Hakuna Matata Cafe @ Penang

Nowdays, rarely I will visit any cafe as mostly ended up quite ‘meh’. Over past weekend when I was back to Penang,  my friend ask me to at least give Hakuna Matata Cafe at Lebuh Carnavon a try. Since I am back, I brought my parents to check it out too.

Very interesting is that it is a fusion cafe that chef have acquire technical cooking of flavours that infuses local Penang ingredients. Also previously they started out as a dessert cafe and now they do have some mains to go along.

Located just right opposite of the famous chu char Tek Sen, spot for this bright red food truck that sit right outside the shop.

Simple video for your viewing pleasure

As I entered the cafe, instantly fell in love with vibe of this place. Industrial and raw with a mix of some heritage feel in it.

Definitely an instagram heaven, that fit with red brick, raw cemment look, spiral staircase, white brick or even with plants.

Menu is not very huge, as they do not sell spaghetti, hence there is a reason the bright red truck is park outside to cater for diners tummy. Everything is made from scratch by the chef and only produces limited quantity a day to ensure quality of food is there.

Cafe signature is the bunz and bowl rice.

Weather is crazy hot on that day, I ordered Mojito Matata @ RM 15 – lime, mint, cucumber and soda to start off with. A refreshing drink.

Coffee latte for my dad @ RM 10. quite decent as the coffee is slightly robust less acidic that comes to my liking.

Starting off with Signature Pork Roulade @ RM 10. Pack with generous ingredient with chunky mince pork, prawns, water-chestnut and the sauce is the one that make it even  more delicious. Chef special sauce is filled with unique combination of nutmeg, mayo and salsa. I have then requested additional sauce to dip my fries.

These are the chef signature bunz with a twist. Char Siu @ RM 6 is smack with a nice thick slab of char siu and pickled cucumber that give a hint of vineger sourish twist on the caramelise sauce of char siew. Turns out to be quite good as the flavour combination is confuse but a good match.

Another local twist will be the Pulled Pork Bunz @ RM 6 that top with chef special mustard and mui choy.

Then I order their Little Buns Combo Set for myself @ RM 18 with fries and a drink. Try on Spicy Fried Chicken – Signature hot sauce marinated fried chicken mango salad peanut powder. Love the twist of this flavour as you can taste each layer of spicy hot sauce, sour mango and peanut .

next is their own version of Fish & Chips all in a bun. top with straight cut potato, mushy baby peas and gherkin shallot mayo.

My dad had Beer Battered Groupa Fish Fillet Bowl Rice @ RM 21. Infuse with spicy pickled kimchi in the rice. A nice combination of flavour.

As flipping thru for dessert then found this drink British India @ RM 15 which is quite interesting. infuse with nutmeg and never thought turns out to be above expectation.

When Hakuna Matata first started, it started it off as a dessert cafe that serve pretty good chilled cheese cake. What I understand from the manager, she mention that its only limited portion a day. If flavour of that cake is sold out for the day, they will move to next flavour. So it will be depending on your luck.

So since 3 flavour is available, ordered one each. Passion fruit with passion fruit curd, thumbs up for those love this flavour profile, strawberry and classic.

If I were to pick and recommend, definitely classic and lemon curd with passion fruit.

I have not eaten good brownie for ages. If you are here and it is still available, do order it. Love the moisture, less density, and flavor of choc is quite prominent, then drench with tamarind sauce. Serve warm and slightly crisp on the top crust.

Pair it with latte, is just perfect or even americano. One of a recommended cafe if you want to find a place to chill, less busy and nice ambiance also, it is quite rare to find a fusion cafe in Penang. Or i might be wrong.

-= Ka Ching =-

Food Rating 8/10, one of a recommended cafe in Penang !!!~-Stamped-

–Warning– This is based on my individual taste. Try it at your own risk-

Location:
Hakuna Matata Cafe
3, Lebuh Carnarvon,
George Town, 10200 Penang

operating Hours:
Tuesday to Thurs: 11am – 6pm
Friday – Sunday : 11am – 11pm
(Closed Monday & Tuesday)