Penang’s first rabbit café, it’s tucked away in the vibrant streets of Little India. Named in honour of his late first rabbit, Potato, owner Aaron Ching has created a charming space where every meal comes with a side of fluff and fun.
Patata, which means “potato” in Spanish, opened in October 2024 and is home to over 10 adorable rabbits, including breeds like Holland Lops and Netherland Dwarfs.
Ching said each of the rabbits here has its unique charm – triplets Cappuccino, Latte, and Mocha; the tiniest of them all, Jerry; and others with equally quirky names like Tiramisu, Lash, Kaya, and Big Sesame.
Ching’s love for rabbits began a decade ago when he was studying in Taiwan. “I was quite bored during that time, so I went to a pet store and saw a rabbit. I simply bought her and went home with nothing, not even a cage. I Googled how to care for a rabbit, and that’s where my journey with rabbits began,” he said.
The rabbit became his constant companion during those years. “It was just me and Potato in a tiny room for four years. She was like my best friend. She’d hop on the bed, lick my face to wake me up, and stomp her feet when she was mad at me for saying no to chewing cables,” Ching reminisced.
When Ching returned to Malaysia, Potato came with him. After eight years of being his closest buddy, she passed away after losing her battle with cancer.
“It was heartbreaking and took a heavy toll on me. I told myself I didn’t want rabbits anymore,” he shared.
But as fate would have it, Ching found himself drawn back to the floppy-eared world. “My girlfriend and I went to a pet store and saw a rabbit with an eye infection. We decided to save her, got her treated, and now she’s with us. Her name is Truffle.”
This act of compassion led to the idea of Patata. “We realised rabbits often aren’t well taken care of in pet stores. We can’t save them all, but we thought, why not share our love for rabbits with others? That’s how it all started,” Ching explained.
FMT Lifestyle visited Patata in December and the experience was magical. Order anything off the menu – even a bottle of water – and a rabbit in a cosy basket will be brought to your table for you to pet and bond with. For an hour, that rabbit is your furry companion and then it’s swapped out to ensure it gets enough rest.
Rabbits sometimes hop out of their baskets, sneaking around the café, much to the amusement of diners and staff. “A lot of people think rabbits are timid and sleep all day, but that’s not the case,” Ching said.
Beyond the bunnies, the café serves a selection of fresh and healthy food, from truffle mushrooms or pesto pasta to vibrant salads and salmon bowls.
Patata’s upstairs level is a bonus for board game enthusiasts, offering over 100 games, plus a PS5 and Nintendo Switch.
So what’s a typical day for the rabbits at Patata?
“We let them roam freely around the café before opening, while we clean their cages. During the day, they get unlimited fresh hay, some pellets, and fruits like blueberries. When it’s a quiet day at the café, we take the time to groom each rabbit,” Ching shared.
Ching is clear about one thing: his rabbits aren’t for sale. “A lot of people wanted to buy my rabbits, but I said no. We love them too much. Our intention isn’t to make a massive profit – it’s about educating people on how to care for rabbits with love.”
So, whether you’re a die-hard rabbit fan or just looking for a unique café experience, hop on over to Patata. You’ll leave with your heart – and maybe your lap – full.
Follow Patata on Instagram.
Patata by Counterculture
45A, Lebuh Gereja
George Town
10200 George Town
Pulau Pinang
Business hours: 11am-10pm. (Closed on Tuesday)