Dua Sua Ka Cafe Bukit Mertajam is a vintage-industrial themed café in Penang with specialty coffee, signature cakes & nostalgic décor.
Dua Sua Ka Cafe Bukit Mertajam is a vintage-industrial themed café in Penang with specialty coffee, signature cakes & nostalgic décor.
Dua Sua Ka Cafe Bukit Mertajam – Vintage Charm & Specialty Coffee in Penang’s Mainland
Tucked away in the heart of Bukit Mertajam on Penang’s mainland, Dua Sua Ka Cafe Bukit Mertajam offers far more than your typical coffee stop.
With its vintage-industrial styled interior, glass-roofed seating and specialty coffee selections paired with Malaysian local favourites like nyonya kuih, this café blends local heritage and modern café culture beautifully.
If you’re looking for a café destination off the main island crowd, this one is worth the detour.
Where It Is & What Makes It Stand Out
Dua Sua Ka sits at 49, Jalan Arumugam Pillai, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang.
The name itself – “Dua Sua Ka” – roughly reflects the local dialect for “Bukit Mertajam,” signalling its local roots and character.
What sets it apart:
- A huge glass-panelled frontage and high ceilings allowing natural light to flood the interior.
- Two distinct zones: one focusing on local coffee, savoury meals and nyonya-style touches; the other at the rear serving specialty cakes and modern espresso coffee.
- Vintage décor, old-school furniture and a rustic-chic feel – making it highly Instagrammable and a favourite among café-hoppers in Penang.
Menu Highlights & What to Order At Dua Sua Ka Cafe Bukit Mertajam
At Dua Sua Ka Cafe Bukit Mertajam, you’ll find a delightful mix of local and modern flavours:
- For a sweet treat: their signature Watermelon Cake and Black Sesame Pandan Cake receive strong praise from guests.
- Specialty coffee drinks like the “Harry Potter” latte – layered and unique in taste.
- Local favourites: nyonya kuih (onde-onde, pulut tekan with kaya) and classic Malaysian kopi time dishes.
This dual concept allows visitors to savour both heritage flavours and contemporary café culture in one visit.
Why Dua Sua Ka Cafe Bukit Mertajam Is A Destination
Atmosphere. Walking into Dua Sua Ka feels like stepping into a revitalised heritage space. The high ceilings, abundant plants, glass walls and vintage charm create an environment for relaxing, chatting, studying, or simply appreciating.
One review noted: “thick natural light, glass roof, old-school furniture… best for a chill afternoon.”
Its setting in Bukit Mertajam means fewer crowds compared to island-Penang cafés, offering more peaceful time—even though it’s growing in popularity.
Best Time to Visit & Travel Tips
- Go early (10am–12pm) to enjoy the space before it gets busy – especially on weekends when queues can build.
- Parking is available by the side of the café but the area is in an old-town complex, so drive slowly and look out for one-way lanes.
- The café notes a “no WiFi” policy and limited charging points for devices. Good to know if you plan to work there.
- If you’re a dessert-lover, try the cakes in the rear section and consider pairing with a specialty coffee rather than just local kopi.
- After your café stop, explore the Bukit Mertajam old-town area – local heritage, street food and craft stores are nearby.
Why It’s Worth the Trip
For café lovers, photographers, and travellers seeking a distinctive local experience, Dua Sua Ka Café Bukit Mertajam ticks many boxes:
- Heritage-rich setting away from the main tourist hubs of Penang
- A café with character and personality rather than chain-style uniformity
- A balanced menu of local favourites and modern café drinks
- Ideal for coffee dates, friends’ meet-ups, relaxed photo sessions
In short: this café is more than just coffee—it’s an experience.
Conclusion
This vintage atmosphere is quite like Soul Ben Thanh Restaurant Bar in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam. Only more serene and quiet comparatively. If you find yourself in Penang and want to venture beyond the usual island cafés, make your way to Bukit Mertajam and drop into Dua Sua Ka Café. With its vintage décor, dual-menu concept, and strong local roots, it’s a café you’ll remember—whether you stay for an hour or linger for the afternoon. Grab a slice of cake, a specialty latte, and soak in the quiet charm of Penang’s mainland. Your next favourite café might just be here.
