Leong Chee Kee Pepper Biscuits has been part of Penang’s story for as long as I can remember.
Before the cafés took over George Town and every other latte came with a foam leaf, afternoons were simpler. Penangites gathered in kopitiam tucked around Chinatown.
We didn’t need sourdough or sea salt caramel.
We had Chinese pastries, flaky kaya puffs, and biscuits that left a trail of crumbs down your shirt.
There were no flat whites or rainbow cakes—just rows of spiced peppery biscuits wrapped in wax paper.
Pound cakes?
Those were for big-deal days like Chinese New Year and Christmas, when the good plates came out.
I remember being led by the hand to Tai Tong Restaurant or Wen Chang for Hainan Chicken Rice.
And if we were early, we’d take a slow detour through People’s Court to pick up a bag of warm biscuits.
Penang has always been a treasure map of tastes.
Tucked between the glitzy cafés and shiny new dessert bars are places like Leong Chee Kee—still baking, still bustling, and still very much ours.
You won’t find neon signs here.
Just the scent of nostalgia and pepper in the air.
Leong Chee Kee Pepper Biscuit
Everyone loves a bite of Penang’s past.
Behind the People’s Court flats, near the car park, sits a family-run bakery that’s been around for decades.
It quietly keeps old-school baking alive.
Mr. Leong How Keng, the second-generation baker, still makes everything by hand.
No machines.
Just skill, patience, and heart.
Locals come for the pepper biscuits—flaky, lightly spiced, and perfect with a strong kopi-o.
The coconut tart is another favourite.
Jammy in the centre, crisp around the edges, and gone in three bites.
Don’t forget the Hup Toh Soe, the Chinese walnut cookie that crumbles just right.
Come early if you want them warm from the oven.
These treats don’t stay on the tray for long.
Top picks?
Pepper Biscuit, Coconut Tart, Hup Toh Soe.
Simple, nostalgic, and still unbeatable.
Finding Leong Chee Kee is simple.
Just take the side lane beside Tai Tong, and look for the sign that says “Kedai Biskut Leong Chee Kee.”
Outside, you’ll spot steel racks stacked with biscuits.
Inside, Mr. Leong is busy kneading, baking, and perfecting every batch.
This shop has stayed put for over 60 years, crafting legendary biscuits and tarts.
If you get there around 10 am, expect a line—especially for the popular coconut tarts.
They bake about 300 coconut tarts daily, so it’s best to arrive early to grab yours.
Heads up: they don’t take phone orders, so it’s first come, first served.
Top 3 Biscuits
Here are the top 3 must-try treats from Leong Chee Kee:
- Coconut Tarts – Fresh, jammy coconut filling with a crusty shell.
- Pepper Biscuits – Crunchy and fragrant, perfect for teatime.
- Hup Toh Soe – Soft and sweet Chinese Walnut Cookies.
The coconut tarts are the bakery’s specialty.
They feature a layered dough shell, moist grated coconut filling, and a sugary swirl on top.
They stay fresh for five days but are best kept in the fridge.
I love coconut tarts.
In short, the bakery is a must-visit for any foodie in Penang.
Traditional, handmade pastries that will have you coming back for more.
Try the biscuit we recommend.
There are lots of other goodies that are pre-packed and ready for food lovers to take home.
You won’t regret it!
Leong Chee Kee Pepper Biscuit
C8, Lebuh Cintra, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Tel: 016-4019211
Business Hours: 9 am – 43:30 pm (Closed on Sunday)
Blog Disclosure: This blog is written independently. No compensation, such as free meals, monetary payment, or services, has been received from featured establishments. These are some of the old places that the editor visited while exploring Penang.
