SINCE its founding in 1965, Kwan Kee Store has been a custodian of traditional Chinese flavours, crafting pastries with dedication and skill for nearly six decades.
What began as a humble street snacks shop in Hong Kong, even earning a spot in the Michelin Guide recommendation for six consecutive years from 2016 to 2021, has grown into a flagship store in Penang.
Throughout its journey, Kwan Kee Store has stayed true to its roots, using pure, traditional methods to showcase the most authentic tastes.
Penang, with its rich Chinese cultural heritage, was the ideal location for Kwan Kee to establish Malaysia’s largest traditional Chinese pastry flagship store.
A comforting classic, the chewy and fragrant brown sugar rice bowl cake offers a taste of nostalgia in every bite.
It is more than just a pastry house; it serves as a bridge between generations, preserving and celebrating culture.
Each pastry tells the story of Chinese pioneers’ who ventured to South-East Asia, evoking cherished childhood memories and the deep essence of Chinese heritage in every bite.
A commitment to tradition and craftsmanship
At Kwan Kee Store, tradition is at the heart of everything. They honour Chinese cuisine using time-honoured techniques, ensuring each pastry maintains its natural aroma and texture.
Each pastry undergoes a meticulous eight-step process—washing, soaking, grinding, pressing, mixing, fermenting, filling, and steaming—to ensure an authentic taste that honours tradition.
Among their signature offerings are:
> White sugar sponge cake: Naturally fermented, this cake is soft and sweet and melts in the mouth, leaving a delicate aftertaste.
> Brown sugar rice bowl cake: Delightfully chewy, smooth and lightly sweetened, it features a hint of red bean for a fragrant finish.
> Steamed black sesame layer cake: Steamed layer by layer, this dense yet delicate cake offers a rich sesame flavour and a satisfying texture.
Cultural legacy in South-East Asia
The pastry house’s story is intertwined with the history of Chinese immigrants in South-East Asia who brought a part of their homeland and planted the seeds of Chinese culinary culture in the region.
Kwan Kee preserves this legacy, transforming traditional pastries into cultural symbols that connect the past with the future.
While Kwan Kee is deeply rooted in tradition, its success also stems from innovation.
Head chef Zhan Zhi Wei, a master of his craft with deep knowledge, continually develops and refines traditional pastries, breathing new life into classic recipes.
The steamed black sesame layer cake is a celebration of tradition and texture.
His creations, whether traditional or modern, consistently surprise and delight customers.
The pastry house’s expansion from Hong Kong to South-East Asia owes much to the foresight and efforts of investor Lee Zie Yang and the strategic planning of Lee Sai Long.
With a keen business sense and a profound understanding of traditional culture, Zie Yang recognised the value of Kwan Kee’s pastries.
He believes that these traditional pastries are not just a delicious treat but are vessels of Chinese culture.
He understands that preservation is not just about keeping memories alive but also about breathing new life into traditions in the modern world.
Zie Yang and Sai Long hope that the Kwan Kee Store will allow more people to experience the charm of Chinese pastries.
Kwan Kee Store in Penang officially opened its doors today, at No. 53, Jalan Icon City, Icon City, Bukit Mertajam. The store operates daily from 9am to 8pm daily.
