Special thanks to Constant Gardener Coffee for extending this food review invitation.
Occupying two units at the ground floor of the Chinese Chamber Of Commerce Building, Constant Gardener Coffee is one of the finest coffeehouse that I ever encountered in Penang.
This café is operated by a hardcore coffee enthusiast, who has devoted his life into studying coffee from the soil to the cup. As he expresses, the ideal coffee experience should stimulate all five senses: sight, smell, sound, taste and touch.
For example, the visual aspect of the cup needs to be perfect under the right lighting. The choice and loudness of ambient music also needs to appeal to the ears.
Indeed, the setting inside the café is a stark contrast to Light Street several steps away. The harmonious ambience seems to project Zen-like state of tranquility throughout the entire premises.
The quality of coffee beans depends on many factors, several of which transpire in the farm. Therefore, Constant Gardener Coffee does not have a fixed coffee blend like most coffeehouses do.
As a cash crop, coffee beans come in a wide range of quality depending on cultivation technique, soil quality and weather. At Constant Gardener Coffee, only the perfect coffee beans make the cut.
The name “Constant Gardener Coffee” was inspired by the proprietor’s mother who loves gardening. The word “constant” conveys the message that the pursuit for the perfect cup of coffee is a never-ending journey.
Filtered Coffee (from RM16.00) is the best way to enjoy the bare flavors of coffee. No milk, no creamer, no sugar, and absolutely no distractions. Filtered coffee is poured in a wine glass in order to restrict diffusion of vapor, therefore allowing coffee aroma to be more pronounced.
To my surprise, one can also enjoy black coffee in chilled state. Instead of stirring with ice, Constant Gardener Coffee uses a one-of-a-kind iced beaker to chill coffee without compromising its concentration. This is mirrors James Bond’s “shaken, not stirred” preference for Martini.
Besides coffee, the menu also includes several types of tea, chocolate, juice, shakes and smoothies. Although the list is modest, it is evident that the proprietor goes to great lengths to craft the menu.
Cocoa lovers should try a cup of Single Origin Dark Chocolate (RM12.80). Like coffee, cocoa of different origins result in distinctively different taste. This season, the two origins are Madagascar and São Tomé. Both are island nations off the African continent.
Madagascar Mixed Red Fruits (67% dark) is projected against a fruitier backdrop and is my personal preference among the two. Meanwhile, São Tomé (70% dark) carries bolder taste and has marginally better aroma.
As for something chilled, the Peanut Butter Caramel Swirl (RM14.50) offers buttery sensation but not in a surfeiting manner. The level of sweetness is “mainstream”, which is higher than what I prefer. I wonder whether the general public is prepared to accept less sugary eating habits?
Thanks to the cozy ambience and genuinely good coffee, Constant Gardener Coffee is a popular place in the afternoon and late night. If you consider yourself to be a self-respecting coffee enthusiast, Constant Gardener Coffee is your mecca when you are in downtown George Town.
Name: Constant Gardener Coffee
Address: 9, Lebuh Light, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-251-9070
Business hours: 9:00am-12:00am, closed on Mondays
Website: http://constantgardener.coffee
Coordinates: 5.42005 N, 100.34178 E
Directions: From Jubilee Clock Tower, travel along Light Street (Lebuh Light) with the Penang State Assembly Building (Bangunan Dewan Undangan Negeri) on the left and Fort Cornwallis (Kota Cornwallis) on the right. After Hong Leong Bank on the left, the next block is Penang Chinese Chamber Of Commerce Building. Constant Gardener Coffee is located at the ground floor of this block. Street parking is available along Penang Street (Lebuh Penang) and King Street (Lebuh King).