Kedai Biskut Leong Chee Kee has been around for as long as I can remember.
Before cafes took over the dining scene in George Town, Penang, most Penangites spent their afternoons in the Kopitiam around China Town.
We didn’t buy fancy cream cakes but artisanal Chinese pastries and other goodies!
Penang’s hidden gems are numerous; some are hiding in plain daylight, waiting to be discovered by the intrepid traveler and foodie.
Today, SmartDory brings you to this old-school biscuit shop in Penang, Leong Chee Kee Pepper Biscuit, at People’s Court off Lebuh Cintra.
If you know where Tai Tong Restaurant and Wen Chang Hainan Chicken Rice are, People’s Court is just behind these two restaurants.
Leong Chee Kee is well known for its traditional Cantonese wedding biscuits.
Leong Chee Kee’s business has since been taken over by his son, Leong How Keng.
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Leong Chee Kee Pepper Biscuit
While many local Penang manufacturers have started to use machines, the modest little bakery still makes everything from scratch by hand.
The family-run business has Traditional Chinese pastries such as “ang kong na pneah,” “hor chio pneah” (pepper biscuits), and coconut tarts (my favorites), which are popular items here.
Sometimes, they make mooncakes during the Mooncake Festival
The shop has been operating at the exact location for over 60 years!
Currently, it is run by the second generation of the family.
The same family recipe is used to make legendary biscuits and tarts.
If you haven’t been, come a little after 10 am as there is an immense crowd, as always, at Leong Chee Kee!
My parents took me to eat at Tai Tong Restaurant and Wen Chang Hainan Chicken Rice.
Sometimes, we troop to the ‘back’ at People’s Court to get biscuits before lunch.
The other day when I dropped by, I was astonished to see a beeline of outstation folk dropping by to check on the availability of the coconut tarts!
If you haven’t had this, you must try one and fall in love with the jammy coconut filling and crusty pastry shell.
Leong Chee Kee is an old-school Chinese bakery over 60 years old.
Currently, the shop is helmed by the 2nd generation, Mr. Leong.
How to find Leong Chee Kee?
Firstly, look for the famous Tai Tong Restaurant and head down the side lane towards the back.
People’s Court Flat is a four-story Council Flat behind some trees.
Once there, try to find a big signboard that reads Kedai Biskut Leong Chee Kee.
Outside the small bakery, you will see steel racks filled with biscuits.
Towards the back of the shop, you will see the family amid tables, counters, and multi-tiered racks for making and cooling the biscuits.
The baker and owner, Mr. Leong, makes biscuits using the traditional hand method in the open kitchen.
He does everything himself, from kneading the biscuits to coating them with egg wash and baking them.
Each biscuit here is handmade by Mr. Leong from scratch.
Making the pastries this way is unique and infuses subtle flavors into them.
Top 3 Biscuits At Leong Chee Kee
While you’re here, try out the ever-popular Pepper Biscuits that are crunchy and fragrant.
Don’t forget to get the crowd-favorite Coconut Tart is moist yet warm and has a coconut-filled center.
If you’re looking for something sweet, soft, and fluffy, you can try the Khay Nui Ko/Gai Dan Go (Egg Sponged Cakes)
These are the top 3 must-try perfect teatime treats from Leong Chee Kee.
- Coconut Tarts
- Pepper Biscuits
- Hup Toh Soe (Chinese Walnut Cookie)
Leong Chee Kee Coconut Tart
Coconut tart is the specialty of Leong Chee Kee.
The founder’s recipe makes an incredible tart with a layered dough shell, moist grated coconut filling, and a sugary swirl top crust.
The top is brushed with egg yolk and baked until even golden brown.
If you have time to kill, you could watch Mr. Leong adjust the position of the baking tray to achieve an even color.
These freshly baked tarts stay fresh for five days.
Since no preservatives are added, keeping the tart in the fridge is best to maintain freshness.
As Leong Chee Kee only makes 300 pieces daily, it’s best to book personally by dropping in at 9 a.m.
They do not accept telephone bookings.
I love coconut tarts.
Taste of Leong Chee Kee Biscuits
You will know what I mean when you bite into a biscuit from Leong Chee Kee.
The taste is delicious, and the mouthfeel and texture feel perfect, very ‘Korcha bi.”
If you’re a visitor, do drop by to taste the authentic taste of the legacy.
In conclusion, visiting Leong Chee Kee in Penang is a must if you’re a foodie or have a sweet tooth.
You’ll be transported to a world of traditional Chinese pastries and biscuits made with passion and love.
Their coconut tarts, pepper biscuits, and Chinese walnut cookies are irresistible and will leave you wanting more.
So, the next time you think of places to visit in Penang with your family, you can make a pit stop at Leong Chee Kee.
You won’t regret indulging in their mouth-watering delicacies.
Kedai Biskut Leong Chee Kee
C8, People’s Court, (Inside) Campbell Street,
off Lebuh Cintra, George Town, 10100 Penang
Tel: +6016-401 9211/+604-2291851
Hours: 9 am – 4.30 pm (Closed on Sunday)
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and friends paid for their meal.
