Lava Java – Café Penang Marriott Hotel
Monica Tindall
It’s already challenging for cafés to stand out in the vibrant scene Penang has to offer. With so many independent outlets brewing locally roasted specialty beans in charming settings, it’s unlikely that hotel lobby offerings would even get a second glance. However, that would only be the case if you haven’t been to Lava Java in Penang Marriott Hotel.
Lava Java – Penang Marriott Hotel
The team at Lava Java go above and beyond not only common hotel menus, but could easily compete with Penang’s independent third-wave café culture. Their secret is an extensive menu of espresso-based coffees, syphon hand-pour brews, barista-crafted speciality coffees, nitro-brew and even a coffee omakase menu. They take things a step further with an extensive range of teas, craft ice tea blends, frappes, smoothies, kefir and fresh juice combos.
Making use of a corner between the lobby and the lifts, Lava Java carves out a cosy space. It’s shiny, with polished marble table tops and floors and pendant lighting that give it a warm glow.
Coffee
Both our Flat White (RM 17) and Cappuccino (RM 17) are delivered with perfectly textured foams; the former is thick and layered, and the latter is frothy with a dusting of chocolate powder in the shape of M for Marriott. It’s refreshing to see the difference – many cafes lump all milk coffees together, not paying attention to the subtleties. Our barista, Sharvin, expertly brews and froths. Before you balk at the price, take good note that all beverages are double-shot and served in 240ml cups – it’s good value for money.
Sharvin is also quite handy with hand brew methods. The Coffee Omakase gives guests a choice of pour-over or syphon brews with your pick of three beans. Ethiopia Yiragacheffe East Africa (RM22) offers citrus, fruit and floral notes. The Costa Rica Tarazzu White Jade (RM20) from Central America mirrors the former’s fruitiness and citric acidity and adds some caramel and sugarcane elements. Also, from the same region, Honduras’ Masaguara Finca Maka (RM 20) brings vanilla, whisky and butterscotch to the palate. Ideally, these are best without milk to appreciate their delicate flavours.
If you want to get a little fancier, there is no shortage of options. Salted Butter Caramel with Original Nitro Fresh Cold Brew (RM 30) builds over a base of nitro-injected sparkling brew with a little syrup enlivening the experience for the sweet tooth in you.
Black Ruby (RM 30) is a shaken concoction on a base of espresso with homemade black sesame paste, vanilla and oat milk. I appreciate this vegan option, and several others are sprinkled throughout the menu.
Cold Drinks
For non-caffeinated beverages, try the Botanist’s Desire (RM 25). It’s a nutritious mix of oat milk, plain yoghurt, avocado, banana, matcha, honey and almonds. It’s thick and nourishing and might do light eaters as a meal in itself. The Nutmeg Kefir Soda (RM 19) is surprisingly sweet for such a beverage. It’s too sweet for me, but hubby quickly takes it off my hands.
Fruit, Yoghurt, Salad & Sandwiches
Lava Java’s food menu is displayed in a refrigerated cabinet containing a ready-to-go selection of salad, chia bowls, yoghurt, sandwiches and even mac ‘n’ cheese. Salad in a Jar (RM 18) features a fresh selection of house-picked leaves from Boom Grow (our fave greens supplier in Malaysia!). They’re tossed together with chick peas, red beans, pickled cocktail onions, pickles and shredded carrot. The dressing is a light olive oil vinaigrette. It’s tasty and wholesome.
Sandwiches on a variety of types of bread make easy lunches. We try the Reuben on Sourdough (RM 38) and Four Cheese on Focaccia (RM 35). You can opt to have them toasted, which is highly recommended to warm the bread and melt the generous serving of cheese. The first has just the right amount of cured beef with a delicate sauerkraut and tasty cheese. The second holds four different kinds of cheese – Brie, Cheddar, Gruyere and Emmental – with slices of tomato. It’s a large portion. I can only get through one half and pack the other for later.
Pastries, Pralines, Macarons & Cakes
I don’t have a sweet tooth, but Lava Java has plenty to satisfy those who do. With everything made in-house by pastry chef Aaron, guests are spoiled for choice. Some highlights are the Banana Cake (RM 7), Plain Croissant (RM 9), Pralines (RM 6), Macarons (RM 7) and Pandan Cheesecake Petit Gateaux (RM 24).
Lava Java Café Review
Lava Java is a surprising find in the Penang Marriott Hotel. Its selection of specialty coffee, quality hand brews, and beautifully foamed latte tops will make any café hopper drool. Supported by a tasty selection of quick bites, it makes an easy stop to grab a cuppa to go or settle in with your laptop and catch up with some caffeinated assistance.
Reasons to visit Lava Java Café: nicely textured flat whites, connoisseurs should try a syphon coffee from the omakase menu, give the Black Ruby a try if you’re looking for something fancier, and fast and hearty bites.
Lava Java – Café
Penang Marriott Hotel
55 Gurney Dr, Georgetown
10250 Penang, Malaysia *Link to Google map
www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/penmc-penang-marriott-hotel
@penangmarriott
Lava Java Opening Times
Daily: 7 am – 11 pm
Find more recommendations for travel to Penang here and stay up to date with the latest gourmet happenings around Malaysia here and here.