Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover Penang, a historical gem that enchants visitors with its rich culture, continuous celebrations, and reputation as Malaysia's food paradise.
Immerse yourself in the local lifestyle with our Morning Market Tour. Feel the energy of the market, where traders interact passionately with shoppers. Be drawn in by the irresistible scent of street food, meticulously crafted by local vendors, and the visually appealing, colorful Kueh, pastries, and desserts that are a delight for the senses.
At Penang Chiak, we offer more than just a sampling of local cuisine. We reveal the mysteries behind the ingredients and the cooking process, allowing attendees to dive deeper, acquire unique skills, and comprehend the art of spice management.
Participate in our 4 to 5-hour session at Penang Chiak, which includes a Market Tour, Breakfast, and Cooking Classes. Timings are subject to booking inquiries or private reservations. Embark on this HALAL/MUSLIM FRIENDLY gastronomic adventure in Penang!
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
What To Expect
Discover the culinary wonders of Malaysia in the heart of Penang, an island steeped in history and renowned for its vibrant culture and yearly festivities. Known as the food capital of Malaysia, Penang offers a gastronomic adventure that will captivate any traveler. Join us at Penang Chiak for a unique Morning Market Tour where you can immerse yourself in the local morning routine. Listen to the lively chatter of merchants haggling and offering their best deals. Be enticed by the aroma of street food prepared by local vendors, and the sight of colorful Kueh, pastries, and desserts that are simply too tempting to resist. At Penang Chiak, we go beyond just tasting the food. We reveal the secrets behind the ingredients used in our cooking process. Participants will have the opportunity to explore and learn secret techniques rarely shared with the public. Remember, handling spices is not just cooking, it's an art! Our 4 to 5-hour sessions, featuring the Morning Market Tour, Breakfast, and Coaching Classes, are tailored to your booking requests or private reservations. Embark on this HALAL/MUSLIM gastronomic journey with us and discover the authentic tastes of Penang!
Sample Menu
starter
Malay/NYonya Roti Jala with Chicken Curry
starter
Malay Mixed Herb Rice (Nasi Ulam)
starter
Malay Nasi Lemak with anchovies/prawn Sambal
main
Malay Prawn Noodle with tomato gravy
main
Satay with peanut Sauce
main
Malay Chicken/Beef Rendang with Bread
main
Malay Fried Spice Chicken with Tumeric Rice
main
Malay Mix summer veges
dessert
Malay Brown Sugar Kuih Talam
dessert
Malay Kuih Ketayap/ Sri Muka
Options
Malay Street Food
Local Market Tour & Breakfast: Included for morning 8:10AM session only Street Food Cooking class: Satay and Peanut Sauce, Malay Style Prawn Noodle, Rendang Curry NOTE: Consultation with instructors for menu. Duration: 5 hours: Note: Afternoon class at 1:30 PM is 4 hours EXCLUDING Breakfast and Market Tour.
Malay HomeCooking Class
Morning Malay Cooking Class: Local Market Tour and complimentary Breakfast included. Duration: 5 hours: Note: Afternoon class at 1:30 PM is 4 hours EXCLUDE the market tour and breakfast.
Malay Nyonya Cooking Classes
Morning Nyonya Chinese Classes: Local Market Tour and Breakfast Included. Duration: 5 hours: Note: Afternoon class at 1:30 PM is 4 hours EXCLUDING market tour and Breakfast.
What‘s Included
Morning Market Tour: for morning classes at 8:00AM only
Morning Food Tour For Morning Classes ONLY
Guide
All ingredients and kitchen utensils are provided for you. You simply need to bring a spirit of learning and an open heart.
Souvenir (Subject to Availability)
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
More Than Cooking – A Culinary Journey Through Penang
poticciolo,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The cooking course was a true enrichment ! Mok first guided us through the market and took us on a culinary and cultural journey. We were able not only to see, but also to smell, taste, and really understand the diversity of the local cuisine. The kitchen is located right above the market, which makes the whole experience feel very authentic. Together with his wife Amy, the class was led with warmth and genuine care. All dishes were prepared in a traditional way – using only natural ingredients and no processed products. 🌶️ You can feel the passion and respect for traditional values in every moment. On top of that, we received many great recommendations via WhatsApp for restaurants, markets, and places to visit. A very special touch were the many photos and videos that Mok took during the market visit and the cooking class – beautiful memories to keep. I highly recommend this cooking course. Many thanks to Mok, Amy, Simoienz, and the entire team for this wonderful experience.
A delicious and fun romp through Malaysian history, culture and food
Steve W,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This cooking course was a truly beautiful experience. We learnt so much about Penang (and Nyonya / Malaysian) history, culture and food that we felt really privileged. We also ended up feasting, so make sure you attend this cooking course hungry! As a bonus, we now better understand how to navigate the markets to buy oir favourite treats - for example, who knew nutmeg was not just the dried pip we use at home?! Above all, don't miss this opportunity to experience the real Malaysia through the most important lens - food!
Unmissable experience!
aratiw2026,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This course exceeded our very high expectations - there was an informative tour of the market, including a local breakfast, and explanation of the specific techniques to make key ingredients (spring roll wrappers!, coconut milk, curry pastes). Then we learned how to make a number of starters, mains and a dessert. Everything is explained very well, you receive detailed recipes and get to sit down to a beautiful three course lunch. Such a treat to get an insight Nonya cooking and traditions. Thank you Amy, Mok and the awesome team!
Highly recommend
Odyssey01821647785,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend this cooking class. We learned so much about the food and culture of the Nyonya. We did the morning class with market tour. We got to meet lots of local vendors and tried some local food for breakfast. The food we cooked was incredible! Afterwards you get a long list of restaurants to try, so make sure to book this class for the first or second day of your stay in Penang in order to have time to try the recommendations.
Best experience!!
Tour40750490592,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My fiance booked us the cooking class with Madame Amy and it was the highlight of my trip! It was super interactive from the start and really informed us on the Penang market and ingredients going between vendors. Simoienz, Mok and Amy were so jovial throughout and engaged with us authentically and taught us so much. I loved the cooking as we got to learn so much about Nyonya cooking and the integration of ethic cooking styles. We cooked so many dishes that we basically left rolling out of class with some new recipes in tow! The session kept us involved and getting various tips and tricks - and even ending they were giving us all tips for the rest of our travels in Malaysia - all customised. Overall I highly recommend if you have time to do this activity as you won’t regret it.
Fantastic authentic experience in Penang
Sirimor1970,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic cooking class in George Town. We loved the Chowrasta market tour and local breakfast before cooking gorgeous food! Thank you so much Mr Mok, Amy and Simon. A truly special experience - we left with full tummies and warm hearts!
Cooking Penang Food is awesome!
LightPacker80054,Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely experience. Chowrasta Market is the heart of Georgetown's culinary heritage. Cooking is amazing. Santi has been very supportive and taught me how to make rendang, onde onde, and rice thag turns blue! A must for travelers who love food!
Cool way to experience Penang!
Seaside73341,Jul 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had 2 teens and a 10 yr old who loved the experience - everyone had their sleeves rolled up and aprons on for a really wonderful time! Simoienz was so easy to coordinate with and was very flexible and accommodating. Our experience with Santi (instructor) and Danni (marketplace walk) were also top class. We kicked off with a walk through bustling market stalls and speaking with some of the stall owners (shout out to Spice Man, we need to get you to Canada!). Breakfast at the local Roti Canai place was delicious and was the perfect was to get us in the mood to cook! Menu was awesome and perfectly catered to our Halal requirements and nut allergies. All in all, a really cool thing to do as a family and a memorable experience!!
A market tour and cooking class with insights into Malay cuisine and cooking methods.
camnat2015,Apr 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A very informative tour. The markets were closed because of a public holiday but Mr Mok was very knowledgeable and able to fill in any gaps by talking about what is on sale, what it is used for etc. Amy, who ran the cooking class for our group, was also very keen to share her knowledge of the food and talked through recipes and tips learned from her extended family.
Malaysian Cooking Tour in Penang
pemhct,Feb 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mr Mok picked us up from our hotel promptly at 07:45 and took us and all our luggage to the start of the course at Chowrasta Market. We joined with 4 others and had an all-senses tour of the market. Cool enough at 8:30 am to enjoy. Then up to the kitchen to cook the ingredients into several wonderful dishes. Char Koay Teow, Jiu Hu Char, Chrysanthemum Tea and Kari Kapitan Chicken. (Which was my favourite) We had a wonderful day. Nothing was too much trouble. Mr Mok even booked our train tickets while we cooked. If I could give 10 stars, I would. Thank you both for the wonderful Malaysian experience. Peter and Jenny
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