Penang is home to many signature local dishes like rojak, char kuey teow and asam laksa. And cakes as well. No, not those usual cakes typically sold in the bakery but more of the familiar local bite-size snacks otherwise known as kuihs. Or more specifically, Nyonya kuihs. Best enjoyed during breakfast or tea time, here are the 5 Best Nyonya Kuih Places in Penang To Satisfy Your Cravings in alphabetical order.
1) Cecil Street Market @ Lebuh Cecil
Cecil Street Market is no stranger to local Penangites, as the place is actually a combination of a wet market and hawker stalls. You’ll be spoilt for choices here with the likes of duck meat koay teow th’ng (duck meat kuey teow soup), Hokkien mee (Penang prawn noodles) and char kuey teow. Of course, don’t forget to get some Nyonya kuihs while you’re at it (there are two stalls anyway). Expect delicious homemade favourites like kuih lapis, onde-onde, kuih talam and ang koo.
Address: 40-48 Lebuh Cecil, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang. | Opening Hours: Daily 8 am to 5 pm
2) Kheng Nyonya Kuih @ Batu Lanchang Food Court
Nothing fancy, just good old homemade Nyonya kuihs at Kheng Nyonya Kuih. Located at Batu Lanchang Food Court, they sell a wide range of delectable Nyonya kuihs — all ready to be snapped up by customers. This includes the likes of tau pa kuih, kuih kosui (pandan/brown sugar varieties), huat kuih (brown sugar), kuih lapis, ang koo (you can also find the coconut version) and pulut inti. And don’t forget to purchase their homemade kaya spread as well!
Address: No. 29, Batu Lanchang Food Court, Lintang Batu Lancang, Jelutong, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang. | Opening Hours: Daily 3 pm to 5 pm | Tel: 04-658 9405 / 012-562 5019 (Kheng) / 016-478 3046 (Hoon)
3) Li Er Nyonya Cafe @ Jalan Burma
This family-owned cafe has been around since 2015, offering local comfort foods like youtiao (Chinese fried dough stick), nasi lemak and dry curry mee. But their main highlight has to be their colourful varieties of Nyonya kuihs served on the counter, all nicely packaged in plastic boxes. They have all-time favourites like kuih ubi, kuih lapis, kuih kosui and pulut inti.
Address: 349, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang. | Opening Hours: Daily 7.30 am to 4.30 pm | Tel: 017-464 3757
4) Mama Kuih @ Apollo Market
Mama Kuih specialises in various kinds of Nyonya kuihs, namely kiya kuih and kuih talam. If you happen to be a first-timer, do try their signature malaiko — soft and sweet Malay steamed cake topped with crisp watermelon seeds. Their chewy kaya kuih (pulut tai tai) deserves special mention as well, the blue-and-white delicacy made from butterfly pea flower, glutinous rice and coconut milk and served with kaya. Available for takeaway at their stall in Jalan Raja Uda Apollo Market every Saturday from 2 pm to 4 pm. Mama Kuih also accepts online orders, where you can contact them via Messenger (fb.com/mamakuih), or call 012-489 8368.
Address: Jalan Raja Uda Apollo Market, 13400 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang. | Opening Hours: Sat 2 pm to 4 pm | Tel: 012-489 8368
5) Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay @ Chulia Street
Old but gold. Beyond the building’s fading signboard and its ordinary-looking facade lies a place where you can get some amazing Nyonya kuihs. Expect around 20 bite-size varieties here including the likes of ang koo, seri muka, kuih bengka, kuih lapis and kuih koci santan. You can choose to take out or simply dine at the back of their building where there are a few chairs and tables. Other than their signature Nyonya kuihs, Moh Teng Pheow also sells rice dishes like nasi ulam and nasi lemak. Here’s a fun fact: Believe it or not, this place has actually been around since 1933!
Address: Chulia St, Jalan Masjid, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang. | Opening Hours: Tues-Sat 10.30 am to 5 pm | Tel: 04-261 5832
