O-Hai-Yo! Greetings peeps! Those that are following me on my social media would know that i was in Tokyo, Japan for a couple of days, exploring this unique and beautiful metropolitan of the east. Now that i'm back, i can't wait to show you guys my thoughts and experience during the trip! Before that, let me present to you, one of the biggest coffee force in my hometown, Penang--Macallum Connoiseur.
Perhaps i was expecting too much from this star level cafe in Penang, i was greatly disappointed by their coffee and tea. To begin with, cappucino's latte art was nothing much but a basic 3-layered tulip, flawed some more. Flavour was leaning towards acidic and fruity, not exactly my preference. It would be better to let the customers to choose their beans, just like Earthlings in Kuching, so that every customers is pleased. Homemade Chai Latte was priced at an astonishing RM 16. Speaking of a small pot of tea, filled with simple spices and minimal amount of tea and warm milk absolutely does not cost that high. The portion was so pathetically small and there was barely any chai spices tasted. I would not recommend another cup. On the bright side, smoked salmon bagel was a tad better than those disappointing beverages. I like the generosity of the kitchen, in providing decent amount of smoked salmon. Wasabi cream cheese was an unique twist to this conventional dish. Salad was just ordinary, nothing memorable. Matcha Sesame Cheesecake was delicious as whole, with its soft and creamy cheese layers. However, the two flavours make no sense together. It is unwise to combine 2 flavours of the same nation (JAPAN) together without a harmony of taste.
I'm sure Penangnites and even Malaysian are familiar with this cafe. It kicked start in Penang Island , off Gat Lebuh Macallum not long ago, probably last year, instantly shaking the whole F & B situation there. It is based in an ex-furniture shop, carrying a cold factory setting, giving customers an industrial vibe. Its grey, black and wooden essentials are key in designing this coffee factory and cafe. Macallum, unlike other cafes out there, carries their own coffee lines, ranging from sourcing, purchasing, roasting and marketing. Besides selling to local cafes and their own cafe, their home-roasted beans are also open for customers. Not to mention an array of coffee related products, perfect for aspiring cafe owners to source and prepare for their ventures.
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| Roasting Room |
Judging from various positive reviews from fellow cafe hoppers, inviting cafe vibes and interesting menu write up, my expectation was sky high, especially on their coffee beverages. We ordered a cup of Cappucino Con Cocoa, Homemade Chai Latte, Smoked Salmon Bagel and a slice of Matcha Sesame Cheese Cake.
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| Cappucino con Cocoa--RM 10 Cappucino dusted with chocolate powder |
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| Homemade Chai Latte--RM 16 Special mix of 7 spices (Black Pepper, Cardamon, Anise, Star Anise, Clove, Cinnamon and Coriander Seeds) |
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| Smoked Salmon Bagel Smoked salmon with poppy seeds bagel, served with wasabi cream cheese, salad and balsamic dressings. |
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| Matcha Sesame Cheesecake |
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| #flatlays |
What can i say more about Macallum? Well, i can't help but feel highly disappointed, as i thought finally, Penang's cafe scene is finally catching up with the capital. The concept and build up of this coffee shop was brilliant, kitchen was doing a good job as well. Perhaps, more tweaks and improvements should be done on the coffee bar section. The fact that fellow servers failed to answer simplest questions such as the origin of beans, best selling cakes and more are unacceptable. Macallum claims to be the connoiseur in coffee, sadly, i couldn't sense any of it in my visit. Till next time Penang! xoxo
More Information~
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Macallum/
Address: No. 1, Gat Lebuh Macallum, George Town, Penang.
