Penang Tau Sar Piah: Must-Try Local Delicacy

Penang’s thriving food sector offers a wide variety of delectable dishes that represent the island’s rich cultural past.

Among the myriad delights, the famed Penang Tau Sar Piah stands out. This exquisite pastry has become a popular local snack and a must-try for island visitors.

Tau Sar Piah is a sweet or savory bean paste-filled classic Chinese pastry. The term “Tau Sar Piah” means “bean paste biscuit” in Hokkien, the primary Chinese dialect spoken in Penang. The pastry features a flaky, buttery crust that surrounds a creamy, savory bean-paste interior.

The early Chinese residents who brought their culinary traditions to the island are responsible for the roots of Penang Tau Sar Piah. This modest pastry has evolved into a unique Penang delicacy over the years, mixing classic Chinese flavors with local influences.

The sweet mung bean filling is one of the most popular variants of Tau Sar Piah in Penang. Mung bean paste is lightly sweetened and perfectly prepared, resulting in a smooth and velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Each bite is a delectable blend of the buttery crust and the fragrant sweetness of the filling.

Aside from the sweet mung bean filling, savory alternatives include the salty tau sar (salted bean paste) and the fiery hae bee hiam (dried prawn sambal). These savory variants provide a great contrast to the sweet pastry shell, resulting in a flavorful combination.

Tau Sar Piah can be found in a variety of bakeries and traditional pastry shops around Penang. Him Heang, Ghee Hiang, and Ban Heang are some of the well-known restaurants that specialize in this native delicacy. For years, these bakeries have perfected the skill of producing Tau Sar Piah, ensuring that each pastry is prepared with care and utilising only the finest ingredients.