[Dec 2022 UPDATE: Moh Teng Pheow was added as a Bib Gourmand restaurant to the 2023 Michelin Guide KL and Penang list. Check out our Michelin post here]
[Non-halal] Operating off Lebuh Chulia, Moh Teng Pheow has been making nyonya kuih since 1933.
This establishment was set up by Mr Moh (of which the place is named after), who used to supply kuih to various bicycle peddlers back in the day.
Now operated by the third generation – the kuih factory/canteen continues to dish out more than 20 varieties of Nyonya kuih Penang on a daily basis as well as other local delicacies.
Moh Teng Pheow – serving Nyonya kuih in Penang
Moh Teng Pheow (MTP) is tucked in an obscure alley off Chulia Street with a faded sign board. However, the scarlet red facade and beautiful murals give the place away.
Step into the shop and you’re immediately greeted by the spacious kitchen, where fresh kuihs are made daily. When we arrived at 3pm, the kitchen was pretty quiet save for a big tray of kuih talam being steamed on the huge stove.
Just walk through the kitchen space and you’ll find yourself in the “canteen” or dine-in area where you can slowly savour the delicacies.
The dine-in space is quaint and comfortable, with plenty of tables and seats for family and friends to gather.
Just last December, MTP opened the newly-renovated first floor to customers – which allows for a more comfortable dine-in experience with air-conditioning in a rustic ambience.
Over 20 types of Nyonya kuih Penang
MTP offers 22 types of kuih on the menu – from evergreen favourites such as Kuih Lapis and Kuih Talam to more obscure ones such as Rempah Udang and Abuk-Abuk.
The kuihs are quite tiny compared to what you usually find at other shops – but they commensurate with the price. The Kuih Talam and Kuih Lapis cost only 60 sen apiece, while the Pulut Inti and Kuih Kosui cost RM1.80 each.
Apart from kuihs, MTP also offers teatime favourites such as Popiah Chee (RM2) and Karipap (RM2).
Those looking for a full meal will be happy to find dishes such as Nasi Ulam (RM8.50), Laksa (RM6.50), Roti Jala with curry chicken (RM10) and Nasi Lemak (RM13.50).
Small kuihs from 60 sen apiece
As we already had a full meal prior to this, we decided to sample a few of their kuihs for teatime.
In hindsight, the small size of the kuihs was great as it allowed us to try more varieties without stuffing ourselves silly.
The highlights
Here’s what we enjoyed.
The Bengka Ubi (80 sen) was the highlight for us. Made from tapioca, coconut milk and sugar – the kueh was superbly fragrant with lovely caramelisation.
The Bengka Purple (60 sen) is also equally delicious. Made from sweet potato which gives its purple hue, this kueh tasted similar to the Ubi, but with a stronger hint of gula Melaka.
We also enjoyed the Chai Tau Kueh, which had some lovely spicy kick from the toppings of peanuts and black pepper, and the Seri Muka, which had the perfect blend of sweetness and savoury.
Pai Tee (RM8.50 for five) was the other highlight for us. The skin is one of the best we tried – crispy and adequately seasoned with salt. On its own, it tasted like a good prawn cracker. However, it was made more delicious with the toppings of sliced turnips, prawns and pork belly.
What else we tried
The Pulut Tai Tai comes with a generous dollop of fresh kaya jam, which should please fans of this kuih.
We found the Angku Kuih to be pretty standard. The kuih itself is not too sweet but we would have preferred a stronger mung bean flavour.
The Kuih Lapis was pretty standard too, in our books. But to be fair, we are never fans of this kuih in the first place.
Verdict
All in all, we enjoyed the food here.
While there are standouts among the kuih we devoured, we think MTP should please any kuih fans with its variety and adherence to tradition.
The smaller sizes of the kuihs also commensurate with the prices, and allowed us to try more kuihs without stuffing ourselves. Do check them out!
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Check out the Instagram reel of MTP below.
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Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay
Address: Lebuh Chulia, Jalan Masjid, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Hours: 10.30am-5pm daily (Closed on Mondays)
Phone: 012-415 2677
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penangnyonyakuih/
