Are you looking for things to buy in Penang while holidaying? Penang is not only famous for its food choices but also for its souvenirs. So bring back one or two mementos from Penang home to your loved ones and friends.
Penang is well-known for its yummy food and tantalizing desserts. Not surprisingly, food is also included as souvenirs. Food is a safe choice and is one of the best things to buy from Penang.
Additionally, Penang is also home to beautiful arts, crafts, and handmade creations, showcasing talent that has been passed down for generations.
These unique souvenir Penang gifts are perfect as quick presents for your loved ones if you’re wondering about what to buy from Penang.
In this article, I’ve picked out 23 of the best things to buy In Penang and also listed where to buy souvenirs in Penang during your next trip.
23 Things To Buy In Penang for Authentic and Unique Gifts! 2023
- Tau Sar Piah (Round Sweet And Savoury Pastry)
- Penang White Coffee
- Penang Batik
- Chinese Crunchy Peanut Candy
- Souvenirs From Penang Museum
- Handicrafts
- Roti Jari (Rusk Biscuits)
- Pepper Biscuit Penang
- Nutmeg & Nutmeg Products
- Pickled Fruits
- Local Delights
- Famous Sesame Oil
- Tiffin Carriers
- Dodol (Sweet Glutinous Rice Delicacies)
- Peranakan Tiles
- Rojak Hitam Putih Paste
- Belacan
- Coconut Tart
- Beh Teh Saw Biscuits
- Penang White Curry Instant Noodle
- Durian Chocolates
- Nyonya Acar Awak
- Kuih Bahulu
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- Need safe and reliable transport to your accomodation? Book a private transfer here
- Feast your senses on the sights and smells of George Town on a half-day culinary tour, ideal for food lovers with limited time in Penang
- Or you can eat like a local, feel like a local with this street food tour
- You can escape to the countryside of Penang without the risk of getting lost on the way out of George Town on this action-packed half-day cycling tour
- Or you can avoid canned tours with itineraries that are set in stone with this customizable highlights tour of Penang. You can pick 7 attractions of your choice!
1. Tau Sar Piah (Round Sweet And Savoury Pastry)
Tau Sar Piah is a delicious Penang-style puff pastry delicacy, also known as Tambun cookies (a famous village name in Ipoh, Perak) which is where this recipe originates from.
These cookies are a must buy in Penang and are filled with delicious sweet and savory mung beans that will definitely leave you wanting more!
They usually come in 4 packets of 16 pieces each, making it easy to purchase and pack away to give to your loved ones.
I would recommend getting your tau sar piah fix at the Soon Seng Heang Bakery which has one of the best tau sar piah cookies in Penang.
Address: Soon Seng Heang Bakery, Penang Tau Sar Piah
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 8.30 PM
Price: RM7.80 (USD 1.90) 1 Box
2. Penang White Coffee
Penang White Coffee is most certainly iconic. Not to mention addictive! This delicious beverage is made from coffee beans that are roasted in palm oil and brewed with condensed milk.
This is a fan favourite of many tourists who go to Penang and even locals go over to buy the original Penang White Coffee in bulk, making it one of the top things to buy in Penang when you’re there!
You can find this Penang famous souvenir in most convenience stores. You may also find that it comes in a variety of different flavors such as:
- Durian White Coffee
- Decaffeinated White Coffee
- Gano White Coffee
- Sugar-Free Decaffeinated White Coffee
- Green Tea White Coffee
Get your Penang White Coffee fix at:
Address: Coffee Tree Trading Sdn Bhd, 20A, Jalan Bagan Jermal, 10250 Penang,
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
Price: RM13.00 – RM29.90 (USD 3.10 – USD 7.10) 1 Packet (15 sachets x 40 g)
3. Penang Batik
Penang Batik is an art form that is unique to Malaysia. It involves the batik artist daring intricate designs on fabric using melted paraffin. One of the best souvenir from Penang is the Batik fabric.
The fabric is then dipped in paint, dried, dipped in a dye fixative bath, and washed. This process is repeated with various dyes until the design is complete. It definitely falls into the category of Penang must buy gifts.
From dresses to shirts and even stunning placemats, you will have plenty of variety to choose from.
If you are wondering where to buy batik in Penang, check out Bateklah Collection!
Address: No. 158, Jalan Transfer, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: RM12.00 – RM129.00 (USD 2.90 – USD 30.50)
4. Chinese Crunchy Peanut Candy
Chinese Crunchy Peanut Candy is one of Penang’s traditional delicacies. The crust has a slight crunch, and the inside is chewy. Widely known in Penang as one of oldest handmade candies, this little treat contains unexpected nutty, sweet, and savory flavors.
The delicious taste of peanuts is extremely addictive. If you’re wondering about what to buy Penang, try this candy. I promise you that one piece of this Penang specialty will not be enough!
Address: Ang Seng Heong Store, No. 326-U Ground Floor, Jalan Perak, Taman Ara, 11600 George Town
Operating hours: Tues-Sun: 7 AM – 6 PM
Price: RM 5.00 – RM 9.00 (USD 1.50 – USD 2.20) 1 box
5. Souvenirs From Asia Camera Penang Museum
Asia Camera Penang Museum gifts and souvenir to buy in Penang are for all photography and camera enthusiasts. This museum depicts the evolution of cameras in great detail.
On the ground floor of the museum, there is a shop that sells a wide range of souvenirs, including keychains, T-shirts, handmade camera cases, and bags.
It is a one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to photography from its inception to the present day. The admission ticket includes a guide who will walk you through the steps of professional photography.
The guide will also show you in detail how photos were touched up before the advent of Photoshop and also how to edit photos on your phone.
The souvenirs here are rather unique, making them one of the famous things to buy in Malaysia.
Address: Asia Camera Museum, First Floor, 71, Lebuh Armenian, Georgetown, 10200.
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: Entrance fee RM 20.00 (USD 4.80)
6. Handicrafts
Handicrafts and local artwork, and other batik pattern printed napkins and coasters best capture the Malaysian and Chinese soul. You could also purchase traditional Chinese-style cheongsam vases and postcards. Locally printed tees and purses are also available in Penang souvenir market.
Doing handicrafts is the most popular activity in Penang Cheshire Home, a well-known old folks home in Penang.
Led by staff and volunteers, this wonderful initiative ensures that when the craftwork is sold, the resident or member will get 50% of what they made.
Aside from selling their handicraft at the Penang Cheshire Home, and the home operating as Penang local product shop, the differently abled residents and members regularly sell their craftwork souvenir from Penang to the public at factories and mall events.
Address: Penang Cheshire Home, 409, Lebuhraya Babington, 10450 Penang
Operating hours: Mon-Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM, Sat: 8.30 AM – 12.30 PM
Price: RM 5.00 – RM 40.00 (USD 4.80)
7. Roti Jari
Roti Jari is a rusk-based delicacy. These Penang famous snacks are especially popular among the older generation who love to dip this little biscuit in a cup of tea or coffee to soften it before enjoying its yummy goodness!
It most certainly is a top Penang souvenir food choice in my books!
Address: Loong Nam, 23, Jalan Kuala Kangsar (Chowrasta Market), George Town,
10100, Penang,
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 7.30 AM – 3.30 PM, Wed: Closed.
Price: RM 6.00 (USD 1.50)
8. Pepper Biscuit Penang
Pepper Biscuit Penang is an artisanal treat indeed! Leong Chee Kee Pepper Biscuit is a modest shop located at People’s Court off Lebuh Cintra in Georgetown Penang. These biscuits are handmade with plenty of love and care.
This shop has been in the exact location for nearly a half-century and is now run by the second generation of the family using the same recipes. That explains the massive crowds at Leong Chee Kee!
Address: Leong Chee Kee Pepper Biscuit, Lebuh Cintra, Georgetown, Penang.
Operating hours: Mon-Sat: 9 AM – 4.30 PM, Sun: Closed.
Price: RM 12.00 (USD 3)
9.Nutmeg & Nutmeg Products
Nutmeg & Nutmeg products have a long history as valuable agricultural products dating back to the 19th century when the East India Company brought nutmeg to Penang and the locals discovered its numerous uses including:
- Oils with medicinal properties.
- As a spice to flavor food
- Balm syrup
- Fruit flavouring preserved.
If you’re wondering where to buy the best nutmeg in Penang then head on over to Cheong Kim Chuan Shop for a variety of flavorful choices.
Address: Kek Lok Si Temple, Air Itam, Jalan Pasar, next to RHB Bank
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 6 PM
Price: RM 3.00 – RM 20.00 (USD 1.50 – USD 4.80)
10. Pickled Fruits
Pickled fruits are typically preserved in heavy syrup or brine. You can even get some spicy varieties with chili in them. Some well-known favorites in Penang include pickled nutmeg, mangoes, guava, and papaya.
If you’re wondering about what food to buy in Penang, pickled fruits are definitely a Penang food souvenir you must try!
Once you take a bite, it feels like a picnic in your mouth! Additionally, pickles help with the feeling of nausea due to indigestion or motion sickness.
Pickles are generally sold by weight. The cost varies according to the type of fruit and the location.
Address: Penang ChowRasta Market
Operating hours: Mon-Thus: 9 AM – 8 PM, Fri-Sun: 8.30 AM – 8.30 PM
Price: RM 3.00 – RM 10.00 (USD 1.50 – USD 2.40) 1 packet
11. Local Delights
When it comes to food diversity in Malaysia, we are spoiled for choice, and to be honest, there are too many local scrumptious delicacies and dishes to choose from. Some of the other local delights in Penang are:-
- Char Koay Teow from Penang
- Hokkien Mee
- Penang Asam Laksa
- Nasi Lemak
- Popiah
- Oyster
- Omelette
- Wantan Mee
Make sure you try all of them at least once during your time in Penang!
Address: Viva Local Food Haven, Lot 303, Jln Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Tokong, Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 5 PM– 12 AM, Wed: Closed
Price: RM 3.00 – RM 10.00 (USD 1.50 – USD 2.40)
12. Famous Sesame Oil
This sesame oil is made using a process that has been refined over time to preserve the purely natural flavors and nutritional benefits of high-quality sesame seeds.
The sesame seeds are hand-picked before being gently roasted to release their distinct flavors and aroma. After that, the seeds are pressed to extract pure, rich sesame oil. In addition, sesame oil contains no cholesterol and is high in antioxidants and vitamins.
Additionally, sesame oil is also high in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids like Omega 3, 6, and 9. Its long list of nutritional values alone benefits overall health while boosting the immune system.
Get some of the best sesame oil at this Penang souvenir shop:
Address: Ghee Hiang Bakery (Main Branch), 216, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Penang Island
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 9 PM
Price: RM 10.00 – RM 25.00 (USD 2.40 – USD 6)
13. Tiffin Carriers
These tiffin carriers are inspired by the founder’s Peranakan heritage and Penang’s soulful, colorful streets. At The Tiffin Company souvenir shop Penang, they actively encourage reducing the carbon footprint on our planet earth and refrain from using disposable takeout containers.
In the mid-nineteenth century, the British took the tiffin culture from India and brought it to Malaya. By the 1900s, tiffins were widely used.
The Baba and Nyonya’s tiffin carriers were painted in enamel paint and had 2-5 layers. Tiffin carriers are generally used to transport food from the kitchen to the workplace and keep food warm and fresh.
The Peranakans appreciate the rural lifestyle of yesteryear when tiffins were an essential component of any home. Therefore, while honoring the Baba & Nyonya legacy, the Tiffin Company has added a modern twist to the designs, making them one-of-a-kind, stylish, and fashionable.
If you are thinking about what to buy in Penang this choice of souvenir is a wonderful practical gift that also helps to save the environment!
Address: The Tiffin Company, Gurney Paragon Mall Penang
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 10 AM – 10 PM
Price: RM 35.00 – RM 250.00 (USD 8.50 – USD 59.20)
14. Dodol
Dodol is a sugar palm-based sweet toffee-like confection popular in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It originated from Indonesian culinary traditions and is now widespread in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, South India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Burma.
Sticky, thick, and sweet, Dodol is made from coconut milk, brown sugar, and rice flour. It is packaged in small cute sizes, is a Penang souvenir halal and is undoubtedly one of the most favorite Penang goodies among tourists and the locals.
Address: Dodol Penang by FnC Kola, No 6 & 7, Gerai Perda, Kuala Sungai Pinang, 11010
Operating hours: Mon-Thus: 10.30 AM – 5.30 PM, Fri & Sun: 10.30 AM – 5 PM, Sat: 11 AM – 5 PM
Price: RM 18.00 (USD 4.30) 1 box, 20 pieces.
15. Peranakan Tiles
Peranakan tiles adorn the heritage buildings in old Chinatown. They were initially shipped from Europe when Penang was a British Straits Settlement. In addition to street art, George Town is a must-see for tile enthusiasts.
These Peranakan tiles adorn the shophouses with magnificent panels on the lower walls and clever floor tiles beneath the arches. It is a great photography location for all you camera buffs out there.
For those who want an Asian-themed house, the Peranakan floor tiles are indeed what you should be looking for.
41 Living Story is a Penang souvenir shop you can go over to. Penang Chulia Street is another one to scout for the best Peranakan tiles. The price may vary depending upon the designs and the sizes.
Address: 41 Living Story, Lorong Love, George Town, 10200
Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 10 AM – 6 PM
Price: RM 18.00 (USD 4.30) 1 box, 20 pieces.
16. Rojak Hitam Putih Paste
Rojak is an authentic Malaysian fruit salad and is one of the most famous food to buy in Penang.
But what is so special about Rojak? This isn’t a usual fruit salad. In addition to fruits, it has Rojak sauce which is made of a combination of chilies, soy sauce, sweet sauce and shrimp paste among other things, which make the salad equally spicy and sweet!
The sauce is thick and gives the fruit salad a distinctive taste, making an instant favorite among locals and tourists.
Rojak Orang Hitam Putih is one of the most popular Rojak stalls in Penang, their rojak sauce leaving the visitors mesmerized.
Address: Jalan Pasar, Bukit Mertajam, Penang, 14000
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 12 PM – 6 PM
Price: RM 3 – 6 (USD 0.6 – 1.4)
17. Belacan
Another very essential part of Malaysian cuisine, Belacan (shrimp paste) is used for seasoning various curries and is also a part of Sambal.
Belacan is made of crushed, dried, and fermented shrimp and krill, and is fried or roasted before being added to the dish.
The combination of its strong aroma and umami flavor make every meal appetizing.
Chowrasta Market Penang, Pulau Tikus Wet Market, and Bayan Baru Wet Market are places where you can find good quality Belacan sauce.
Address: Chowrasta Market – Lot 124, Jln Penang, George Town, George Town, Pulau Penang, 10100 Pulau Tikus Wet Market – 3, Jalan Pasar, Pulau Tikus, George Town, Pulau Penang, 10350
Operating Hours: Chowrasta Market – Mon-Sun: 6:30 AM – 6 PM Pulau Tikus Wet Market – Mon-Sun: 6 AM – 2:30 PM
Price: 150 g for RM 2.5 (USD 0.60)
18. Coconut Tarts
Coconut tarts are a crowd-puller and must-have Penang snacks! The luscious sweet coconut filling is truly melt-in-your-mouth delicious and should definitely be in your list of what to buy at Penang.
Leong Chee Kee Pepper Biscuits in Penang is quite well-known for its traditional coconut tarts.
Address: C8, Lebuh Cintra, George Town, George Town, Pulau Penang, 10100
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Closed on Sunday
19. Beh Teh Saw Biscuits
Beh Teh Saw biscuits, a local delicacy much preferred by locals and tourists, got their name because of the resemblance to a horseshoe.
This beloved classic is everyone’s favorite because of the perfect combination of sweet maltose filling in the center and a flaky biscuit crust. If you’re still thinking about what to buy back from penang, go for these biscuits!
Him Heang is a bakery in Penang, popular among tourists for their fresh and delicious Beh Teh Saw biscuits.
Address: 162A, Jalan Burma, George Town, Pulau Penang 10050
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat: 9:30 AM – 3 PM, Closed on Sunday
Price: A pack of 8 pieces is for RM 17.95 (USD 3.9)
20. Penang White Curry Instant Noodle
Ranked as No 2 in the list of best instant noodles in the world, MyKuali white curry instant noodle should definitely be on your list of Penang snacks to buy.
A must-try in Malaysia, these chewy noodles have a strong seafood flavor with a hint of spiciness.
Hot Bowl White Curry Mee is a restaurant which you can head over to if you’re craving white curry noodles. You can also buy packs of Penang MyKuali White Curry Instant Noodle at GAMA Supermarket And Departmental Store.
Address: Wisma Gama, No.1, Jalan Dato Keramat, 10150 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 10 AM – 10 PM
Price: 95g Cup is for RM 3.5 (USD 0.77)
21. Durian Chocolate
If you’re still wondering about what to buy in Penang Malaysia, try Durian chocolate. Once you like the taste of Durian, you can never go wrong with anything that’s made with Durian.
Durian chocolate is absolutely one of the most bought local products Penang. And rightly so, for the taste of Durian infused with chocolate is one that can make you come back for more!
You can visit Georgetown Herittage Chocolate shop to try out various Durian and other fruit chocolates. You can even buy them as souvenirs!
Address: No 238, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, George Town, Pulau Penang, Malaysia 10300
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 10:15 AM – 6:45 PM, Sat-Sun: 10:30 PM – 7 PM
Price: 150g for RM 17.7 (USD 3.9)
22. Nyonya Acar Awak
Acar Awak or spicy pickled vegetables is a specialty and one of the most recommended Penang things to buy.
Penang acar is an authentic Peranakan Nyonya dish and its mouthwatering taste is hard to resist, not only for locals but for tourists too!
If you want to try it out, you can find many food stalls in Chowrasta Market .
Address: Lot 124, Jln Penang, George Town, George Town, Pulau Penang, Malaysia 10100
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 6:30 AM – 6 PM
Price: 250g for RM 9.9 (USD 2.2)
23. Kuih Bahulu
A traditional Malaysian egg cake, Kuih Bahulu is a soft and spongy cake usually baked in the festive season and is definitely on the penang what to buy list.
Bahulu Balik Pulau is a bakery where you can definitely get your share of Kuih Bahulu.
Address: no 3, Ruang Niaga Perda, Jalan Kuala Sungai Pinang, Taman Nelayan, Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, 11000
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM, Sat-Sun Closed
Price: 160g for RM 5.4 (USD 1.2)
FAQs
Why Penang Is A Preferred Destination?
Penang, as a place of tradition and heritage, has a myriad of building structures going back at least a century, thanks to the British administration and Asian settlements with Chinese and Indian ornate houses and shop lots. Colonial structures can still be found here.
Penang features a stunning vista with magnificent beaches, colonial buildings, and you can find some of the most delectable foods on the earth.
Is Penang Good For Shopping?
Definitely, the Gurney Paragon Mall of Penang is a shopper’s perfect destination for those who genuinely love renowned brand outlets, designer boutiques, and trendy salons. It also has an IMAX movie theatre and fine dining restaurants in which you can have the perfect day to spend your time.
What Is Penang Well Known For?
Penang is known as the Pearl of the Orient, for its soft sandy beaches and is also regarded as Malaysia’s food capital. The landscape from Penang Hill and the vipers in the Snake Temple are some interesting sites in Penang. It is a beautiful place to visit.
Why Do Tourists Like Penang?
Penang, a place of tradition and heritage, is chock full of buildings from at least a century ago, since its establishment by the British administration and Asian settlement colonial structures can be located all over the island.
Penang is also tourist-friendly because of the locals and for its food, beaches, outdoor activities, and nightlife.
Are People In Penang Friendly?
Absolutely! According to our experience, Malaysians show great friendliness and people in Penang are very friendly, open, and relaxed. Their welcome to visitors and tourists is pleasant, without cynicism, and they are accommodating.
Do You Need Cash In Penang?
Yes, you should keep some cash handy if you’re travelling to Penang as many local food stalls, street markets, and hawkers accept only cash payments.
Most stores and restaurants accept card as well as cash payments while taxis accept cash. However, you may be eligible for discounts if you pay with cash.
Is It Easy To Get Around Penang?
Yes, you can easily get around Penang in taxis or buses. You can discuss the price and then board the taxi. You might have to haggle a bit.
Buses run on major routes and are an economical way of getting around Penang. Most buses accept coin payments.
Is It Expensive To Eat Out In Penang?
No, it isn’t expensive to eat out in Penang. Penang has a wide variety of cuisines with generous servings, and meals range in price from RM 10 – 65 (USD 2 – 13).
You don’t even need to spend a lot of money at expensive restaurants because Penang’s best eating outlets are tiny food stands or hawker centers.
What Cuisine Is Penang?
Penang is particularly well-known for Asam laksa, one of the many varieties of laksa found in Peranakan cuisine. Asam laksa is a type of spicy and sour soup based rice noodles.
Air Itam in Penang is quite a popular area among tourists to try Asam laksa in Penang.
Is It Safe To Walk In Penang At Night?
Wondering if it’s safe to walk in Penang at night?
Yes, walking at night in Penang is completely safe, especially for tourists. Penang has a low crime rate and is considered a fairly secure place. It’s better to use caution at all times, though.
Is It Better To Stay In George Town Or Batu Ferringhi?
Georgetown is the center of Malaysia’s cultural legacy, so if you want to experience the Malay culture and cuisines, Georgetown is the ideal place to stay.
If you prefer a peaceful coastal vacation with a calm environment in a magnificent setting, Batu Ferringhi is the place to be.
Is It Safe To Eat Street Food In Penang Malaysia?
Yes, most of the street food in Penang Malaysia is indeed safe to eat. Street food is cooked at higher temperatures on grills or heated pans which lowers the probability of bacterial contamination.
It is also recommended to wash or sanitize your hands before eating to reduce the risk of infection.
Is English Spoken In Penang?
Wondering if English is spoken in Penang? Penang was a British colony, and hence English is extensively spoken throughout the island.
As English is one of the most commonly used business languages in Penang, travelers will find it quite convenient to explore the place.
What Is The Best Month To Visit Penang?
The best months to visit Penang are November to January, because of the comfortable and pleasant weather.
Favorable weather is an advantage for taking a trip and learning about the culture and cuisine because those activities are more enjoyable in Penang’s tropical climate.
Curated A List Of Things To Buy In Penang?
It is no wonder Penang is on so many people’s bucket lists. Penang has plenty of things to offer! Theme parks, museums, parks, temples, and historical sites are just some of them.
Knowing ahead of time where you would like to go in Penang will help you to make the most of your time there and with this list of things to buy in Penang, you will be able to quickly identify unique things about Penang to take home for your memories!
You will enjoy your time and experience in wonderful Penang with its friendly people and their warm welcomes. You will definitely bring back beautiful memories and souvenirs from Penang to cherish.
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