No trip to Penang is complete without enjoying a bowl of ais kacang. Also known as ABC (Air Batu Campur), this colourful shaved ice dessert has been refreshing Malaysians for generations and remains one of Penang’s most beloved treats, especially on a warm afternoon.
From traditional roadside stalls that have served the same recipe for decades to cafés putting modern twists on the classic dessert, Penang offers no shortage of excellent places to enjoy a bowl of finely shaved ice topped with sweet syrups, red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly, attap chee and creamy evaporated milk.
Whether you’re exploring the heritage streets of George Town or venturing across the mainland to Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam, here are some of the best places to enjoy ais kacang in Penang.
What Is Ais Kacang?
Ais kacang, which literally means “bean ice” in Malay, is one of Malaysia’s most iconic desserts. It consists of finely shaved ice topped with colourful syrups and a variety of ingredients such as red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly, attap chee (palm seeds), cincau, peanuts and jelly.
The dessert is usually finished with evaporated milk or condensed milk, while many Penang stalls also include a scoop of ice cream or drizzle gula Melaka over the top for additional richness.
Although versions can be found throughout Malaysia, Penang’s ais kacang is especially popular thanks to the island’s vibrant hawker culture and long-standing dessert stalls.
The History of Ais Kacang
The origins of ais kacang date back to the early 20th century, when ice became more widely available in Malaya. Early versions were relatively simple, featuring shaved ice, red beans and sugar syrup.
Over the decades, hawkers began adding more colourful ingredients inspired by Malaysia’s multicultural food traditions, resulting in the vibrant dessert enjoyed today. Today, ais kacang remains a staple at hawker centres, coffee shops and food courts throughout Penang, often enjoyed after savoury dishes such as Char Koay Teow, Penang Hokkien Mee, Asam Laksa and Nasi Kandar.
What Makes a Great Ais Kacang?
Finely Shaved Ice
The best ais kacang begins with soft, fluffy shaved ice that melts smoothly in the mouth instead of forming large icy chunks.
Balanced Sweetness
A good bowl should balance the sweetness of the syrups with the richness of milk and the natural flavours of the toppings.
Fresh Ingredients
Quality ingredients such as freshly cooked red beans, fragrant gula Melaka, sweet corn and homemade grass jelly make a noticeable difference.
Generous Toppings
One of the joys of ais kacang is discovering different textures in every spoonful. The best stalls don’t skimp on ingredients.
Best Ais Kacang in Penang
Swatow Lane Ice Kacang
102-E-1, New World Park,
Jalan Burma, 10050
George Town, Penang.
Kek Seng Coffee Shop 格成
382 & 384, Jalan Penang,
10000 George Town, Penang.
Jalil Special Ice Kacang
Esplanade Park
1, Lebuh Light,
10200 George Town, Penang.
Medan Selera Taman Free School
75, Jalan Trengganu,
Taman Free School, 10460
George Town, Penang.
Presgrave Street Hawker Stalls
67D, Lebuh Presgrave,
10300 George Town, Penang.
Tony Ais Kacang Cendol
Batu Lanchang Food Court
25, Lintang Batu Lancang,
11600 Jelutong, Penang.
Tips for Enjoying Ais Kacang in Penang
- Eat it immediately before the ice melts.
- Share a bowl if you’re planning a full food trail.
- Pair it with savoury hawker dishes for the complete Penang experience.
- Visit traditional stalls for authentic flavours.
- Bring cash when visiting neighbourhood hawker centres.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ais kacang and ABC?
There is no difference. ABC stands for Air Batu Campur, while ais kacang is the more commonly used Malay name. Both refer to the same shaved ice dessert.
Is Penang famous for ais kacang?
Yes. Penang has many long-established hawker stalls serving traditional ais kacang, making it one of the best places in Malaysia to enjoy the dessert.
What toppings are usually included?
Traditional ais kacang typically includes red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly, attap chee, colourful syrups and evaporated milk. Some stalls also add ice cream or gula Melaka.
Is ais kacang suitable for vegetarians?
Most traditional versions are vegetarian-friendly, although it’s always worth checking if any special toppings are used.
Whether you prefer a nostalgic roadside stall in George Town or a hidden neighbourhood favourite on the mainland, Penang offers countless opportunities to enjoy one of Malaysia’s most refreshing desserts.
A bowl of ais kacang is more than just a way to beat the tropical heat—it’s part of Penang’s rich hawker heritage and a dessert that generations of locals have grown up with. After exploring the island’s famous attractions and sampling its savoury delights, there’s no better way to end your food adventure than with this colourful classic.
For even more culinary inspiration, continue exploring our guides to the best cendol in Penang, best hawker food in Penang, best Char Koay Teow in Penang, best Penang Hokkien Mee, and foods you must try in Penang.
