The Ais in Penang
Malaysia is one unrelenting scorcher, and that is why we Malaysians will happily partake in a frozen treat anytime in all its forms. And while Penang has an abundance of options for ice cream cafes and shops, you’ll want to make sure that your creamy scoops are well worth heading out into the heat for.
To get the best of the best in Penang, you listen to the locals – and that led us to The Ais. A family-run shop that has been humbly serving honest scoops to Penangites for nearly a decade now, the cosy ice cream parlour offers more than a typical scoop shop offering – boozy local flavours to vegan options included.
Homely ice cream shop
The Ais has been a true local gem in Penang for years, quietly creeping and solidifying its name in locals’ hearts as a precious local artisanal ice cream spot.Â
This oasis of sweet indulgence is located at the corner of Campbell Street, where its vivaciously verdant storefront with an unmistakable swirl of ice cream in a cone beckons one inside with a promise of a luscious delight.
Pushing open the wooden doors, we were greeted by a spectrum of colours – the interior of the shop was dressed in hues of pastel blues and soft yellow, the walls adorned with a collage of artistry and warmth, and corners decked out with Christmas decorations. Patrons lounged on cushioned seats, gleefully savouring their towering cones.
There was also the distinct aroma of freshly churned sweets in the air, mingling with the nostalgic scent of warm waffles.
Not wanting to wait a second longer to indulge in some creamy goodness, we beelined for the counter.
Handcrafted unique flavours
Winning over locals of all dietary stripes, their menu is a vast one, evident by the myriad of colourful homemade frozen concoction that filled tubs within the ice cream counter. There are classic favourites such as Dark Chocolate and Rose Lychee, local innovations such as Hor Ka Sai and Tuak (palm wine), as well as non-dairy options including Avocado and Mango & Passionfruit.
If you’re feeling a little feisty, The Ais also offers a selection of cheeky spiked flavours including Pina Colada, Nutella Guinness, Soju Yakult, and Rum & Raisin.
Coloured cards displayed the various flavours and daily specials, with the white indicating the Classic flavours (RM9/scoop), the red being the Premium scoop (RM10/scoop), and the blue being the Exquisite flavours (RM11/scoop).
Overwhelmed with options, we decided to go for the 3-in-1 cone (RM15), which allowed us to have a taste of more flavours in a crisp cone.
Our picks – blueberry, avocado, and dark chocolate – came cradled in a ridged golden embrace of a waffle cone, a kaleidoscope of flavours perched precariously on top of each other. The treat was a symphony of textures and flavours – velvety, tangy, and bittersweet all at once.
Feeling adventurous, we ordered double boozy scoops in a cup (RM20). The Tuak ice cream was captivating in its rich yet refreshing allure, the liquor dancing ephemerally on our palates before the next bite. Pina Colada was every bit a tropical escape, the alcohol distinct but not too much so.
For something more substantial, we recommend the Waffle & Ice Cream combo (from RM16/scoop). Generous scoops of our creamy choices – Hor Ka Sai and Lemon Butterscotch – were sculpted and plopped atop the warm waffles. The ice cream yielded to the warmth within seconds and oozed rivulets of lush sweetness into the golden-brown grids.
The interplay of cold silky goodness from the ice cream and the savoury undertones of the waffles were delightful, we devoured the plate clean in no time at all.
Another homemade speciality here are their fresh kefirs (RM15), an all-natural probiotic beverage that tastes tangy and a little fizzy. In true Penang fashion, we tried the Nutmeg kefir that featured a gorgeous fusion of delicate sweetness and nuttiness beneath the piquancy.
Other kefir flavours available include Passionfruit, Lamon, Ginger and Milk.
Treat yourself to a cold delight at The Ais
Classic, offbeat, unique, authentic – The Ais in Penang is more than just a refuge to help us beat the heat, it is a beloved haven where authentic handcrafted scoops are earnestly made for patrons to enjoy some decadence bliss.
Address: 65, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Wed – Sun 1pm-9pm (Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)
Contact: 016-441 3843
For more food features, here’s Penang Famous Samosa, a Michelin-approved stall with samosas in Little India and Chulia Street Night Hawker with decades-old stalls in Penang.
Photography by Jia-Ju.Â
Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local Malaysia