Coconut Tarts Traditional Food
Leong Chee Kee

Mr. Leong How Keng,
The owner of Leong Chee Kee (Biscuit Shop) is one of the most experienced coconut tart makers in Penang. He learned his skills by observing and helping his father since he was 7 years old. Now, Mr. Leong, 47, is running the business successfully with the help of his wife. This present shop is situated at the people’s court on Cintra Street.

History…
LEONG CHEE KEE sold his biscuit on a four-wheeled cart which he pushed around the inner city including Chulia Street, Kimberley street and Penang Road.

You could hear him holler “Ia Chee Kok!” (Coconut tarts!), “Khay Nui Ko!” and “Hor Chio Pia!” (Pepper biscuits!) As he made his rounds. He worked for II hours starting from 7:00 am daily.

He sold his biscuits for only 5 cents each and he wrapped them individually in newspaper.

Variety of Traditional Biscuits:
After 10 years, the younger Mr. Leong decided to expand his business by opening a permanent biscuit shop. Since then, the variety of his biscuits has increased from 3 to 13 types. School holiday and the Chinese New Year increase the demand for biscuits with tourists coming from as far as Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

• The Coconut Tart
The coconut tart was first invented by Mr. Leong How Keng’s father, Leong Chee Kee who came from canton, china. He came to Penang before WWII, when he first came, he become a chef in a Chinese restaurant. He son discovered that the biscuit trade was more profitable because there were not many competitors and it was a popular delicacy.

Info provide by:

ANAK-ANAK KOTA
In Collaboration With
PENANG HERITAGE TRUST
(phtrust@po.jaring.my)