Best Mushroom Soups in Penang

Scouring the heritage streets on Georgetown is an ecstasy; you'll easily bump into vintage spots like Behind 50. Along the scribbled walls and large murals, a yellow open-dining cafe steals the spotlight. Engulfed with rustic ornaments, photos, bicycles and gramophone sputtering in the background, it definitely oozes out old-school vibes. Dishing out Italian and Western fare, the portions are hearty and packed with flavours. However patrons are widely raving about their mushroom soup – creamy soup chock-full with mushroom bits, drizzled with fresh herbs and paired slabs of garlic bread. Sitting on the long stools, watching the world go by in a soothing ambience is a getaway from all hustle and bustle. To further enhance, wrap your meal with a cup of joe!  

Tucked on the third floor of Prangin Mall, J.L Gourmet Cafe has been drawing lots of attention with their sumptuous spread of Western delight. Moreover, it’s pretty easy on the pocket – for RM19.90, their set comes with a drink, soup and main course as well as ice cream. Rafting gently into their mushroom soup is such a joy, it permeates a soothing aroma that intensifies your hunger and that bowl is sure to be gobbled down within seconds. It’s showered with chunks of croutons for an element of bite. The rich bowl also justifies being under the stewardship of Mizi Bistro. 

Offering true essence of Italian dining amidst a breathtaking view of Straits Quay marina, Spasso Milano is downright a multisensory delight. From wood-fired oven baked pizzas to pasta, everything is made from scratch with wholesome ingredients, which includes their warm Porcini Mushroom Soup. It’s served with focaccia (flat oven-baked Italian bread) smeared with butter and garlic. Your nostrils are greeted with the distinctive aroma of porcini mushrooms and white truffle as soon as the bowl taps on the table. Each spoonful has a punch of mushroom bits and your palate reminds your brain to bookmark this place.

Sandwiched between colonial shop lots of Prangin Terrace, is Calefe Hauz, a comfy restaurant that drills you down into memory lane with retro-style decorations. The first thing that tempts your attention is a retro lamps encircling photos of famous celebrities, followed by typewriters, sewing machine tables, colourful pieces of vinyl and antique ornaments that make your visualisation clear of what grandma was talking about. Big breakfasts, meatball spaghettis and juicy burgers are crowd pleasers yet start with their wild mushroom soup! It’s elegantly served in an antique mug sitting on a wooden board. It’s accompanied with a mushroom baguette - sip and bite till the last drop of broth.