Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay
A historic Nyonya kuih factory in Penang, offering a vast array of traditional snacks in a charming, vintage setting with a unique kitchen entrance.
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Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Nyonya kuih factory in Penang, offering a vast array of traditional snacks in a charming, vintage setting with a unique kitchen entrance.
"A must-visit for authentic Nyonya kuih and a nostalgic trip back in time!"
Visit Early
Beat the crowds and secure parking by arriving early, as this popular spot gets busy quickly.
Sample Many Kuih
Try a variety of the small Nyonya kuih for a diverse tasting experience; they're perfect for sampling many flavors.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Nyonya
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+60 12-415 2677
Address
Lebuh Chulia, Jalan Masjid, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Nyonya Kuih-Muih
Experience a dazzling array of traditional Nyonya bite-sized snacks, crafted with fresh, local ingredients for a taste of heritage.
Nostalgic Vintage Ambiance
Step back in time in a beautifully preserved heritage shophouse, adorned with antique decor for a truly nostalgic dining experience.
Kitchen Entrance Surprise
A unique and authentic way to enter: walk through the bustling kitchen and witness the kuih-making process firsthand.
Plans like a pro.
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Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Early
Beat the crowds and secure parking by arriving early, as this popular spot gets busy quickly.
Sample Many Kuih
Try a variety of the small Nyonya kuih for a diverse tasting experience; they're perfect for sampling many flavors.
Explore the Kitchen
Embrace the immersive experience by walking through the kitchen area to see the kuih preparation.
Sweetness Levels
Be aware that some kuihs may be sweeter than you expect, especially if you have a sensitive palate.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Early
Beat the crowds and secure parking by arriving early, as this popular spot gets busy quickly.
Sample Many Kuih
Try a variety of the small Nyonya kuih for a diverse tasting experience; they're perfect for sampling many flavors.
Explore the Kitchen
Embrace the immersive experience by walking through the kitchen area to see the kuih preparation.
Sweetness Levels
Be aware that some kuihs may be sweeter than you expect, especially if you have a sensitive palate.
Clarify Portions
'Koay' refers to single pieces; confirm portion sizes when ordering to avoid confusion.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay is celebrated for its authentic Nyonya kuih and charming, heritage-filled ambiance, offering a nostalgic journey through Penang's culinary history. While many praise the vast selection and traditional preparation, some find the kuih portions small and the main dishes average. Service can be efficient but minimal due to high customer traffic, and parking can be challenging.
"I now know why Michelin needs a bib when pulling up at this shop, I was salivating myself when I was looking at the selection. It was insane. They must have over 20 people preparing all those standard bearing treasures because these kuih (this is standard modern Malay for the treat. You will also see Koay, Kwey, Kueh, etc. elsewhere) are very very labour intensive. I still remember seeing the current proprietors' mother making popiah skins on-site over 30 years ago and guess what? She was still there knocking out Ang Ku Kuih yesterday when I visited.
There are shops all over the world peddling nyonya kuih and anybody can go to YouTube to learn how to make kuih. Yet nobody can make as many varieties in one place, to the taste that's exactly how I remembered them to be (I was born in Penang), and asking for so little money for the privilege to enjoy them.
They didn't try to tweak anything to make the products up-market or cut corners to make a few extra bucks. Everything is kept exactly like how I tasted them as a kid.
For context, nyonya kuih was the little indulgence that was accessible to everybody when I growing up, not some over-packaging imitation marketed as luxuries reserved for people with money (I have seen this phenomenon worldwide, even within Penang. You should be suspicious of anything that says Nyonya on the packaging). It is simple food made with fresh local ingredients (and love usually because it's labour intensive), that is fit for a King. I'm glad there's young people (the founder's grand children specifically) dedicating their lives to preserve the craft, so that my children can literally enjoy the taste of my childhood.
Did I mention that one of the proprietor is a young woman (she looks around 24?) that's as pleasing to the eyes as the beautiful kuih that's made on-site? Yes, we get to see how every piece of kuih is meticulously crafted by a very inclusive workforce (I think they are treated like family because they can all sport a wide smile).
Although the individual pieces of kuih are relatively small, lots of restraints are required to not over indulge because there are so many delicious things to try. It is best to plan the adventure over 3 days like Disneyland if anyone attempts to sample everything on the menu. This is because even if we don't mind the calories, the stomach won't hold one each of everything on offer. No way!
My personal favourite is the Chai Thau Kueh (radish cake topped with crushed peanuts), pulut tai tai (glutinous rice cake with kaya), bengka ubi (baked tapioca cake), pulut inti (glutinous rice with candied coconut wrapped in banana leaf) and abuk-abuk (this one is bloody hard to explain. Let's say it's tiny sago balls packed inside a banana leaf cone, held together by coconut cake that's poured inside and then steamed, with a little bit of palm sugar packed in the centre. See why nobody made these things at home?)
There are savoury stuff as well of course. Such as nasi ulam, nyonya chang, pie tee and roti jala that's not readily available even in Penang.
If you ask me, these people deserve more than just recognition from Michelin. This is UNESCO cultural heritage stuff.
It will be fair to say you've never been to Penang (and sampled it's world renowned delicacies) without stopping by at this unassuming little shop."
Albert Ch'ng
"Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay is a charming, old-school eatery in Penang that offers an authentic taste of Nyonya kuih in a delightfully rustic setting. Stepping inside feels like a journey back in time, with its vintage decor and traditional atmosphere.
One unique aspect of the dining experience is walking through the kitchen to reach the seating area, where you can catch a glimpse of the kuih-making process. It’s clear that everything is prepared fresh daily, which adds to the appeal.
The kuih selection is excellent—each piece is soft, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The Roti Jala (net pancakes) is another standout, perfectly light and paired well with curry.
That said, don’t expect much personalized service here. The place is popular among both locals and tourists, so it’s often bustling with people coming and going. The staff are efficient but mostly focused on keeping up with demand rather than providing attentive service.
Overall, Moh Teng Pheow is a must-visit for anyone craving traditional Nyonya kuih in an authentic, no-frills environment. Just be prepared for a casual, self-service experience amid the crowds.
Great food and atmosphere, but service is minimal due to high traffic."
Gator
"The place kind of hidden.
You will not see it from the main road of Chulia Street.
The setting and environment do have the heritage vibe.
The selection of nyonya kuih is alot, many of those traditional type where you can't find else where, you can get it from here.
They serve main dishes too like Nasi Ulan and Nasi Lemak (recommend)👍🏼
Roti Jala (not recommend, the potato taste cannot blend in with the curry)."
Wern Tan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Nyonya kuih are traditional bite-sized snacks and desserts from the Peranakan culture, often made with ingredients like coconut milk, rice flour, and palm sugar.
The restaurant offers a unique entrance through its kitchen, allowing guests to see the kuih preparation, and features a charming, vintage ambiance.
Reservations are not explicitly mentioned, but visiting early is recommended to avoid crowds and secure parking.
The vast array of Nyonya kuih is highly recommended, along with traditional dishes like Nasi Lemak and Asam Laksa.
Parking is limited. It's advised to visit early or consider alternative transportation.
Yes, the restaurant is noted to offer Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-free options.
Visiting earlier in the day is recommended to avoid peak crowds and ensure better parking availability.
Mentioned in
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Moh Teng Pheow is a hole-in-the wall café in the heritage zone and may be a bit hipster now but their delectable local sweetmeats in an array of jewel colours still rock. On entering, catch a glimpse of the uncle and his assistants busily preparing trays of kuih to serve in the café and delivered for sale all over town. The ingredients used are as exotic as they sound – pandan (screwpine), bunga telang (butterfly pea flower), gula Melaka (palm sugar), santan (coconut milk), tapioca flour and glutinous rice.
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Cafe, Restaurant, Malaysian, Dessert, Asian, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Street Food, Fast Food. Moh Teng Pheow serves delicious homemade Nyonyakuih-muih (bite-sized snacks and desserts). The interior is made into a canteen, decorated with vintage and antiques, where it reminds us of the good old days.
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A Morning in George Town
Turn right to Lebuh Chulia, where you’ll find Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay and Canteen and rows of multi-colored kueh behind a glass display. As I child, I loved peeling off the different layers of kueh lapis (layered kueh) and eating each one by one. Moh Teng Pheow also serves delicious nasi lemak (Malay-style coconut rice with fried chicken, fried anchovies, cucumber slices, hard-boiled egg, roasted peanuts, and sambal) which my mom swears tastes just like the nasi lemak sold from carts in her youth.
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Penang is famous for its Peranakan culture, particularly the well-known Baba Nyonya community. Established in 1933 as a kuih-specializing factory, Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay expanded to include a storefront in 2016, showcasing a remarkable commitment to Nyonya kueh. Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Kuih has earned the prestigious Bib Gourmand status in the 2023 Michelin Guide KL and Penang list.
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You can find a wide array of delightful Nyonya kuih in Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay, as they are a Nyonya kuih factory. You need to keep looking out for the faded signboard in George Town as it is the oldest Nyonya food in Penang but is still actively operating. You can choose 20 kinds of kuih, together with traditional delights like Nasi Ulam and Laksa.
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Let’s step away from heavy meals and explore the oldest Nyonya food establishment in Penang, founded by Mr. Moh Teng Pheow in 1933. Moh Khoy is also recognized in the Michelin Guide for its Nyonya delights and unique ambience. The place preserves its authentic pre-war shop house charm, providing a window into the past for those interested in history.
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This modest spot might be hard to spot yet it is certainly a diamond when it’s been found. Besides, in the event that you’re an old fashioned sweetheart, at that point the decór of this spot may intrigue you. Other than that, you can likewise get different sorts of legitimate Nyonya kuih which Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Kuih is known for.
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Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Kuih Nyonya Moh Teng Pheow sells pulut inti, wrapped in banana leaves, kuih lapis, kuih bengka, kuih talam, kuih kosui, pie tee, curry puffs, spring rolls, served with tea or coffee and finally laksa and the local favourite nasi lemak.
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When the bicycle Nyonya kuih sellers instructed Moh Teng Peow to produce an excessive amount of kuih, he produced 20 distinct types of kuih, as well as Nasi Ulam and Laksa. If you're searching for something more fulfilling, try the Laksa, a fantastic tasting and well-balanced soup that is reasonably priced.
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This humble place may be difficult to spot but it is definitely a gem when it’s been found. Moreover, if you’re an antique lover then the decór of this place may interest you. Besides that, you can also get various kinds of authentic Nyonya kuih which Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Kuih is known for.
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Step back in time with this amazing Nyonya Koay establishment that has been around since 1933!. We highly recommend trying a bit of everything on the menu but our personal favorites were the Kuih Koci (Glutinous Rice Flour, Coconut, Gula Melaka) and the Sri Muka (Pandan, Glutinous Rice).
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Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay founded in 1933, is no stranger to locals for its authentic kuih. In 2016, the family’s second generation opened this spot with al fresco seating behind the factory. Kuih Lapis, Kuih Talam, Ang Ku Kueh and Nyonya Chang are on offer – all freshly handmade.
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Situated in Georgetown UNESCO Heritage site, Moh Teng Pheow Nyonga Koay is a typical, authentic Chinese restaurant in Penang. It serves Chinese Kuih and vegan sweets, Nyonga Kuih, Kuih Talam, Kuih Lapis, and lots more. Moreover, the atmosphere and ambiance are superb and lovely.
Best Place for Peranakan Lunch in George Town, Penang: Moh Teng Pheow | Gourmet Talks
Think about the places and foods that appeared in the series. Those wouldn’t appear in Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Mainland China, but in Malaysia and Singapore. As you enter the restaurant, you’ll notice the overall decor is highly similar to that of the houses in the series.
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Kuih Nyonya Moh Teng Pheow is a family run place that’s famous for its Nyonya Kuih. Right when you enter you are surrounded by traditional equipment for making Nyonya Kuih. If you are lucky you may even visit while they are in the process of making a new batch.
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For those of you craving authentic Nyonya kuih (traditional Peranakan sweets), Moh Teng Pheow is a legend. This humble spot is known for its colorful and delicious Nyonya sweets that are freshly made every day.
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I am always on the lookout for accidentally vegan sweets, and I’m happy to report that we found quite a few at Moh Teng Pheow in Penang.
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