Penang's best bakeries split neatly into two camps: the old Hokkien biscuit houses, where you buy tau sar pneah by the box, and a newer wave of French-style and sourdough bakers. For souvenirs, start at Ghee Hiang or Him Heang. For a proper croissant, go to Le Petit Four Pâtisserie on Lebuh Pantai. Here are the six George Town bakeries on our list and how to plan the trail.
All six are listed as non-halal in our data.
The heritage biscuit houses
Ghee Hiang, Jalan Macalister Ghee Hiang has been baking since 1856 and is Penang's most famous pastry name. The flaky tau sar pneah (green bean biscuits) is the island's default souvenir box, and the beh teh saw and sesame oil are worth adding. Expect RM10 to RM40 depending on how many boxes your relatives asked for.
Him Heang, Jalan Burma Many Penangites will tell you Him Heang makes the tau sar pneah to beat. It has been around since 1948, and its hours are short: Monday to Saturday, 10:30am to 2pm only, closed Sunday. It often sells out, so make this your first stop. RM5 to RM20.
Ming Xiang Tai, Jalan Penang Ming Xiang Tai is the place for old-school egg tarts, kaya puffs and char siew pastries. It runs three outlets, including one on Lebuh Armenian in the heritage zone, and opens daily 10am to 7pm. Most items cost RM3 to RM20, so it suits a snack-as-you-walk stop.
The new-wave bakers
Le Petit Four Pâtisserie, Lebuh Pantai Often called the best croissant on the island, Le Petit Four Pâtisserie is run by a Le Cordon Bleu-trained pâtissier in a heritage shophouse. Order the butter croissant, then a fig tart or cranberry scone. It opens Friday to Tuesday, 9am to 6pm, and is closed Wednesday and Thursday. RM7 to RM25.
Black Kettle, Beach Street Black Kettle is a handsome, high-ceilinged bakery-bistro with proper baguettes, croissants and Paris-Brest. Because it runs from 9am to 10pm (closed Wednesday), it doubles as a brunch or dinner spot. RM6 to RM40.
Yin's Sourdough Bakery & Cafe, Gurney Drive Yin's Sourdough Bakery & Cafe is Penang's sourdough specialist, with naturally fermented loaves across several branches. At the Gurney outlet, the sourdough pizzas are the hit. Hours run late: 8am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday and until 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday. RM10 to RM40.
How to plan the trail - Morning: start at Him Heang before it sells out, then Ghee Hiang on Jalan Macalister for the remaining boxes. - Late morning: walk into the heritage zone for a croissant at Le Petit Four, or egg tarts at Ming Xiang Tai. - Lunch or dinner: sit down at Black Kettle on Beach Street. - Evening: finish with sourdough pizza at Yin's on Gurney Drive.
Best day to go: Friday, Saturday, Monday or Tuesday. On Sunday, Him Heang is closed; on Wednesday, Le Petit Four and Black Kettle both are.
Tau sar pneah keeps for a while, but buy it last if you are flying home with it. Hours change, so check each bakery's latest posts before you set off.