490 Specialty Cofee Penang- The cafe that transformed a kampung

Hidden in the heart of rural Penang, 490 is a café that’s has turned a 60-year-old kampung house to a hipster haven

A stunning transformation of an old storeroom by blending Japanese simplicity with Malay kampung warmth. The wooden façade, large windows, and a magnificent counter will surely capture your attention

The decor encompass a lot of Japanese flavour

There's some creative outdoor seating at 490

A good coffee is certainly hard to find in Mainland Penang

The cafe turns an old kampung house into a hip heaven

Story of the interior design

490 Specialty Coffee is a labor of love—a months-long renovation that transformed a weathered old storeroom and half-demolished kampung house into a sanctuary for coffee enthusiasts. The space honors its roots with soaring high ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and minimalist furniture arranged to create both intimate corners and communal energy. A floor-to-ceiling window frames a serene view of the surrounding village, flooding the interior with natural light, while the massive coffee counter —crafted as a centerpiece—commands attention, blending functionality with theatrical flair. Every detail, from the raw textures to the curated quiet, cultivates an unpretentious yet undeniably hipster vibe, making 490 a destination where heritage and modernity brew in perfect harmony.

Most structure was torn down during the rennovation

The ceiling to floor window let's in all the kampung sunlight

Out door seating are super comfortable and mend well with its kampung surroundings

Signature Coffee: Taro Coffee

Their standout creation—Taro Coffee—is a love letter to innovation and craft. Unlike any other café in Penang, they make their velvety taro paste in-house, slow-cooked to a perfect balance of earthy sweetness and creamy texture. Paired with their meticulously sourced espresso, each sip layers rich coffee depth with nostalgic, purple-hued comfort—neither overly sugary nor artificial, just pure, harmonious indulgence. It’s a drink that embodies their philosophy: tradition reimagined, one homemade batch at a time.

Each coffee is served with unique glass / cup

Signature Dish: Beef Soup Noodle

At 490 Specialty Coffee, their signature Beef Noodle Soup redefines comfort food with artisanal care. Featuring springy house-made noodles and tender, juicy beef slices, the dish is elevated by a fragrant, slow-simmered broth and a bright crunch of fresh sour vegetables—a rare homemade touch that balances richness with tangy freshness. Unlike typical street-side versions, every element here reflects their obsession with quality, turning a humble bowl into a memorable, soul-warming experience.

Their Tom Yam Spaghetti is also highly recommended

The Waffle Dessert That Melts on Your Tongue

A golden, crisp exterior gives way to an impossibly light center - 490 signature waffle dissolves into pure indulgence the moment it touches your lips. Baked to airy perfection using a generations-old recipe, each bite delivers a whisper of caramelized sweetness that lingers like a cherished memory. Served warm with artisanal toppings that dance between tradition and innovation, this isn't just dessert - it's edible nostalgia crafted to disappear all too quickly, leaving only the longing for one more bite. Their waffle is specially decorated with fresh grapes and strawberry.