Penang, Malaysia, is not just famous for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, but also for its iconic biscuits and pastries. These treats, with centuries of tradition, bring together various cultural influences, offering a delightful culinary experience. From famous butter cookies to unique Tambun biscuits, here’s a list of the top 10 traditional biscuits and pastries you must try when in Penang.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Top 10 Must-Try Traditional Biscuits and Pastries Original from Penang 2025
2.1. White Castle Butter Cookies
2.2. Ghee Hiang Tau Sar Piah
2.3. Him Heang Sdn Bhd – Pioneer of Tambun Biscuit
2.4. Ban Heang – Classic Tambun Biscuit Variant
2.5. Tean Ean Local Products
2.6. Khian Guan Butter Biscuits
2.7. Hong Yap Trading – Wafer Rolls
2.8. Ha’ritage Brands Handmade Biscuits
2.9. Soho Food Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd.
2.10. Julie’s Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. - Embrace Penang’s Rich Biscuit Heritage: A Timeless Delight
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1. White Castle Butter Cookies
White Castle Butter Cookies are a hallmark product of Torto Food Industries, established in 1989 in Penang. These butter cookies have become synonymous with festive celebrations and gifting. These golden butter biscuits are made with a blend of rich butter and fine ingredients, resulting in a crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They come in a beautifully designed cookie container, often in tin butter cookies packaging, making them a popular choice for gifts. The cookies are slightly crumbly with a delicate buttery flavor and a light sweetness.
Customer Reviews
Peace Keeper Member (Malaysia) shares, “Friendly and helpful staffs from taking orders to handover… Simple but perfect wedding door gift..with free gift.” This shows the brand’s dedication not only to great products but also to excellent customer service.
Nur Shares “Delicious butter cookies that you could eat anytime. A delicious butter cookie that you couldn’t find anywhere else, but now it is possible, and it’s affordable. This brand has quite a good reputation when it comes to butter cookies, and I fell in love with it at first sight. The creamy, butter taste made the cookies even more appealing, and it comes in a convenient pack that I can bring anywhere I go!”
Seri shares “My all-time favorite cookies! I love to eat Torto White Castle Butter Cookies because it is so delicious. It is my all-time favorite. I always eat these cookies during tea time as it makes me feel full. The smell of the butter aroma always makes me feel good and increases my appetite. These cookies are from a quality brand, which makes most people love them. The price is quite expensive, but it’s worth it. The packaging is very nice and convenient to bring anywhere. I feel so happy and satisfied with this super delicious cookie.”
Where to Find:
- Available at major supermarkets, retail outlets, and online stores.
- Price Range: RM10 – RM25 per tin.
- Website: Torto Food
These cookies offer a rich, buttery flavor with a crisp texture. They are sweet without being overwhelming, perfect for tea time. White Castle Butter Cookies are a symbol of quality and nostalgia in Malaysia. They are a top choice for doorgifts and gifting, widely recognized for their superior flavor and premium packaging.
2. Ghee Hiang Tau Sar Piah
Established in 1856, Ghee Hiang is one of the oldest and most iconic biscuit manufacturers in Penang. The brand is famous for its Tau Sar Piah, a traditional mung bean pastry. These round, flaky biscuits are filled with a sweet and savory mung bean paste. The outer crust is golden-brown and slightly crunchy, while the filling is smooth, fragrant, and subtly sweet.
Customer Reviews
JT shares “These biscuits always make an ideal gift/souvenir from Penang. Love the new packaging & great to see innovation and creativity being infused into a brand that is over 160 years old.”
Gregory Poo shares “Nice and warm, friendly. Products locally produced. Bought a box of coffee and Tau Sar Piah for friends and family. A lot of families, tourists, and visitors, including locals, flock here.”
Andy H Shares “One of the famous household names in Penang, popular for its Ghee Hiang baby-logo sesame oil. I visited the main store on Feb. 3 and bought some of their signature sesame oil and Penang-style cookies. A better customer service at the reception with a more friendly store personnel to introduce the available products might be necessary to maintain the overall impression and long-term heritage of the brand.”
Where to Find:
- Location: 216 Jalan Macalister, George Town, Penang.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily.
- Price Range: RM5 – RM15 per pack.
The crisp exterior contrasts with the smooth and savory filling. It has a subtle sweetness with a fragrant mung bean flavor that lingers on the palate. Ghee Hiang Tau Sar Piah is a historical pastry that has stood the test of time. Its perfect balance of texture and flavor makes it a must-try for anyone visiting Penang.
3. Him Heang Sdn Bhd
A family-owned business established in the 1940s, Him Heang is known for pioneering the Tambun Biscuit in Penang. These biscuits have a delicate, flaky exterior with a sweet mung bean paste filling. The texture is light and airy, with a slight crunch, while the filling offers a subtle sweetness and earthy flavor.
Customer Reviews
tobeslo shared “We made a stop at this popular shop for some snacks shopping and we can confirm that the ‘tau sa piah’ (pastry) was divine. When we bought it from the shop, the box was still warm, it’s as fresh as it got out of the oven. Like many other food, it’s best to consume it ASAP, as I understood it doesn’t have any preservative. There were other items in the shop like the gigantic prawn crackers and other traditional biscuits. It’s nice to see the traditions live on.”
ymt888 shared “There are many brands of tambun biscuits in Penang, and Him Heang is my favorite amongst all. Great at gifts too. If you cannot finish within 2 days, it is advisable to put them in the fridge.”
Sean Tan shared “The tambun biscuits being sold here are really one of the yummiest which I have ever tasted and I have chanced upon this shop upon my friend’s recommendation. However, one of the service staff here with the ponytail really has a bad attitude, which puts me off. It’s a great pity that my supposedly good experience there and the yummy tambun biscuits being painstakingly produced are being marred by an unprofessional and unfriendly service staff.”
Where to Find:
- Location: 168, Lebuh Penang, George Town, Penang.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.
- Price Range: RM10 – RM25 per pack.
The Tambun Biscuit is crunchy and slightly flaky on the outside, with a savory-sweet filling inside. It provides a satisfying contrast between the crispy layers and smooth filling. Him Heang is a pioneer of the Tambun Biscuit, a beloved local pastry with a heritage that stretches across generations. Its consistency and heritage make it an essential Penang snack.
4. Ban Heang
Founded in 1981, Ban Heang is another well-known brand in Penang, especially famous for its version of the Tambun Biscuit. Similar to Him Heang, Ban Heang’s Tambun Biscuits are made from a flaky pastry filled with a sweet and savory mung bean paste. Their version tends to have a slightly thicker crust and a denser filling.
Customer Reviews
Willy Alexander stated “I’m Indonesian so nothing new about the taste. I recall several cookies that Indonesians have, such as almond cookies from Surabaya or Bakpia Pathok. The place is air-conditioned, which is nice, and the interior is premium. Their packaging is really good too. Definitely good for gifts. Plus, there’s no queuing, which is a bonus. Although, the price is on the higher side. Overall experience, though not overwhelming, was decent, and I bought a lot for gifts.”
Angelo Tung shared “I’ve been a regular customer, always visiting Ban Heang to buy Tambun Biscuits for family and friends. However, my recent visit was disappointing. The pack of biscuits was supposed to contain 4 pieces, but there were only 2 when I opened it. I approached customer service via Instagram, but they ghosted me after a few replies, leaving the issue unresolved. Despite this, they did compensate me with a new box after I gave feedback. It’s a bit concerning that there are 5-star reviews without photos and comments, as they seem less reliable.”
Peli Nyam stated “I came here with my dad to have some curry puffs, and we absolutely loved it. However, the price seems to fluctuate; I first visited in April, and the laksa cost RM4.7, but during my second visit in July, it had dropped to RM4. Unfortunately, the curry puff was sold out by the time we came back, but it was still a great experience!”
Where to Find:
- Location: 245 & 247 Jalan Penang, George Town, Penang Island 10000 Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily.
- Price Range: RM8 – RM20 per pack.
The biscuits are crisp, with a slightly more pronounced savory taste in the filling. The texture is a perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness. Ban Heang brings a unique spin on the classic Tambun Biscuit while maintaining its cultural legacy. It’s a top choice for those looking for a well-known local snack.
5. Tean Ean Local Products
Founded in 1986, Tean Ean specializes in local treats and handmade biscuits that are crafted with traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. Their butter cookies are rich and buttery, with a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. The chocolate chip cookies are soft, loaded with chocolate chips, and have a slight chewiness, making them irresistible.
Customer Reviews
Imkennedy shared “Nearly every trip to Penang requires a visit to Tean Ean Biscuit Local Product outlet not far from Gurney Plaza to pick up a selection of freshly made biscuits to take home for ourselves and our family. Some of the flavours are not always going to appeal to western taste buds, but the Asian side of the family loves them and some of the new flavours even I found tasty. Service is always welcoming and attentive. They also always pack our order for ease of carry and air travel.”
Angooredcow shared “The customer service at Tean Ean was astounding. From the moment that I stepped in several days ago to place a large order (RM$517) to the moment that I picked up my order today, everything went flawlessly. All biscuits ordered were accurately counted and packed in boxes for my flight back to the U.S. The boxes were taped and tied with industrial strength material. No extra charge. They ordered Grab for us since we did not have the local SIMS. I paid the driver. The folks at Tean Ean allowed us to sit and helped transfer the heavy boxes to Grab. Wow! This sort of service is rarely seen. Everyone bent forward and backward to make this experience a pleasure. Thank you.”
Where to Find:
- Location: 90, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Penang Island 10050 Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily.
- Price Range: RM6 – RM18 per pack.
The butter cookies offer a smooth, creamy richness with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The chocolate chip cookies balance sweetness and a slight bitterness from the chocolate. Tean Ean excels at delivering classic flavors with a handmade touch. Their commitment to quality makes them a go-to brand for local delicacies.
6. Khian Guan Butter Biscuits
Located in Butterworth, Penang, Khian Guan is known for producing high-quality butter biscuits and a variety of traditional snacks. These butter biscuits have a rich, buttery flavor and a delicate crunch. The texture is crisp and slightly crumbly, with a deep buttery taste that lingers in the mouth.
Where to Find:
- Khian Guan factory outlet in Butterworth, Penang.
- Price Range: RM6 – RM20 per pack.
The butter biscuits are flavorful with a smooth, rich butter taste, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite. Khian Guan is known for its consistent quality, making their butter biscuits a top choice for locals and visitors alike.
7. Hong Yap Trading wafer rolls
Hong Yap Trading, a well-established local retailer, offers a range of snacks including their famous wafer rolls. These crispy wafer rolls are filled with a creamy center that is sweet yet light. The texture is crunchy, and the rolls are delicately flavored, making them an enjoyable snack.
Where to Find:
- Available in local stores and supermarkets in Penang.
- Price Range: RM5 – RM15 per pack.
The wafers are crispy and light, with a sweet and smooth filling that makes each bite refreshing. Hong Yap Trading’s wafer rolls are popular for their crunch and smooth filling, offering a great balance of flavor and texture.
8. Ha’ritage Brands Handmade Biscuits
Ha’ritage Brands, rooted in Penang, is known for crafting premium, handmade biscuits, with a legacy that dates back to 1928. Their handmade butter cookies have a slightly coarse texture and a rich, creamy flavor. The wafer cubes are light and airy, with a crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Where to Find:
- Available in Penang and select retailers.
- Price Range: RM10 – RM30 per pack.
The butter cookies are rich and indulgent, while the wafer cubes provide a satisfying crispiness with a hint of sweetness. Ha’ritage Brands’ commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and tradition makes them a standout in Penang’s biscuit industry.
9. Soho Food Industries (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Founded in 1991, Soho Food Industries offers a modern twist on traditional treats, such as chocolate chip cookies, butter biscuits, and wafer rolls. Their chocolate chip cookies are rich and filled with generous amounts of chocolate chips, offering a balance of sweetness and slight bitterness. The wafer rolls are crunchy with a creamy filling.
Where to Find:
- Available in supermarkets and retail outlets in Penang.
- Price Range: RM8 – RM20 per pack.
The chocolate chip cookies are soft and chewy, with rich chocolate flavor, while the wafer rolls are light and sweet. Soho Food Industries offers a modern selection of snacks with quality ingredients, making them a favorite in Penang.
10. Julie’s Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd.
Though based in Melaka, Julie’s has a strong presence in Penang and is known for producing butter cookies, sandwich biscuits, and oat cookies. Julie’s butter cookies are crisp and rich, while their sandwich biscuits are filled with creamy, sweet fillings, making them an indulgent snack. The oat cookies are a healthier alternative with a soft, chewy texture.
Where to Find:
- Available in supermarkets and convenience stores across Penang.
- Price Range: RM5 – RM25 per pack.
The butter cookies are light and buttery, while the sandwich biscuits are creamy and sweet. The oat cookies offer a chewy and slightly wholesome taste. Julie’s is a well-loved brand for its consistent quality and variety of biscuits, making them a popular choice for gifting and snacking.
Embrace Penang’s Rich Biscuit Heritage: A Timeless Delight
Traditional biscuits from Penang, like butter cookies, Tambun biscuits, and wafer rolls, offer a genuine taste of Penang’s rich cultural heritage and evoke a sense of nostalgia. These biscuits are a delightful way to experience the authentic flavors of Malaysia. For a truly indulgent experience, try premium options like White Castle Butter Cookies or Torto Food’s butter biscuits, which offer a perfect blend of traditional flavors and luxury. Whether enjoyed as a personal treat or shared with loved ones, these traditional biscuits are sure to leave a lasting impression.
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