Edible souvenirs in Penang showcase its rich cultural and culinary heritage, making great gifts to take back home for a taste of Malaysia.
From aromatic spices to handmade crafts, here are 10 must-buy souvenirs in Penang to bring home before you leave the island.
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Nutmeg Products
Renowned for its nutmeg production, Penang offers a variety of nutmeg-based products.
Aside from pickled sliced or halved nutmegs, there are also nutmeg oils, syrups, and sugar-coated nutmeg strips.
Visit the Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory in Balik Pulau for an authentic taste of this local specialty.
Where to Buy: Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory, Balik Pulau
Business hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact: +6016-433 6303
Belacan (Shrimp Paste)
A staple in Malaysian kitchens, Penang’s belacan is a fermented shrimp paste that is pungent to the uninitiated.
To the locals, it packs an irreplaceable flavourful unami pucnh to local dishes.
It’s a must-buy for food lovers who want to recreate Penang’s distinctive flavors at home.
Cheong Kim Chuan Premium Grade Belacan is a famous brand to look out for.
Where to Buy: Chowrasta Market, George Town
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by shop)
Nutmeg Products and Belacan (Shrimp Paste)
Penang White Curry Instant Noodles
MyKuali’s Penang White Curry Instant Noodles are a hit with both locals and tourists.
Famous for their spicy, rich flavor, they offer a convenient way to bring Penang’s signature taste home.
Where to Buy: Supermarkets like Tesco, Giant, Jaya Grover, Gama or local specialty stores
Business hours: Typically 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pickled Fruits (Jeruk Buah)
Tangy and sweet pickled fruits like mango, papaya, and nutmeg are popular snacks in Penang.
Jeruk Madu Pak Ali is a well-loved brand for these zesty treats.
Where to Buy: Jeruk Madu Pak Ali, Jalan Penang or Stalls at Chowrasta Market in George Town
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Penang White Curry Instant Noodles and Pickled Fruits (Jeruk Buah)
Ghee Hiang Biscuits and Sesame Oil
Ghee Hiang is famous for its Penang Tau Sar Pneah (mung bean biscuits) and premium sesame oil.
A visit to the stall is a must for anyone craving traditional local flavors.
Where to Buy: Ghee Hiang, Chulia Street, George Town
Business hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Pepper Biscuits
These savory biscuits are infused with Chinese five-spice, offering a delightful contrast to the sweet treats Penang is known for.
Leong Chee Kee in George Town is a local favorite.
Where to Buy: Leong Chee Kee, Chulia Street
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ghee Hiang Biscuits and Sesame Oil and Pepper Biscuits
Handicrafts and Batik
Penang is home to stunning handmade crafts, including batik items such as sarongs, blouses, scarves, and shirts.
These colorful, wearable souvenirs are perfect for those looking for formal yet vibrant pieces..
Where to Buy: Penang Batik Factory, Bayan Lepas, or various stores in George Town
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Penang Laksa Paste
For food enthusiasts, Penang Laksa Paste is a fantastic way to bring the bold, tangy flavors of Asam Laksa home.
Where to Buy: Local shops, supermarkets like Giant and Tesco, or online platforms like Shopee and Lazada
Business hours: Supermarkets open from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Handicrafts and Batik and Penang Laksa Paste
Roti Jari (Rusk Biscuit)
A beloved tea-time snack, these crunchy biscuits shaped like fingers are great for dipping into local Kopi O or tea.
Available in local markets like Chowrasta, they offer a distinctly Penang flavor.
Where to Buy: Chowrasta Market, George Town
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Penang White Coffee
Penang White Coffee is a beloved local brew known for its smooth, rich taste and gentle sweetness.
Where to Buy: Chowrasta Market, George Town
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Roti Jari (Rusk Biscuit) and Penang White Coffee
Souvenirs in Penang
For a taste of Penang’s heritage, the souvenir shops at Muntri Street, Chew Jetty, Penang Bazaar, and Hin Bus Depot offer a variety of handcrafted souvenirs.
You can find keychains, T-shirts, canvas bags, caps adorned with iconic murals, as well as unique rattan and bamboo baskets.
Where to Buy: SEANG Hin Leong, Beach Street or Penang Road Rattan Shop.
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where to Buy Souvenirs in Penang?
Penang offers a mix of places where you can buy your souvenirs.
You can choose modern air-conditioned shopping malls or traditional wet market stalls.
Here are some of the best spots to pick up souvenirs in Penang.
Gurney Plaza
Located on the famous Gurney Drive, this modern mall offers a range of locally made products, from nutmeg-based items to batik crafts.
It’s the perfect place for convenient shopping, with high-end boutiques and local stores.
What to Look For: Nutmeg products, local snacks, fashion items
Why It’s Great: Modern amenities, air-conditioned comfort, variety of local specialties
Komtar Tower
For a more diverse shopping experience, Komtar Tower offers a range of traditional crafts, Penang snacks, and affordable souvenirs.
What to Look For: Traditional crafts, Penang snacks
Why It’s Great: Central location, panoramic city views, air-conditioned comfort
Ghee Hup Nutmeg Factory
This family-run factory in Balik Pulau offers an authentic look at Penang’s nutmeg production.
Here you can buy everything from nutmeg oils to preserved fruits.
What to Look For: Nutmeg products
Why It’s Great: Hands-on experience, rich history
Chowrasta Market
A lively local market, Chowrasta is the heart of George Town’s shopping scene.
It’s filled with local snacks, spices, and crafts, making it the ideal place to pick up traditional Penang souvenirs.
What to Look For: Local snacks, spices, handicrafts
Why It’s Great: Authentic local atmosphere, close to hotels in George Town
Ghee Hiang Shop
Founded in 1856, Ghee Hiang is a must-visit for anyone looking for traditional Penang delicacies.
You can also pick up coveted Penang souvenirs, edible souvenirs, and fragrant cooking sesame oil.
They have gift boxes and are wrapped very nicely.
What to Look For: Tau Sar Pneah, sesame oil
Why It’s Great: A historic shop that offers an authentic taste of Penang
Conclusion
Penang’s shopping malls and vibrant markets offer a rich variety of souvenir shopping in Penang.
Don’t worry if you missed the chance to make your purchases in George Town.
There are specialty shops at the airport where you can buy all 10 must-buy items in Penang to bring home a bit of your holiday memories.
So, the next time you visit Penang, check out these spots and bring back a unique Penang gift that captures the island’s essence.
