Ice cream cafes in Penang
When you live in a country that is almost always blazing with heat – ahem, Malaysia – a soothingly cold dessert is an ideal treat all year round. There’s truly nothing like a lush scoop of cool, sweet ice cream that slides down your throat and refreshes your senses on a sunny day – a thirst-quencher and sweet treat in one.
That said, there’s no need to wait until the weather is sweltering to indulge in ice cream – especially when states like Penang have an abundance of options.
Whether you’re looking for quirky seasonal flavours, organic gelato scoops, or old-fashioned classics done right, here are the best ice cream cafes and parlours in Penang that’ll satiate every palate and preference.
Table of Contents
1. Petit-Petit
Fusion flavours & gelato cakes
Image credit: @double11.foodie via Instagram
Nothing cools you off faster on a hot afternoon like guzzling down some icy delights. To have your pick from a galore of rotating flavours, pop into Petit-Petit, a new Muji-style ice cream parlour in George Town.
This pristinely Scandinavian and minimalistic zen shop offers a surprisingly abundant selection of gelato – and by abundant, we mean over 80 gelato flavours.
Image adapted from: @foodwonderlandiary, @petitpetitmy via Instagram
Here, local and innovatively special ingredients are the name of the very tasty game, and this includes their signature Matcha Seasalt Blue Pea, Coriander & Lemon, Cempedak, and Calamansi Soursop.
If a single (RM9.90), double (RM16.90), or even a triple (RM21.90) scoop isn’t enough to satisfy you, consider heftier ice cream-pairings such as the Waffle (RM18.90) or Brownie (RM20.90).
Image credit: @petitpetitmy via Instagram
Besides snowballed scoops, the gelatos at Petit-Petit also come in the form of dainty cakes, resembling various desserts. Their Salon Du Pain series consists of artisanal petite gelato cakes such as the French Horn, Ichigo Shortcake, Tirami-Su, and Do-Do Nut, which are priced RM28 each.
Address: 203C, Jalan Hutton, 10050 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Mon, Wed & Thu 1pm-10pm | Fri & Sat 12pm-10.30pm | Sun 12pm-10pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 012-436 9800 | Petit-Petit’s Instagram
2. Wonkie Ice Cream
Guinness Stout, Gin, and Jim Beam spiked flavours
Image credit: @wonkieicecream via Instagram
Previously known as Three Tiers Ice Cream – a quaint shop hidden within the alleys of Lorong Ceylon – this ice cream parlour went on a short hiatus before finally returning as the revamped Wonkie Ice Cream.
Great news for those who fancy spiked cold scoops, as Wonkie boasts a boozy list with creative flavours. They include Guinness Stout, Amaretto’s Love, Yogurt Roku Gin, and Jim Beam Walnut – all of which are made from scratch, in-house.
Image adapted from: @threetiers.my via Instagram
They have non-alcoholic options as well, with flavours just as craveable as the cheeky ones such as Dark Chocolate Honeycomb, Mango Lime Sorbet, and Mokuren. There are also boundary-pushing ones such as Yogurt Sour Cherry and Earl Grey Brownie.
You can order flavours by scoop (RM10) or by pint (RM38-RM47) in person at their store, or through their website to have ice cream delivered right to your doorstep
Address: 21D, Lebuh Pantai 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 12pm-10pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 012-702 7728 | Wonkie Ice Cream’s Instagram
3. Ciazz Gelato
Quirky Mont Blanc flavours
Image credit: @nicole_lsx94 via Instagram
Ciazz Gelato’s photo-worthy ice creams are more than just an Instagram trap. This freshly opened ice cream parlour beckons visitors with large googly eyes on spaghetti-like ice cream – but know that you’ll gladly stay once you see their options.
Image adapted from: Vilson Chan via Google Reviews
Their daily lineup consists of a total of 16 gelato flavours, from hugely-loved Ferrero Rocher and Pistachio to the ultra-refreshing Lemon Sorbet and Coconut.
A single scoop will set you back RM12.80, and a double at RM21.80. But we recommend adding on a giant Buttery Waffle (RM3) as a vehicle to hold the equally gargantuan scoops.
What you’ll need to get at Ciazz Gelato are their Japanese Mont Blanc ice creams with googly eyes. The Original Roasted Chestnut flavour (RM21.80) has the signature vermicelli-esque paste cloaking the ice cream scoops beneath, while the Premium Isuzu Uji Matcha (RM25.80) has threaded matcha puree piled into a lofty peak atop the scoops in the cone.
Address: 145, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, 10450 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11.30am-9pm | Sat & Sun 11.30am-10pm
Contact: 019-439 9451 | Ciazz Gelato’s Instagram
4. Hema Hema Ice Cream
Burnt Butter and Sage flavour & Buttery Spiced Waffle cones
Image credit: @knockknot via Instagram
Hema Hema Ice Cream is a relatively new kid on the block that’s also already the current hotspot in Penang. Located along the ever-bustling Campbell Street, the cream-coloured shop is always seen with a long queue snaking from the entrance.
The ice cream shop first operated in Alor Setar by two young men three years back, before they decided to move the store to Penang.
Image adapted from: @yongjie.i via Instagram
Currently, Hema Hema Ice Cream churns out over 50 ever-changing flavours that rotate weekly – you’ll feel like a kid at a candy store. On top of basic flavours like chocolate and matcha, they wow patrons with distinctive ones such as Burnt Butter and Sage, Honey Yuzu, and Blue Tahiti Vanilla.
Image credit: @muchiecheeze via Instagram
Priced at RM9 for a single scoop and RM16 for double scoops, their creamy treats can also be enjoyed in true ice cream fashion: have them served in the Buttery Spiced Waffle cone for a small additional charge of RM2.
Address: 88, Lebuh Campbell, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Thu – Sun 1pm-10pm (Closed Mondays to Wednesdays)
Contact: Hema Hema’s Facebook
5. The Ais
Red Wine & Soju Yakult flavours
The Ais is something of an invaluable gem. This family-run shop has been humbly serving honest scoops to Penangites for nearly a decade now, quietly creeping and solidifying their name in locals’ hearts as a precious local artisanal ice cream spot.
Find a sea of unconventional ice cream flavours that are all as authentic and as fresh as a lovingly homemade one. With over 70 flavours available, the homemade ice creams are separated into alcoholic and non-alcoholic categories with unusual options that run the gamut – from Red Wine and Soju Yakult to Blackcurrant Kefir and Mediterranean Sea Salt.
If a single scoop – Classic flavours for RM9 and Premium flavours for RM10 – of their magnificently creamy ice cream isn’t enough, go for the Double scoop (RM16). Or snag a Takeaway Pint (RM30-33) so that you can binge on some at home.
Better yet, pair the ice cream with some Buttermilk Waffles (from RM9) or Croffles (RM16) – there’s nothing quite as glorious as ice cream melting through the warm, crispy layers of sweet pastries.
Address: 65, Lebuh Campbell 10100 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Wed – Sun 1pm-9pm (Closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
Contact: 016-441 3843 | The Ais’ Facebook
6. Creameal Handcrafted Ice Cream
Vegan-friendly ice cream flavours
Image credit: @ken_trademark via Instagram
Creameal Handcrafted Ice Cream is decidedly the best place on the island to get the heavenly duo of desserts – ice cream and waffles.
Located along Jalan Gurdwara, the shop will remind you of simpler times with its old-timey ambience comprising an eye-popping old-school shopfront signage, mismatched chairs and tables, and vintage decor items scattered around the shop.
Image adapted from: @crazecraves via Instagram
Like most handcrafted ice cream shops in Penang, Creameal don’t just settle for insipid flavours. Their fascinating creations include Lemon Curd Crumble, Charcoal Vanilla, Blue Flower Chrysanthemum, Thai Milk Tea, and Purple Sweet Potato.
For some locally-inspired flavours, go for the familiar fragrance of coconut and pandan with Ondeh-Ondeh, or the White Rabbit Candy for a taste of childhood. Their vegan options aren’t the usual chalky or grainy mess either – Coconut and Black Sesame ice cream flavours are aromatic and exceptionally creamy.
Image adapted from: @crazecraves via Instagram & @yw.bagelicious via Instagram
Go for demure scoops in cups of Single (RM7.50) or Double (RM14). Or make full use of your trip here and order their signature waffle-and-ice-cream combo (from RM11.50). Pick a ice cream flavour of your choice, and scoops will be mounded atop a buttermilk waffle stack, peppered with icing sugar, and served with maple syrup for some smoky sweetness to complete the masterpiece.
Address: 63, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Mon, Wed – Fri 2pm-11pm | Sat & Sun 12pm-11pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 016-408 3172 | Creameal’s Instagram
7. Ciao Gelato
Artisanal Italian gelato
Image credit: @jerriexlim via Instagram
If you’re in search of a good luscious dessert to tame that sugar craving – but would very much like to not have to deal with the guilt after – Ciao Gelato is the answer to your prayers.
Advocating for a healthier cold treat without forgoing the symphony of textures and tastes that ice cream should have, this place makes artisanal Italian gelato with only the freshest ingredients.
Image adapted from: @hungry.milan via Instagram & @foodie_foodntravel via Instagram
It isn’t only the health of society that they care about. Ciao Gelato makes sure to be mindful about the impact of their business on the environment.
This is evident from their usage of 100% reusable, food-grade, and double-walled stainless steel cups and utensils that they serve their ice creams in. They also source ingredients from manufacturers that are actively committed in their sustainability efforts.
Image adapted from: @jerriexlim via Instagram & @david_dsym via Instagram
Their flavours may not be as bizarre as other ice cream places – but what they lack in variety they more than make up for in the texture and quality.
For RM10 per serving, each cup is packed full with silky-soft gelato in flavours such as Chocolate Hazelnut, Chestnut, and Hojicha – while their refreshing sorbetta are just as tasty with flavours like Calamansi, Strawberry, and Pineapple.
Address: 171-A, Lebuh Victoria Street, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 11am-11pm, Daily
Contact: Ciao Gelato’s website
8. Fourspoons Ice Cream Cafe
Fruit-based flavours
Image credit: @fourspoons_penang via Instagram
Penangites clearly go all out when it comes to food – for instance, ice cream on waffles is highly preferable over ice cream in waffle cones.
Yet another ice-cream-on-waffle pitstop that’s highly raved in Penang is Fourspoons Ice Cream Cafe. This gem has been scooping ice cream in their Bukit Mertajam outlet for nearly seven years now, and locals were ecstatic to hear that they finally opened another branch at Gurney Walk so that islanders can enjoy their treats as well.
Image adapted from: @fourspoons_penang via Instagram
With their immense spread of options, a meagre scoop of ice cream just won’t cut it. From parlour classics like Pistachio and Mint Chocolate Chip to wilder concoctions such as Soursop Sorbet and Blackcurrant Blackberry, choose to have a Single (RM8.90) or Double (RM15.90) scoop served in cups or in blooming waffle cones.
Image adapted from: @fourspoons_penang via Instagram
If you prefer frozen scoops paired with more desserts, you’ll be delighted to know that options are aplenty at Fourspoons. Waffles (from RM15.90) are the speciality here, and coupling these fluffy buttery vessels with a creamy ice cream of your choice makes for a divine after-meal treat.
Otherwise, go for their sensational floats that boast the ideal viscosity. The Hojicha Float (RM18.90) and Fruity Sorbet Sparkling (RM17.90) are spectacularly luscious, and especially so with an additional scoop of their ice cream.
Four Spoons @ Gurney Walk
Address: 18, Gurney Walk, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
Four Spoons @ Icon City
Address: 48-1, Icon City, Jln Icon City, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang
Opening hours: Sun, Tue – Thu 2pm-10pm | Fri & Sat 2pm-11pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 017-488 5935 | Fourspoons’ Instagram
9. Caffeine Chemistry Coffee
Dark Chocolate Orange & Coffee Liquor flavours
Image credit: @thefoodguest via Instagram
Penang is brimming with under-the-radar food spots that not even many locals know of – Caffeine Chemistry Coffee is a fine example of that.
This hidden treasure of an ice cream spot is rather unassuming, especially as a pitstop for some satisfying chill treat, mostly because it is branded as a cafe for a good cup of joe. But once you have had a taste of their handcrafted scoops, it’ll feel like you’ve stumbled across a concealed gem.
Image adapted from: @simplyeat_ via Instagram & @egggievacanza via Instagram
This snug spot evokes a warm and cosy vibe, and their scoops taste just like home. You can count on them for some no-frills classic goodness – each spoonful so charmingly decadent, it’s almost absurd.
Their regular flavours are RM11 per scoop with options including Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate Orange, and Earl Grey, while their boozy options are RM13 per scoop and boast concoctions such as Rum & Raisin, Coffee Liquor, and Dark Chocolate Whiskey.
Image credit: @gladysfoodblog via Instagram
Unsurprisingly, Caffeine Chemistry Coffee has a menu of waffles to go with the gelato scoops as well. Some crisp doughy waffles (RM18) that sponge up the sugary trickles of ice cream and is further lavished with drizzles of sweet syrup is utterly dreamy.
Address: No.27, Nagore Square, Jalan Nagor, 10050 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Thu – Tue 3pm-11pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: 04-305 5468 | Caffeine Chemistry Coffee’s Facebook
10. Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters
Strawberry Apricot Sorbet & Blueberry Cheesecake flavours
Image credit: Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters via Facebook
We came for the coffee, but stayed for the ice cream. Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters is yet another cafe in town where its fresh and innovative churns are often overshadowed by the cafe’s brunch meals and coffees.
The cafe has spawned an empire of outlets across Penang with mini ice cream booths called Frosley Galaxyto that are housed at selected outlets.
Image credit: @franklaurentcoffeeroasters via Instagram
For RM8 per cup, you can choose from a slew of flavours including Vanilla Oatmilk – a richer take on the regular vanilla – and Frank’s Brew, that’ll make for a perfect caffeine substitute on warmer days.
Fruity and summery flavours include Strawberry Apricot Sorbet, Milky Mango Passionfruit, and Blueberry Cheesecake.
Their ice cream is available in pints (RM32/each) as well. Or for a better offer, get yourself a bundle of four pints for RM79.
Image adapted from: @franklaurentcoffeeroasters via Instagram
Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters @ Udini Square
Address: Block 2-1-20, Udini Square, Lebuh Tunku Kudin 3, 11700 Gelugor, Penang
Opening hours: 8am-10.30pm, Daily
Contact: 04-295 5370
Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters @ Macalister Road
Address: 89-L1, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 8am-9.30pm, Daily
Frank Laurent Coffee Roasters @ Gurney Paragon
Address: 63D-7.06-7.16, Gurney Paragon, Gurney Dr, 10250 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 10am-9.30pm, Daily
[Closed] Rabbit Softserve
Silky-smooth soft serve ice cream
Image credit: @rabbitsoftserve via Instagram
Photo-worthy in all its millennial-pastel colours, Rabbit Softserve has been a soft-serve staple in Penang since 2015 – and they serve treats that are as Instagrammable as their shop interior.
Outrageously light, smooth, and just the right amount of sweet, their ice creams are less about out-of-the-box flavours and more about interesting pairings.
Their Soft serve (RM14) flavours run the gamut, from classics with a twist such as Honey Vanilla and Nutella, to seasonal creations that change nearly every week including Kuih Bangkit and Chayen Thai Milk Tea.
Image adapted from: @rabbitsoftserve via Instagram
Regulars constantly rave about their gelato cups as well. Tamer flavours include Uji Matcha and Earl Grey Dark Chocolate, priced RM10/serving, while premium flavours are White Peach Jasmine Tea Sorbet, Lychee Oolong Sorbet, and Lavender Honeycomb with prices that range from RM12 to RM14 per serving.
Look out for their occasional pints that are only around for a limited time, with over-the-top flavours like Australia Winter Truffle.
Image credit: @rabbitsoftserve via Instagram
Trust us when we say that a single serving will disappear in mere seconds. Lucky for us, Rabbit Softserve offers summer-ready bundles of six pints (RM88) or eight pints (RM108) that’s available for delivery across Penang.
This creamery has come a long way since its humble beginnings, operating out of a store on the small island to its now ubiquitous pints in supermarkets. It has even expanded locations outside of Penang, with outlets in KL and JB so Malaysians everywhere can enjoy their silky-smooth treat.
Address: Pusat Bayaran Setempat, Jalan Padang Kota Lama, George Town, 10200 Penang
Opening hours: Wed – Mon 11am-7pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 019-472 4388 | Rabbit Softserve’s Instagram
Savour ice cream at these cafes & parlours in Penang
The endless summer in Malaysia means endless cravings for ice creams – we don’t make the rules. But you don’t always have to wait for the rising temperature to allow yourself to indulge in a chill treat. Whenever the craving hits, pick a place off this list and treat yourself to some freshly-churned sweet ice cream that will be worth all the cavities.
Don’t miss out on these yummy gems in Penang:
Cover image adapted from: @rabbitsoftserve via Instagram, @fourspoons_penang via Instagram & @ken_trademark via Instagram
This article was first published on 31st May 2023, and was last updated on 23rd May 2024.