Forget the beer.
If you want an authentic local drink, head to the oldest Toddy Shop in George Town.
Locally known as Kedai Tuak, the drink sold here is traditional homemade palm wine.
They make it from the sap of the coconut palm and palm sap, yeast, and sugar.
They collect the sugary palm sap in bamboo containers.
Fermentation occurs almost immediately as it collects the palm sap for the residual yeast in the bamboo containers.
There is natural yeast in the air.
The fermentation process yields a drink with a slightly milky white consistency.
For just RM2 a glass, this drink with a sweet aftertaste is a choice beverage for Penang’s local Indian population.
Most locals buy takeaway toddy in a 1.5L recycled mineral water or cola bottle.
The fascinating local flavor is a popular drink at-home dinner parties. Sometimes it’s mixed with Guinness Stout.
It’s worth a try, but be warned. It is rather potent, and after a few, if mixed with other alcoholic beverages, you may find yourself limping.
We use toddy to make a Hokkien Sweet Rice Cake called Huat Kueh.
This sweet cake has the distinct flavor of Toddy.
Hokkien Sweet Rice Cake, called Huat Kueh, has the distinct flavor of Toddy.
“Wrong Tree” Sculpture at Penang’s Oldest Toddy Shop
Market Lane Tuak Shop is celebrated with the “Wrong Tree” steel-rod Sculpture, erected as part of the Marking George Town project.
This sculpture is the “Wrong Tree” caricature, depicting an Indian toddy collector climbing up a betel-nut tree instead of a coconut tree.
This explains how the tuak is made.
“Wrong Tree” Sculpture at Market Lane, Penang
How to Get to the Oldest Toddy Shop
Market Lane is off Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. You can reach it by going down Stewart Lane from Goddess of Mercy Temple and turning left down Muda Lane.
You will face the Market Lane Tuak Shop directly in front of you.
There’s another Toddy Shop on Cantonment Road, Penang
Market Lane Tuak Shop (Kedai Tuak Lorong Pasar) | At the intersection of Market Lane and Muda Lane, George Town, Penang | Opening hours: Daily from 9 am
