Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay & Canteen, Penang’s Best Nyonya Kueh Since 1933
When I was little, I thought Nyonya kueh came from magic.
Soft, colourful pillows of coconut, pandan, and sticky rice would just appear—like edible confetti for teatime.
No questions asked.
Just joy on a plate.
In our Nyonya household, kueh is an everyday thing. Cakes? Those are for birthdays and Christmas.
Years later, I found the real source of that magic.
Tucked behind an alley off Lebuh Chulia is Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay—arguably the best Nyonya kueh spot in Penang.
This place isn’t just a kuih shop.
It’s a quiet little time machine.
Back in the day, kuih sellers would gather at the shop, picking up trays of freshly made kueh to carry out for the day’s rounds.
Street by street, they sold what we now call assorted Nyonya kueh—bite-sized treats that were probably the origin of snack runs.
Today, those same flavours live on inside Moh Teng Pheow’s humble canteen.
Here the smell of fresh steamed kuih floats through the canteen like a delicious memory.
Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay & Canteen with the mural of Indian Koay Sellers
Why Visit Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay?
If you’re planning a Penang food crawl, this is your sign.
Don’t skip the Nyonya kueh.
Seriously.
It’s not just dessert.
It’s a piece of history wrapped in banana leaf or tucked into a dainty tray.
Sure, you can find Nyonya kueh at food courts and wet markets.
Some are pretty decent.
But at Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay, you don’t just eat the kuih—you walk into the story behind it.
They’ve been around since 1933.
In 2016, they opened their doors to diners, turning a century-old kuih factory into a tuck shop.
Here you can see trays being filled, steam rising from bamboo baskets, and the magic happening before your eyes.
Oh, and they’re now rocking a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand.
Which means what you’re eating is not only authentic—it’s award-worthy.
The Best Nyonya Kueh in Penang
Last time I was here, I came with John and Seph from Ipoh.
John called them “postage stamps on steroids.”
Diamond-shaped, vivid, and too pretty to eat.
“You get these in the UK, John?”
We laughed, and then quietly wished we’d arrived earlier.
By late afternoon, the choicest kueh had vanished.
Lesson learned.
Pretty Assorted Nyonya Kueh
Here’s the sweet side of the menu.
These kuih are smaller than most.
That’s intentional.
Traditional Nyonya kuih should be dainty, elegant, and bite-sized.
No wrestling with forks or grabbing with your whole hand.
Just thumb and finger.
Best enjoyed with a hot Kopi O.
- Angku Kuih – Go for the green one with mung bean. Smooth, earthy, and satisfying.
- Kuih Lapis – Colourful and bouncy. You’ll want to peel it layer by layer.
- Kuih Talam – Pandan custard on top, coconut base below. Simple, balanced.
- Pulut Inti – Blue glutinous rice with sweet grated coconut. Pretty and punchy.
- Pulut Tai Tai – With kaya, of course. Not optional.
- Bengka Ubi – Tapioca kuih with chewy middle and crisp edges.
- Seri Muka – The sweet-savoury combo done right.
Come early if you want the full assortment of Nyonya Kuih
Savoury Nyonya Food
Save some space.
The savoury line-up is just as solid.
- Nasi Lemak – Coconut rice, sambal, crispy ikan bilis.
- Nasi Kerabu – Blue rice and fresh herbs that pack a punch.
- Fried Popiah – Crunchy rolls with julienned veggies and sweet-spicy sauce.
- Penang Assam Laksa – Tangy, bold, and deeply satisfying.
Savory Nyonya dishes . Pai Tee, Penang Assam Laksa and Nasi Lemak.
Rustic Vibes and Local Stories
The vibe? Rustic, relaxed, and a bit magical.
Inside, you’ll find vintage tiles, exposed bricks, and Peranakan lunch tins hanging like tiny art pieces.
There’s a shaded patio out back with climbing vines and mismatched chairs.
It feels like grandma’s kitchen, if grandma had really great taste.
You’re not just eating here.
You’re stepping into someone’s story.
Plan Your Visit to Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay
How much time should you spend?
An hour gives you enough time to browse the kuih, settle into a proper meal, and snap a few photos.
If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes works for a quick kuih-and-kopi pit stop.
How much does it cost?
- Kuih RM1.50 to RM2.50 each
- Meals RM10 to RM15
- Kopi RM3 to RM4
You can eat some tasty food without spending more than RM20.
That’s rare and pretty fantastic.
Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay
53 Lebuh Chulia, off Jalan Masjid
10200 George Town, Penang
Business Hours: Open daily from 10.30 AM to 5.00 PM
Closed on Mondays
Getting there
- Walking: A 10–20 min stroll if you’re in the heritage zone
- Grab: Just key in “Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay”
- Car: Street parking is tricky—Grab is easier
Final Thoughts
Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay isn’t just a food stop — it’s a slice of Penang’s edible history.
If you’re looking for nostalgic bites, the best Nyonya kueh, and hot kopi O, this is the kind of place that lingers in your memory.
Come hungry. Leave happy.
And if you’re anything like us, you’ll be planning your next visit before dessert even hits the table.
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.
