Located several shops away from China House is Easy Brew. This eatery at Beach Street (Lebuh Pantai) is actually larger than it appears from the front.
The front section of Easy Brew is where freshly roasted coffee is sold. There are over a dozen types of coffee of various geographical origins. Coffee is sold in bulk and in sachet form.
The dining section employs garden theme in its casual seating arrangement. Red brick walls on the sides remain untouched to give a sense of nostalgia in this heritage building.
The back section of the café offers al fresco dining, which is more viable in the evening when the weather is more forgiving. A few gazebos at the backyard provide an outdoor venue for private gatherings.
Unlike China House, Easy Brew does not extend all the way to Victoria Street (Lebuh Victoria).
The signature method to prepare coffee at Easy Brew is by drip brewing. For the French Drip (RM14.00), ground coffee is placed inside a conical paper filter. Hot water from the kettle pot is gently poured over ground coffee so that it does not overflow.
As hot water seeps through coffee grains, it extracts coffee essences along the way. Filter paper separates liquid coffee from coffee grains, inevitably absorbing aromatic essential oils to a certain degree. Accumulated in the cup underneath the filter, the brewed coffee clear and has light body. In my opinion, neither sugar nor creamer is necessary while enjoying with premium coffee.
Meanwhile, Cream Of Chicken & Mushroom is served in a small ceramic jar. Loaded with mushroom and chicken bits, the soup is satisfying indeed.
As for the main course, my choice is the Chicken Chop (RM18.50) with salted egg yolk dressing. Fries and vegetables are presented on the side.
In my opinion, salted egg yolk fails to deliver the desired savoriness as the chicken has been overwhelmed by sweetness and creamy mouthfeel. The chicken chop also contains bone splinters near the drumstick; be wary when feeding children.
The Butter Cake (RM7.00) is acceptable considering the fact that it is not too buttery until it becomes greasy.
Homemade Ice Cream is available in a variety of flavors including Angelica Root With Wolfberry (RM4.00). Angelica root (当归), also known as female ginseng, is often used in traditional Chinese medicine as well as herbal soups like bak kut teh. The combined bitterness of angelica root and wolfberry (枸杞) feels peculiar when present in an ice cream. It is a good attempt, though.
Lastly, the chilling glass of White Coffee Slushie (RM6.00) is substantially sweeter than my preferred level. Even though it is a cold drink, I feel that the main appeal should come from coffee’s bitterness, not from sugar.
Overall, the food at Easy Brew is acceptable but there are definitely areas that require attention. However, I think the café’s strength lies in the quality of brewed coffee. I look forward to trying other coffee drinks here, such as espresso.
Address: 145-147, Lebuh Pantai, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-261-8737
Business hours: 12:00pm-11:00pm (Sunday-Thursday), 12:00pm-12:00am (Friday-Saturday)