Bakeries in Penang
Penang is known as the food capital of Malaysia. But besides its must-try street foods, we have a host of bakeries to satisfy your carb cravings too. From European-style breads and pastries to local fruit-inspired cakes, these bakeries, cake shops and cafes dotted across Penang Island are bound to satisfy the most adventurous palates.
Some of them have really unique and beautiful interiors too, so you can snap your next Insta-worthy picture while picking up your next breakfast bake or teatime treat.
Table of Contents
- Bakeries in Penang
- 1. Le Petit Four Pâtisserie – huge assortment of French pastries and cakes
- 2. LesGrains Bakery – premium Japanese-French bread & pastries
- 3. La Vie en Rose Pâtisserie – Penang’s madeleine specialist
- 4. The Maker – assortment of French Pastries
- 5. Whisk – whimsical cakes
- 6. Le Dux Patisserie – intricately-crafted French pastries
- 7. Black Kettle – spacious cafe with a bakery counter and bistro
- 8. ChinaHouse – one of the biggest and oldest cafes in Penang
- 9. Yin’s Sourdough Bakery & Cafe – Penang’s sourdough specialist
- 10. Moody Cow Cafe Penang – decadent cheesecakes
- 11. Nelly’s Passion Heart Cafe – tropical fruit cakes
- 12. Ming Xiang Tai Pastry Shop – Cantonese pastries and biscuits
- 13. The Mugshot Cafe – best bagels in Penang
- Bakeries to get pastries and cakes in Penang
1. Le Petit Four Pâtisserie – huge assortment of French pastries and cakes
Image credit: @lepetitfourpatisserie via Instagram
Crispy, crackling, and flaky outer layers with a doughy, buttery centres, the croissants (RM7 each) at Le Petit Four Pâtisserie might just be the best in Penang. Each croissant is handcrafted and freshly baked in-house by a team of bakers in the sunlit cafe. They are led by patissier Hooi Shing, who cut her teeth at the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.
Image adapted from: @ammeliayasmin via Instagram & @nicholasxwl via Instagram
Other pastries such as tarts, madeleines, financiers, and eclairs are baked fresh throughout the day too. You won’t want to miss the golden-hued cranberry scones (RM8 each), which are made using French butter, and are rich, moist, and crumbly in all the right places.
For something fruity, keep your peepers peeled for the seasonal flower-adorned fig tart (RM22) or the zesty lemon tart topped with meringue (RM16).
Image credit: @kelvinoooi via Instagram
The cosy cafe has an industrial-minimalist vibe with lots of natural light, and you can walk to the back of the cafe to catch the busy bakers at work, rolling the dough and crafting the most delicate artisanal creations.
Address: 310, Lebuh Pantai, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Fri-Tue 9am-6pm (Closed on Wednesdays & Thursdays)
Contact: 016-409 3918 | Le Petit Four Patisserie’s Facebook | Instagram
Image credit: @kitoki via Instagram
A testament to their no-frills bakes, LesGrains Bakery continues to serve its loyal customers for years without the need for extravagant aesthetic interiors or unique pastry flavours.
Formerly known as Four Seasons Bakery, this bakery in Straits Quay has since rebranded and expanded to a slightly larger space at Pulau Tikus so you can have more selections of fresh bakes. Though the bakery has simple decor comprising gold hanging lights and tiled floors, the bakery’s space exudes a Paris-style charm that’ll appeal to cafe-goers and carb-hunters alike.
Image adapted from: LesGrains Bakery via Instagram
Don’t be fooled by their extremely French name. LesGrains Bakery bakes classic French pastries that are heavily influenced by Japanese flavours, and made with the finest ingredients.
Image credit: LesGrains Bakery via Instagram
Take your pick from the range of fresh bakes cooling on the racks – Seasalt Crusty Rolls (RM6.50) or their fragrant Kraftkorn (RM12) loaf. There’s also the irresistible Garlic Parmesan Cheese Bread, and a range of puff pastries that are drool-worthy and baked to perfection.
Image credit: LesGrains Bakery via Instagram
As much emphasis and thought they put into their pastries, their dine-in menu comprises a wide array of Western and Asian dishes too. For breakfast and lunch, the Smoked Salmon & Pickled Cucumber Croissant (RM30), Miso Pasta (RM35) or Chicken Fricasse (RM38) will definitely fill up your bellies.
You won’t want to miss out on their coffee as well – their brew is as superior as their bakes, and goes satisfyingly with a plate of flaky croissant or a mini sweet cake.
Address: 9-1-01 Moulmein Rise shoppes, Jalan Moulmein, Pulau Tikus, 10350, Penang
Opening hours: Tue – Sat 8am-7pm | Sun 8am-6pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 018-213 2818 | Les Grains Bakery’s Facebook | Instagram
3. La Vie en Rose Pâtisserie – Penang’s madeleine specialist
Image credit: @crystalng_99 via Instagram
La Vie en Rose Pâtisserie, run by husband and wife duo Gauvain and Evon, first made a name for itself as a madeleine specialist in 2016, whipping up customisable avant-garde madeleine towers and selling them online. Customers would often order these photogenic towers as alternatives to birthday cakes.
Image credit: @16.vy_ via Instagram
In late-2019, it opened a cosy cafe in the heart of George Town. The cafe’s exterior is decked out in pink, and its location makes it a quaint respite from the blistering heat after you’ve been wandering around the old heritage site for a while.
Image adapted from: @lavieenrose.patisserie via Instagram
Not to be missed here are, of course, the madeleines. Vanilla madeleines come in 2 options – with chocolate coating (RM5 each) and without (RM3 each) – while bittersweet chocolate madeleines are available without chocolate coating (RM3.80 each) or with it (RM5.80 each). The light and airy, shell-shaped sponge cakes are perfect for pairing with a cup of hot white chocolate matcha (RM14) or oolong rose tea (RM9).
Image adapted from: @lavieenrose.patisserie via Instagram
If the weekend-exclusive mini beignets (RM26 for a box of 6) tickle your fancy, we suggest placing a WhatsApp order at least 24 hours in advance to avoid disappointment. The custard-filled French doughnuts are available in vanilla, raspberry, nutella, coffee and matcha flavours. Another weekend special is the fruits and cream cheese danish (RM18), made to satisfy the sweet-toothed.
Address: 19, Lebuh Melayu, 10100 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Wed – Sun 10.30am-6.30pm (Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)
Contact: 014-333 6480 | La Vie En Rose Patisserie’s Facebook | Instagram
4. The Maker – assortment of French Pastries
Image credit: @themaker243 via Instagram
The Maker’s spacious cafe is set in the heart of George Town, wherein lies a bevy of other cafes and bakeries. But this bakery stands out with its spectrum of intricately composed and elaborately decorated pastries and cakes.
Image credit: @themaker243 via Instagram
Take your pick of pastries laid out enticingly behind a glass display by the counter – there’s their signature laminated viennoiserie such as Strawberry Custard Croissants (RM10) and Peanut Croissant (RM10), as well as Cruffins (RM12-15) filled with various fillings including pistachio raspberry and houjicha pecan.
Image credit: @themaker243 via Instagram
Their elegant Tartes (from RM17) are divine in flavors including fruit-topped Strawberry or Mango ones, Pecan Tart or Lemon Meringue. Not surprisingly, their cakes are equally flawless.
The Salted Caramel Bania (RM18) is a sweet-salty bar of praline feuilletine, rum-infused chocolate sponges and valrhona mousse, while the Kyoto Azuki (RM18) is a rich slice of nutty sesame cream that slathers the earthy matcha sponge with layers of hazelnut feuilletine and azuki red beans.
Address: 243, Beach Street, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9.30am-5.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 016-214 3243 | The Maker’s website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Whisk – whimsical cakes
Image credit: @whisk.my via Instagram
The go-to bakery for when you need an enchantingly picturesque cake for a friend’s huge birthday bash, would be none other than Whisk.
This charming bakery exudes a charm that whisks visitors away to a simple yet dreamy place – its weathered walls are adorned with cascading greens and dried flowers, and quaint wooden tables and chairs scatter the cozy and dimly lit interior.
Image credit: @whisk.my via Instagram
Their cakes are every bit as gorgeous, with rows of them proudly displayed behind a glass fridge, and adorned with delicate edible flowers and vibrant fruits. Revel in this haven of sweetness with their ethereal slices such as Blueberry Earl Grey (RM15), Lychee Rose (RM19), and Chocolate Raspberry Cheese (RM16).
Their macarons will tempt you as well, plump with frostings of all sorts – Chocolate Seasalt (RM6), Lavender Blueberry (RM6), or Matcha Raspberry (RM6.50) – and bursting with fragrance and sweetness.
Image credit: @whisk.my via Instagram
Whisk offers whole cakes upon preorders and customized cakes as well, with plenty of choices to pick from including 4-inch Mango Naked Cake (RM69) or their much-loved 6-inch Mix Fruits Cake (RM89).
Image credit: @whisk.my via Instagram
Address: 15, Queen St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Wed – Fri, Sun & Mon 12pm-7pm | Sat 3pm-10pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 016-226 0715 | Whisk’s Facebook | Instagram
6. Le Dux Patisserie – intricately-crafted French pastries
Image credit: @le_dux_patisserie via Instagram
Le Dux Patisserie is a recent addition of an exquisite patisserie that effortlessly marries the elegance of French desserts within culturally-rich Penang. Reminiscent of a Parisian salon, the bakery is sophisticated in every sense of the word, from its interior to the display that boasts an array of meticulously crafted pastries.
Image adapted from: Le Dux Patisserie via Facebook
While the flavours are relatively straightforward, the execution of the desserts are anything but. Start with the classics such as the Classic Tiramisu (RM28) that has lush layers of mascarpone and alcohol-soaked ladyfingers, or a simple Croissant (RM9) that is rightfully crisp and buttery in all of its layers.
Image credit: Le Dux Patisserie via Google Photos
Not to be missed are their dainty tarts as well, with flavours such as Pistachio Lemon Tart (RM22), Vanilla Raspberry Tart (RM19), and Mango Passion (RM22).
Address: 255, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Wed – Sun 10am-6pm (Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)
Contact: 017-420 8400 | Le Dux Patisserie’s Facebook | Instagram
7. Black Kettle – spacious cafe with a bakery counter and bistro
Image credit: @blackkettlemy via Instagram
Housed inside a restored historic building, Black Kettle is one of the more spacious cafes in George Town and spans a bakery counter, cafe, and bistro. It’s hard to miss the assortment of bread loaves, scones, cakes, and tarts as soon as you walk through the doors.
Image credit: @blackkettlemy via Instagram
Although they’ve had to reduce the number of baked goods over the years, you can still get the classic baguettes (RM5.50 each) and popular bakes such as wholemeal loaf (RM16) and Normandy loaf (RM16). Most of the cafe’s fresh bread is made using a bacteria culture called Levain that draws out flavour without relying on instant yeast.
Image adapted from: @blackkettlemy via Instagram
If you can spare the time for a sit-down treat, take a seat and indulge in the signature croissant (RM6.50), pain au chocolat (RM7.50), or Paris-Brest (RM15). The wood and black-accented rustic decor scheme, combined with the sunlight trickling in from the airwell overhead, makes this one mighty inviting space.
Address: 105 Beach Street, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Thu – Tue 9am-10pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: 04-251 9270 | Black Kettle’s website | Facebook | Instagram
8. ChinaHouse – one of the biggest and oldest cafes in Penang
Probably one of the biggest and oldest names in the Penang cafe scene, ChinaHouse is both a tourist hotspot and local favourite dining destination known for its cakes. Occupying the compound of three heritage buildings and an open air courtyard, it is a cafe, restaurant, art gallery, bakery, and shop in one huge space, with walls artistically adorned with cat murals and crayon sketches.
The cakes here take centrestage as 30 different kinds of them are doled out daily. The salted caramel cake (RM19.08) boasts a soft and creamy texture, and is capped with homemade caramel sauce and the chocolate berry torte (RM15) is bound to satisfy any chocolate lover.
But if you only have enough room in your stomach for one slice of dessert, sink your teeth into the signature non-alcoholic tiramisu (RM19.08). Given its espresso-flavoured sponge layers and generous nut-on-mascarpone coating, it’s far from traditional but absolutely toothsome.
Address: 153 & 155, Lebuh Pantai and 183B, Lebuh Victoria, George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 9.30am-1am, Daily
Contact: 04-263 7299 | ChinaHouse website | Facebook | Instagram
9. Yin’s Sourdough Bakery & Cafe – Penang’s sourdough specialist
Image credit: @yinssourdough via Instagram
Offering everything from sourdough breads and buns to sourdough pizza and croissants, Yin’s Sourdough Bakery & Cafe lives up to its name. Its egg benny sourdough pizza (RM30) is fermented naturally over two days and slathered with slow-cooked tomato paste before being heated in the oven until it develops a “blistery” crust. The result is a pleasant tanginess that elevates your everyday pizza flavour.
Image adapted from: @meo_yeoh via Instagram & @aisucreamm via Instagram
Also on the menu is a sourdough croissant (RM19.10) that sandwiches a poached egg benedict and house-cured salmon, and that is served with mango.
Yin’s Sourdough @ Gurney Walk
Address: 18, Gurney Dr, 10250 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Sun – Thu 8am-10pm, Fri & Sat 8am-11.30pm
Contact: 017-462 3615 | Yin’s Sourdough’s Facebook | Instagram
Yin’s Sourdough @ Queens Waterfront
Address: 1-G-17, Queens Residence Q1, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
Opening hours: 7.45am-9.30pm, Daily
Contact: 012-499 1109
Yin’s Sourdough @ Pesara Claimant
Address: 11, Pesara Claimant, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Thu – Tue 8am-5pm, Mon 9am-5pm
Contact: 011-2419 5118
10. Moody Cow Cafe Penang – decadent cheesecakes
Image credit: @gurneyparagonmall via Instagram
Not for the faint of heart, Moody Cow Cafe Penang takes the term “unique cheesecake” to a whole new level with its over-the-top creations. Among its offerings are the Black Moon (RM46 per slice) and Hennesy High (RM58 per slice) – the former features ikan bilis and century egg as ingredients, while the latter brings together salted egg yolk, cream cheese, and chicken floss in one dessert plate.
Image adapted from: @ong_suki via Instagram & @gurneyparagonmall via Instagram
Because of the richness of the cheesecakes, they might be best shared. Cempedak Madness (RM44 per slice) is a popular choice, made up of two layers of chocolate, cempedak fruit, cream cheese, and a decadent whipped cream topping.
Image credit: @gurneyparagonmall via Instagram
The decor of the cafe is as decadent as its cheesecakes, with intricately carved privacy screens painted in gold, lush cushioned sofas, and chandeliers hanging over the low tables. And their low lighting fits the “Moody Cow” name to a T.
Moody Cow Dessert Cafe @ Transfer Road
Address: 170 Transfer Road, 10050 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 10am-11pm, Daily
Contact: 04-226 2646 | Moody Cow Dessert Cafe’s Facebook | Instagram
Moody Cow Dessert Cafe @ Gurney Plaza
Address: Gurney Plaza, Basement 1, Gurney Dr, Georgetown, 10250 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 10am-9.30pm, Daily
Moody Cow Dessert Cafe @ Gurney Paragon
Address: 10250, Gurney Paragon, 163D-6-29, 10250 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 10am-8.30pm, Daily
11. Nelly’s Passion Heart Cafe – tropical fruit cakes
Image credit: @yw.bagelicious via Instagram
Hobbyist-turned-businesswoman Nely Koon started out selling homemade cakes at a humble stall at the Penang Street Market before opening her own cafe. Now a family-run cake house, Nelly’s Passion Heart Cafe has gained popularity for its cakes inspired by local flavours such as cempedak and durian.
Image adapted from: Guakkk via Google Photos & @yw.bagelicious via Instagram
The cafe is modest by design, with super old-school vibes, and located just around the corner from historical landmark Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (otherwise known as the Blue Mansion). It’s the perfect spot to slow down after exploring the area, with a slice of cempedak cake (RM13), cempedak crumble (RM16), durian mud pie (RM20), pandan kaya fresh cream (RM18), or coffee almond (RM18).
Address: 23 Jalan A.S Mansoor, 10050 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Thu – Mon 11.30am-9pm (Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays)
Contact: 016-443 1336 | Nelly’s Passion Heart Cafe’s Facebook | Instagram
12. Ming Xiang Tai Pastry Shop – Cantonese pastries and biscuits
Image credit: @iamkathii via Instagram
Ming Xiang Tai Pastry Shop specialises in handmade Cantonese pastries and biscuits. What started out as a rickety trishaw egg tart business in 1979 has since blossomed into a humble shophouse within close quarters of Penang Road’s famous Teochew Chendul.
Image adapted from: @bilieats via Instagram & @iamkathii via Instagram
The signature egg tart (RM2.70 per piece) is known for its silky-smooth custard encased in thin layers of crispy crust. While you’re here, check out the kaya puffs (RM2.40/piece), char siew pastries (RM 2.70/piece) or pandan salted egg pastries (RM2.40/piece) – all of which are popular among locals.
It’s not just traditional pastries you can find here. Ming Xiang Tai Pastry Shop keeps up with modern times by adding new items to its menu. Some of the latest additions include the fluffy sweet pumpkin buns (RM4.80 for 3) and heart-shaped pandan lotus paste paos (RM8 for 3).
Image credit: @mingxiangtaipastrypenangroad via Instagram
Any #OOTD shots you take here will be steeped in heritage vibes, as the interiors of the cafe will transport you back in time, with its wooden stools, tables and cabinets, and bamboo stems and sieves adorning the walls.
Ming Xiang Tai @ Penang Road
Address: 475-A, Jln Penang, 10000 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 10am-7pm, Daily
Contact: 04-261 2511 | Min Xiang Tai’s website | Facebook
Ming Xiang Tai @ Armenian Street
Address: No.26, Lbh Armenian, Ghaut, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily
Contact: 04-261 9887
Ming Xiang Tai @ Burma Road
Address: 133, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 8am-8pm, Daily
Contact: 04-227 9880
13. The Mugshot Cafe – best bagels in Penang
Image credit: @themugshotcafe via Instagram
Sitting on the city’s heritage belt, The Mugshot Cafe was founded by former schoolmates Tristan and Jessie – the latter of whom honed her craft in baking in Europe – in 2013, serving freshly brewed coffee, homemade yoghurt and quite possibly the best bagels in Penang.
Bagels might not have been a popular choice in Penang at the time but this modern kopitiam knew that it wanted to stand out from the crowd with a chewier, crustier version of the ubiquitous burger bun.
Image credit: @kclovesfood_ via Instagram
The classic cream cheese bagel is priced at RM7.40, while other bagel variations are sold for RM13.80 each. Cream cheese with smoked salmon and turkey bacon with egg are touted to be best-sellers, although nutella and banana bagel might catch your eye if you’re craving something chocolate-y and sweet.
Image credit: @themugshotcafe via Instagram
The cosy cafe has trendy vibes, and is a great place to rest your legs and kick back with a glass of iced coffee.
Address: 302 Chulia Street, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Sun – Thu 8AM-10PM | Fri & Sat 8AM-12AM
Contact: 04-261 4641 | The Mugshot Cafe’s Facebook
Bakeries to get pastries and cakes in Penang
Whether it’s for a special occasion or a daytime pick-me-up, you don’t really need an excuse to indulge in a little pastry and cake. That being said, this list caters to the most curious and pickiest of palates, savoury and sweet included.
For other Malaysian bakery and cafe stories, check these out:
Cover image adapted from: @lavieenrose.patisserie via Instagram, @le_dux_patisserie via Instagram, @themaker243 via Instagram, @whisk.my via Instagram
This article was first published on 28th August 2020, and updated by Jia-Ju on 7th September 2023.
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