The weather has been hot, hot, hot. The year 2024 has recorded the warmest March ever documented globally, marking the 10th month in a row to be the hottest on record. Instead of cranking up the A/C (which is also bad for the environment and your wallet), why not head over to an ice cream spot for some creamy goodness instead and cool down at the same time?

Here is a list of Penang's best artisan ice cream spots, as compiled by the Instagram page @penanglicious.

Image Credit: @tinkervan | Instagram, @wonkieicecream | Instagram

Hema Hema (Muslim-Friendly)

Be prepared for a queue if you head here because they’re so immensely popular that tons of people wait outside to sample their artisan ice cream before they open. In fact, they are only open four days a week and usually sell out before closing hours.

They’re very generous with the size of their scoops, and we recommend the 'Burnt Butter & Sage' flavour. We’re having cravings for it right now.

Address: 88, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 1 pm-10 pm (Thu-Sun)
Contact: Hema Hema

Wonkie (Non-halal)

This store says it carries ‘not your usual boring desserts,’ such as alcoholic ice cream, boozy sundaes, and beer floats like ‘Guinness Stout.’

With flavours like ‘Yogurt Roku Gin,’ ‘Jim Beam Walnut,’ and their speciality ‘Smoked Chocolate Whiskey,’ you’ll undoubtedly be in for a ride. They even have a delivery service if you prefer to enjoy your ice cream from the comfort of your couch.

Address: 21D, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 12 pm-10 pm (Tues-Sun), closed on Monday
Contact: Wonkie

Image Credit: @wuwei.tea | Instagram, @fourspoons_penang | Instagram

Wu Wei Tea (Pork free)

If alcohol is not your thing, you can head to this Chinese tea ice cream café instead. This is their second outlet, with the first being at Bukit Mertajam. They offer a variety of tea ice creams, including ‘Jasmine Tea,’ ‘Long Jing Tea,’ ‘Da Hong Pao,’ and ‘Pu'Er.’ They also have a yummy ‘Berry Yoghurt’ flavour, hot tea, and cold brew options.

Address: 31, Lorong Prangin, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 2 pm-11 pm (Mon, Wed-Fri), 1:30 pm-12 am (Sat-Sun), closed on Tuesday
Contact: Wu Wei Tea

Fourspoons Ice Cream (Pork & Alcohol-Free)

This ice cream shop started in Bukit Mertajam and can now be found on Gurney Walk. Our personal favourite is their fragrant ‘Black Sesame,’ and they also have oldies but goodies like ‘Raspberry Sorbet,’ ‘Vanilla Bean,’ and ‘Strawberry Cheesecake,’ along with their bestseller ‘Hojicha.’ Don’t forget to order a waffle with your ice cream made on the spot *drools*.

Address: Gurney Walk, 18, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 11 am-10 pm (daily)
Contact: Fourspoons Homemade Ice-cream

Image Credit: @utterlyicecream | Instagram, @frozenlove36 | Instagram

Utterly Ice Cream (Halal)

This artisan ice cream company travels the world to source the highest-quality ingredients, whether it’s umami-rich matcha powder from Japan or fragrant durian from Pahang.

Their trademark salted caramel is made using a dry-burn technique, a prodigious skill. Enjoy their ‘Australian Avocado’ or ‘Reduced Sugar Pure Mint Chip’ ice cream. They also supply ice cream across the nation!

Address: 32, Jalan Perusahaan Jelutong 2, Fortune Park, 11600 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 10 am-7 pm (daily)
Contact: Utterly Ice Cream

Frozen Love Ice Cream (Non-halal)

The ice cream here is homemade but of high quality, and not to mention affordable. The ambience is cosy and chill, so you can relax while indulging in well-loved flavours like ‘Cookies and Cranberry,’ ‘Mango Passion,’ ‘Strawberry,’ and ‘Rum & Raisin.’

You can also quench your thirst with their assortment of summer drinks. An extraordinary dish they offer is their ice cream hotpot, which comes in 15 flavours.

Address: 35, Kampong Malabar, George Town, 10400 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 12 pm-11:30 pm (Fri-Sun), 12 pm-10 pm (Mon-Wed), closed on Thursday
Contact: Frozen Love Ice Cream

Image Credit: @meiloveseatingwithjust | Instagram, @aflyaa | Instagram

Glace (Pet-friendly - Halal Status Unknown)

This is the place for you if you aren’t just looking for great ice cream and minimalist vibes. Tucked along Lebuh Pantai, it only operates for three days each week. Try ‘100% Sicilian Pistachio’, ‘100% Vanilla’, ‘Apple Cinnamon,’ and ‘Peanut Butter.’ They claim to have the smoothest textures and richest flavours, so try it out for yourself to find out.

Address: 380 Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: 12 pm-11 pm (Fri-Sun)
Contact: Glace

Creameal Handcrafted Ice Cream (Pork Free)

Every scoop here is made from scratch, and the café also serves food, coffee, and handcrafted waffles. We can confirm that their waffles are inexpensive and fluffy! They use 100% fresh cream, milk, and natural ingredients to produce the best quality ice cream.

Address: 63, Jln Gurdwara, 10300 Georgetown, Penang
Opening hours: 2 pm-11 pm (Wed-Fri), 12 pm-11 pm (Sat-Sun), closed on Tuesday
Contact: Creameal Handcrafted Ice Cream

Special Mention

Another place that deserves special mention is The Ais, which is currently under renovation for two months.

Remember to bring a friend along so you can try more flavours!

Featured Image Credit: @wuwei.tea | Instagram, @fourspoons_penang | Instagram