around, a step off the main drag can bring any number of rewards. One such gem is Ome by Spacebar Coffee.

An abbreviation of the word “home,” the team at Ome by Spacebar Coffee want guests to feel relaxed and comfortable. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and a slice of homemade cake is sure to accomplish that for many. The charming entrance, simple interior and friendly welcome are sure to convince the rest.

Once you’ve stepped off Beach Street onto Lorong Toh Aka, Ome by Spacebar Coffee is easily found. Marked by colourful street art and a luscious vine draping over the entrance, it is Insta-selfie picture-perfect. That business is not of our interest, however, and we make a quick ingress. (We’ve heard weekends see quite the crowds so we’re avoiding all risks of caffeine delay.)

As with many buildings of similar age, the space is longer than it is wide, with the hallway and barista bar tapering out to a broader central courtyard. Exposed brick walls, polished cement floors and countertops are complemented by pendant lights and a fantastic wooden table. The centrepiece is cut from an enormous tree trunk which has been polished and varnished, apart from one end containing its own mini rock and moss garden. Benefiting from natural rays from the skylight, this is the top seat in the house.

During our visit to Ome by Spacebar Coffee, an art exhibition from the gallery space upstairs flows down, with one of the installations taking over the iconic table. Space Junk #19 Stacey is a work of metal, plastic and plants and appears as if a strangler fig, enveloping its host.

Ome by Spacebar Coffee Menu

Speciality coffee is the name of the game at Ome by Spacebar Coffee. A quick look around tables shows espresso-based coffees as the most popular order. Cold nitro though is coming a close second and hand pour brews, either done pour-over or with the Aeropress, are for true coffee aficionados. Coffee with Milk is priced at RM10 for a single shot or RM14 for a double. Add RM2 for oat milk – a great dairy-free alternative.

Drinks are supported by a counter of homemade cakes. We try their best-seller, the Olive Oil Zucchini Bread (RM13). It’s toasted and comes with a sprinkling of sea salt and a whirl of crème Fraiche. It’s easy to see why it fast became a top pick. Nicely moist in the middle, but with a crunchy edge, it is delicious.

Apple Crisp (RM12) is a great vegan option (with no dairy and no egg). Also delivered warm, it’s a comforting combo of stewed apples, topped with an oat, coconut, cinnamon and pecan crumble.

Ome by Spacebar Coffee Review

Ome by Spacebar Coffee is a charming spot worth a stop-in for a serious coffee and a light snack. Do check out the changing series of art exhibitions upstairs too.

Reasons to visit: great coffee, charming setting, do try the zucchini bread.

Ome by Spacebar Coffee
No 1, Lorong Toh Aka
10100 Pinang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
www.facebook.com/Ome-by-Spacebar-Coffee
+6 019 309 1450

Ome by Spacebar Coffee Opening Hours
Saturday to Wednesday 8 am – 6 pm

Find more on gourmet travel to Penang here and some of our other favourite cafes in Georgetown here, and here