Certainly no secret any longer, the coffee and dessert scene in Penang has evolved at a staggering pace. It’s a curious thing that’s happened within the last half a decade, this idea of entrepreneurship and adoption of cafe culture that appeals to the younger crowd. It’s not hard to see why heritage shophouses are constantly being snapped up by anyone looking launch a space for coffee enthusiasts and food-hunters. Some cafes cater to the laptop-toting crowd (“free wifi, guys!”). Others ensnare with seriously jazzed-up interiors and signature menu items serving as attractive Instagram bait. All perfect marketing tools.
单 Dān Cafe has its own surprises.
Not just another Penang hipster cafe
单 Dān Cafe ingeniously shares its home with Moonshop Gallery. Moonshop Gallery sounds pretty mystical, but it gets better. It’s a “plant design laboratory” that specialises in turning tropical ornamental plants into really marvelous works of art. You can sign up for workshops, create your very own open-system Egg Forest Bottle terrarium, buy unique display pieces, and even get some good landscaping advice.
Glass windows allow plenty of sunlight to stream into the small, dimly-lit cavern. The combined space makes for a delightfully green cafe, with curious ornaments and a gallery of terrariums taking up the counters and shelves. The theme of serenity and greenery coupled with its moody zen-like atmosphere takes us someplace else. It doesn’t feel like Georgetown at all.
What to eat and drink at 单 Dān Cafe
We were recommended the hōjicha lava cake. It comes artfully decorated with berries, edible flowers, and a dollop of soft vanilla ice cream, and tastes just as beautiful. Warm and almost sticky, with notes of roasted green tea, it lives up to a lava cake’s reputation of being comforting and memorable. We also tried the white coffee and hōjicha latte; both were warm, creamy, and soothing. Not to mention very Instagrammable.
Where is 单 Dān Cafe and Moonshop Gallery?
Moonshop Gallery is located at 38/1 Lebuh Farquhar, on the ground floor of the street-facing Penang Bowl bowling complex. Admittedly, an odd spot to set up shop, but you end up ignoring the fact once you step into the lush little grotto. The cafe is inside the gallery.
For out-of-towners, use the Eastern & Oriental Hotel as your guide. It’s just a 3-minute walk down the street from the iconic landmark.
单 Dān Cafe & Moon Shop Gallery
38/1 Lebuh Farquhar,
Georgetown
10200 Penang, Malaysia
Moonshop Gallery
The above is a revised article. The original version can be found on the author’s personal blog.
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