Coffee art is so common in Penang lately. Most of the barristers know how to make coffee arts. However, not all of them know how to make beautiful 3D coffee art.
There are only few cafes in Penang which are able to provide 3D coffee art on the cuppa. One of the cafes that makes unique 3D coffee art is Coffee Atelier or also known as 55 Cafe & Restaurant. 55 Cafe & Restaurant has been around in town for a while but all the while they are famous for their regular latte art and tapas for dinner. Until recently, with the introduction of 3D cafe art from the cafe, it has brought them to a new level and made it stand out from the rest of the blooming cafes.
It will be a bit challenging to locate 55 Cafe & Restaurant as it is not located along the main road in town. However, it is not hard to locate them as well. If you are driving via Lebuh Farquhar to Jalan Masjid Mapitan Keling, look for the Penang famous Goddess of Mercy Temple on your right, just after the temple turn to your right to Lorong Stewart. Driving via the small alley for another 100 meters, watch out on your left and you will see the cafe is just around the corner. This place has limited parking space, therefore it is advised to be here during off peak hour.
Coffee Atelier is another shop that has been revived from prewar house into a heritage unit. This place was used to be a famous coffee shop known as KIM GUAN COFFEE shop.
Just like any other cafes which had been restored from a prewar unit, the dining area at Cafe Atelier is small and will not be able to cater for many people. However, the place is classically cozy and you can also spot some foreigners around.
The menu of 55 Cafe & Restaurant.
The barrister and the coffee counter.
Spanish Sandwich – RM19, French Ham Bocadillo, served with Fresh Baguette Coated with Garlic, tomato and olive oil.
The ham and other ingredients were just regular ingredients from supermarkets. The combination was however juicy and appetizing. It was nothing fancy but worth a try.
Scrambled Egg with Toast and Butter – RM14, scrambled egg with chopped olives and served with 2 slices of toasts and butter.
A common type of breakfast available everywhere. The aroma of scrambled egg was very nice.
Cafe Latte – RM12, the coffee art was prepared in 3D style. Take note that not all the coffees/hot drinks listed on the menu will be available for 3D coffee art. Only the one in astericks and in double shots will be available for 3D art.
The aroma and the taste of the latte was acceptable and nice. The selling point here is on the 3D foam that makes the drink outstanding. This is the Lion King that was on top of my latte. The coffee art was so beautiful and it was so difficult for me to destroy the art for the coffee.
Cappuccino – RM12, the taste was not a big hush but the 3D foam is again the selling point. This time, they made a cute hippo on my cappucino.
The hippo was happily “showering” on top of my cuppa. It was too cute to be eaten.
The grand master behind who prepared all the masterpieces is Steven (Having the same name as me). He owns such a pair of steady and creative hands. Bravo!
Overall, the selling point of this place is the 3D coffee art. The place brought back old memories of sipping coffee in a kopitiam, except with a nicer and cozy environment . The food here was acceptable. However, it is very hard to get parking during peak hour and also the price of the food here is on the high side. Most of the waiters and waitress here are very friendly but some of them are impatient. I hope this can be improved as many people like to visit this place for its unique coffee art and food.
Editor’s Review (5 Stars Rank):
| Taste |  |
| Price (more stars, more reasonable) |  |
| Food Presentation |  |
| Service |  |
| Overall | |
Quick Facts:
| Family Friendly |  |
| Parking |  |
| Pork Free | |
| Alcohol (beer) | |
| Credit Card | |
| Smoking | |
| Reservation | |
| Private Room | |
| WIFI Available | |
Operation hours: 8:30am – 10:00pm, (Open Daily)
Contact: 04-261 2261/ 016-469 8228
Address: 47-55, Lorong Stewart, 10300 Penang, Malaysia
GPS: 5° 41′ 91.42″ N, 100° 33′ 77.73″ E