In the heart of George Town, Penang, a new bakery named Keju is offering a unique twist on the city's saturated cafe scene. Opened on December 25, Keju focuses on cheese-based products, particularly mini cheesecakes and cream cheese tubs. Located on Campbell Street, once known for Chinese goldsmiths, the bakery operates from 10am to 8pm.
Keju, which means 'cheese' in Malay, started as a standard bakery but shifted its focus to cheese. Unlike typical hipster cafes, Keju has a bakery-style counter on the left and only three tables for seating, making it ideal for takeaway orders. The specialty is mini cheesecakes, available in eight flavors, each priced at RM 6.50 ($2.40).
The original burnt cheesecake is sturdy on the surface but soft inside, with a buttery, creamy texture. Other flavors include matcha, which is pungent and overpowering, and dashi honey, described as buttery and fresh. A seaweed cheesecake is also available for Japanese cuisine lovers.
Keju also sells cream cheese in tubs, similar to cheesy ice cream. The Lotus Biscoff flavor is enhanced with gula melaka, a Malaysian sugar, and is often used as a spread on bread or croissants. The gula melaka and coconut flavor is very sweet, while the strawberry cream cheese offers a yoghurt-like, fresh taste.
For coffee, Keju serves an Indonesian brew. A long black without sugar is prepared correctly by barista Daniel, who previously worked at Black Kettle. The coffee complements the sweet offerings, providing a balanced experience.
