Trying Roti Bakar from Too Soon Cafe in Penang has to be on your global bucket list! Yes, I said global! Nestled within the charming streets of George Town, Penang, lies a hidden gem of culinary delight, Toh Soon Cafe. This unassuming little coffee shop has stood the test of time, serving generations of Penangites and visitors with some of the best local food and traditional Hainanese coffee in the region. To call it a little shop is even a bit of an overstatement. It is literally a narrow alleyway with the kitchen centimetres opposite the dining area. A unique dining experience like none other.
A Journey Back in Time
The moment you step into Toh Soon Cafe, you’re transported back in time. The old-school, no-frills ambiance of this café is like a window into Penang’s rich history. With its vintage marble-topped tables, wooden chairs, and rustic charm, this café offers an authentic experience that’s increasingly hard to find in the bustling, modern world.
The Local Experience
Part of what makes Toh Soon Cafe special is the experience. It’s not just about the food; it’s about being immersed in Penang’s local culture. The cafe is a hub of social activity, filled with people from all walks of life, savouring a good breakfast, and engaging in lively conversations. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, and the true essence of Penang’s heritage comes to life.
What is Roti Bakar?
Now, let’s talk about what you should try at Toh Soon Cafe. Roti Bakar is a famous breakfast dish in this part of the world. You’ll have mighty food cultures and traditions like the Indonesian one, the Singaporean one and the Malaysian one claiming it. We’re not here to get into that debate; we’re here to discuss the deliciousness of the dish! Bakar means grilled, so it translates to grilled bread.
Traditionally, this bread would get grilled over charcoal and if you really want to enjoy the true taste, you need to find yourself one that still uses this charcoal. After it is grilled the most common spread is butter and kaya jam (which is basically coconut and pandan flavoured). This is then accompanied with half boiled eggs and a strong cup of kopi (Malaysian coffee with condensed milk). The way to eat this is to put some white pepper and soy sauce over the eggs and then dip the toast into this egg mixture and enjoy. Some also then dip it into the coffee, which gives it an edgy twist, which we like (we usually pour a spoonful of coffee into the egg mixture). If you’ve followed me for a while, you’re probably thinking this sounds a lot like Kaya Toast from Singapore, well yes, that’s exactly what this is.
A Slice of History
The history of Roti Bakar in Malaysia is a testament to the country’s diverse culinary heritage. As with many traditional dishes, its origin is intertwined with the cultural influences that have shaped Malaysian cuisine. The basic concept of Roti Bakar—grilled or toasted bread—was introduced during the colonial era. The British brought bread to Malaysia, and locals quickly embraced it. In true Malaysian fashion, the dish evolved, absorbing flavours and ingredients from various communities that make up the nation.
Regional Flavours
One of the wonderful aspects of Malaysian cuisine is its regional diversity. This extends to Roti Bakar, where different states offer their own unique variations of this beloved dish. In Penang, known for its vibrant street food scene, you’ll find Roti Bakar Goyang. Here, slices of toast are topped with kaya and a runny half-boiled egg, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury (which may be different from other parts of the country, but similar to Singapore and what we’ve had elsewhere).
Hainanese Coffee: The Perfect Pairing
Pair your Roti Bakar with a cup of Toh Soon Café’s famous Hainanese coffee. Brewed to perfection using traditional methods, this coffee is robust, aromatic, and packs a delightful caffeine kick. It’s the ideal accompaniment to the sweet, buttery Roti Bakar. I loved Kopi here in Malaysia and Singapore and honestly the best cup of Kopi I had was right here. They even sell their Kopi, which I regret not bringing back.
Getting there:
Google Maps Location link: click here
