(Fourth from left) Rocky, company managing director Andrew Lee and chefs Sundy Chim and Anna Soo at the grand opening of the Kwan Kee Store at Icon City in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.— Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
A bakery chain based in Hong Kong that gained a Michelin nod has opened its flagship store in Penang.
The new Kwan Kee Store in Icon City, a commercial development in Bukit Mertajam, is the 11th store in the country.
The bakery, which received Michelin recognition from 2016 to 2021, makes authentic Hong Kong street snacks.
These include its three best- selling creations – the White Sugar Sponge Cake, Brown Sugar Rice Bowl and Steamed Black Sesame Layer Cake.
The bakery offers a taste of Hong Kong’s culinary heritage, serving over 50 desserts priced from RM8 to RM20.
Bakery chain owner Rocky Lee Zie Yang aims to ensure Hong Kong’s traditional desserts can be enjoyed by all Malaysians.
“Penang has a rich cultural heritage. Many Hong Kong residents have chosen to invest, study or settle here with their families.
A long queue of dessert fans eager to sample the bakery’s traditional street snacks.
“I want to reintroduce traditional Hong Kong desserts that have started to disappear, not only for Hong Kong folk who live here but also for all Malaysians,” he explained.
To ensure inclusivity, the bakery obtained halal certification for its products in Malaysia.
Two of its major shops in Klang Valley – the SS2 outlet in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and the Publika branch in Kuala Lumpur – have been halal-certified.
“For our Bukit Mertajam branch, the halal certification process is underway but our food is already prepared according to halal standards,” Rocky said.
The new store is the nation’s biggest, with a larger kitchen to cater to growing demand.
It also serves as a hub for expanding the brand’s presence in the northern region.
The company has 60 staff, with 20 employees based in the SS2 and Bukit Mertajam branches.
The opening ceremony saw hundreds of people queuing to sample the bakery’s snacks.
Among them was Seberang Jaya finance executive Sandy Chee, 31, who was thrilled about the store’s arrival in Penang.
“Finally, the store is available here and we can come and taste their desserts,” she said.
Her mother Lau Hui Ping, 54, said, “I used to travel to Kuala Lumpur just to buy these desserts. Now, I can enjoy them without going on a long journey.
“The taste is awesome and authentic,” she said.
Another customer, known only as Low, said she used to buy the desserts in Kuala Lumpur.
“My children love cakes. The options here are delicious and made in a hygienic kitchen.”
To celebrate its grand opening, the Icon City store is holding an exclusive promotion.
“Customers who like, share and leave a review on our Google page will receive a RM200 cash voucher. This promotion runs until Dec 31.
“It is a token of appreciation for the overwhelming support we’ve received,” Rocky said.
The bakery chain also plans to open stores in Singapore and Indonesia.
Rocky said the company was working towards regaining Michelin recognition for the 2026 to 2031 period.
