Towering shaved ice dressed in a rich and colorful confection along with assorted chewy bites, Ice Kacang packs a jubilant jolt in every mouthful, especially when being kissed by the blistering sun. Bevy ingredients brimming in a bowl – red beans, creamy corn, evaporated milk, splashes of syrup, cincau grass jelly, chewy pearls, and scoops of ice cream round up the icy treat. Jostle away the “save room for dessert” frame of mind and scarf down frisky feasts below that encourage a hot afternoon should never go wasted. 

#1 Jalil Special Ice Kacang

Scouring every nook and alley of Georgetown is downright fascinating as each step greets you with imposing historical ruins, beautiful murals, and mouthwatering meals, yet to refresh and rejuvenate, Ice Kacang seems to be the best bet. A stone’s throw away from Fort Cornwallis, Jalil Special Ice Kacang is habitually swamped with hordes of patrons, especially when the sun shows no mercy. Their version of Ice Kacang is absolutely jaw-dropping, with a towering ice glacier liberally loaded with syrups, a dollop of red beans, creamy corn, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream sitting on the pinnacle. Certainly justifies the never-ending crowd.

#2 Kek Seng Coffee Shop

Despite the march of time and mushrooming dessert shops, this unassuming restaurant remains inspiringly iconic thanks to its homemade durian ice cream and ice kacang. Soak up an old and nostalgic ambiance with wooden tables and chairs plus welcoming locals, while gobbling down a bowl that evokes that little child in you. Shaved ice copiously covered with syrups, red beans, creamy corn, and evaporated milk, jaunty jelly, and scoops of homemade durian ice cream that share the spotlight. The ice cream is smooth, and creamy and definitely tugs a place in your heart.

#3 Ice Kacang Swatow Lane

Bringing ice kacang to a whole new level with a fruity punch is this buzzing stall. It definitely marks with its own magic by adding slivers of mangos, bananas, watermelons, papayas, and ciku, along regulars like palm seeds, red beans, cincau grass jelly and a scoop of peanut ice cream perching atop the bed of flavours. Moreover, their special syrup has been receiving praises, bonding well with its rose counterpart. Perhaps the best way to please your kids to consume fruits with all smiles and zero complains.

#4 Padang Brown Hawker

Juxtaposed with Padang Brown, this food court is among Penang’s pride for those who yearn for local delights that are wallet-friendly. It’s rare to find tables without a bouncy bowl of Ice Kacang. Join the craze, grab the icy treat, and have a seat. A scoop of ice cream sits amidst the scintillating shaved ice and a dollop of red beans and creamy corn. Swirl the flavors together and slurp up the bowl within seconds. 

#5 Ice Kacang @ Medan Selera Taman Free School

A spacious food court draped with a smorgasbord of stalls offering local delicacies that are cheap and delicious. Among the most-buzzed stalls is the Ice Kacang, it’s a must-have before walking out of the eatery. What sets them apart is they never skimp on the ingredients as the shaved ice is masqueraded with creamy corn, red beans, chopped nuts, and your choice of ice cream. Dig in, get a little of every element on the bowl, and cherish each spoonful.

#6 Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendol

Among the gastronomic hallmarks of Penang, this little gem has been churning out impeccable bowls of desserts that have made the narrow alley full of life. Their Ice Kacang is truly a fun interplay of texture, shaved ice drenched with syrups and evaporated milk then shrouded with smatterings of jellies, red beans, and a wad of creamy corn. Prodding and swirling the heavenly dessert while hobnobbing with locals as well as tourists just brings a whole new convivial atmosphere that represents Penang.

#7 ABC Ice Kacang @ Presgrave St. Hawker Stalls

As the night falls, this street booms into an epicure’s dream to witness Penang as a street food heaven. From skewers to soups, twist, and turns of hot woks with assorted noodles, a myriad of mouthwatering meals lure your attention yet wrap up your meal with ABC Ice Kacang, which comes in a brimming bowl loaded with finely grated ice tarted up with syrups, evaporated milk, corn, red beans and generous scoops of peanut butter ice cream. The ice cream just cascades throughout the dish, offering an additional layer of texture and taste.