Penang's food reputation is built on char koay teow and curry mee, but its dessert culture runs just as deep — a legacy of Peranakan kitchens, Teochew ice stalls and biscuit houses that have been perfecting their craft for generations. This guide skips the savory hawker classics already covered elsewhere on the site and goes straight for the sweet stuff: creamy cendol, shave ice ais kacang piled with everything from red beans to peanut butter, and delicate Nyonya kuih sold by the piece. All 7 spots below are real, currently operating businesses in Penang.
Food
Best Penang Desserts: Cendol, Ais Kacang & Sweet Treats (2026)
Beyond the famous hawker mains, Penang's dessert scene runs just as deep — from century-old cendol stalls to heritage Nyonya kuih makers. Here are 7 real, currently trading spots for cendol, ais kacang and sweet treats across George Town and beyond.
Jamie Tan31 July 20266 min read
Penang Dessert Spots at a Glance
| Stall/Shop | Area | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul | Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town | Cendol |
| Joo Hooi Cafe | Jalan Penang, George Town | Cendol & Ais Kacang |
| Swatow Lane Ice Kacang Heritage | New World Park, Jalan Burma | Ais Kacang |
| Tony Ais Kacang | Batu Lanchang Market, Jelutong | Ais Kacang & Cendol |
| Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay | Lebuh Chulia, George Town | Nyonya Kuih |
| Kheng's Nyonya Kuih Stall | Batu Lanchang Market, Jelutong | Nyonya Kuih |
| Ghee Hiang | Macalister Road / Beach Street, George Town | Tau Sar Pneah (Biscuits) |
1
Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul – Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town
This roadside stall dates back to 1936 and is widely regarded as one of the best cendol in Malaysia. The green rice-flour jelly noodles sit in a bowl of shaved ice, rich coconut santan and dark gula melaka, with red beans available on the side. Expect a queue, especially on weekends.
2
Joo Hooi Cafe – Jalan Penang, George Town
A classic George Town coffee shop at the junction of Jalan Penang and Lebuh Keng Kwee, right beside the famous chendul stall. Besides being known for its laksa and rojak stalls, Joo Hooi also has vendors serving cendol, ais kacang, and iced chrysanthemum tea, making it a good one-stop spot to pair savory and sweet.
3
Swatow Lane Ice Kacang Heritage – New World Park, Jalan Burma
A family business tracing back to 1923, now operating as a proper kopitiam within New World Park after decades as a street stall. The signature ais kacang is piled high with attap chee, red beans, sweet corn and syrup over finely shaved ice — a nostalgic taste of old Penang.
4
Tony Ais Kacang – Batu Lanchang Market, Jelutong
A stall inside Batu Lanchang Market Food Court known for piling its shaved ice with unusual toppings, including peanut butter ice cream alongside the usual red beans and attap chee. It's a favorite among locals for both cendol and ais kacang and gets busy through the afternoon.
5
Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay – Lebuh Chulia, George Town
Operating since 1933 and awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand status, this is one of Penang's oldest Nyonya kuih makers. The factory sits behind a sit-down café where you can try more than 20 kinds of kuih, from kuih talam and kuih lapis to angku kuih and rempah udang. Closed on Mondays.
6
Kheng's Nyonya Kuih Stall – Batu Lanchang Market, Jelutong
A market stall at Batu Lanchang known for handmade Nyonya kuih sold fresh each morning, drawing steady queues of regulars. Popular picks include kuih talam, onde-onde and pulut tatai — go early since trays sell out before noon.
7
Ghee Hiang – Macalister Road / Beach Street, George Town
Established in 1856, Ghee Hiang is Penang's oldest and best-known biscuit house, famous for its tau sar pneah (also called 'dragon balls' or Tambun biscuits) — flaky pastry filled with sweet or savory mung bean paste. Boxes make a popular souvenir and are sold at multiple outlets around George Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of day is best to try Penang desserts?
Most cendol and ais kacang stalls operate from late morning through early evening (roughly 11am–6pm), and popular spots like Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul get crowded around lunch and weekend afternoons. Nyonya kuih shops sell out fastest, so mornings are best — Moh Teng Pheow and market kuih stalls often have limited stock by early afternoon.
Are these dessert stalls halal?
Halal status varies by stall and can change, so it's best to check signage or ask directly, especially for stalls run by Chinese or Peranakan families that may use non-halal-certified ingredients or share premises with other food vendors. Travelers with strict dietary requirements should confirm certification on-site rather than relying on this guide.
Are Penang desserts seasonal?
Cendol and ais kacang are enjoyed year-round given Penang's constant heat and humidity, though demand (and queues) spike during the hotter, drier months and school holidays. Nyonya kuih is also available year-round, though some shops make special batches around festivals like Chinese New Year.
How much do Penang desserts typically cost?
A bowl of cendol or ais kacang at a hawker stall is generally an inexpensive, casual affordable treat, typically only a few ringgit. Boxed items like tau sar pneah or Nyonya kuih sold by the piece cost more depending on quantity — check current pricing at the shop or stall, as prices can change.
#Food#Penang#Dessert#Cendol#Ais Kacang#Nyonya Kuih
