Bak kwa in Malaysia
If fans of Chinese New Year snacks can agree on one thing, it would be that bak kwa is a heavenly treat. Sweet and smoky bak kwa can be found all over Malaysia and has even become a year-round delicacy that works well in sandwiches or as a snack on its own.
Just in time for the festive season, we’ve compiled a list of 10 places to get your hands on juicy bak kwa in Malaysia this Chinese New Year.
This list includes an array of bak kwa that will excite your taste buds – whether you’re a fan of the classic flavours or prefer a unique twist, you’re in for a treat.
1. Loong Kee KL – chilli bak kwa
Image credit: @loongkeedriedmeat
Housed in KL, Loong Kee is located along the streets of Jalan Alor. It has been in the barbecued meat business since 1976 and quickly became well-known for its sweet bak kwa grilled to perfection.
The Chilli Gui Fei Dried Meat (RM46.80 for 300gm) is a signature choice of juicy pork marinated with a secret recipe comprising chillies. You can also try the Golden Coin Chicken (RM63.99 for 500gm), which offers a hint of sweetness from raw organic honey.
Image credit: Loong Kee Facebook
Additionally, the signature Dried Pork Meat (RM34.80 for 300gm), which is made with premium minced pork thigh for a softer texture, and the Pork Floss (RM64.99 for 250gm) is not to be missed.
Address: 79, Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8am-12am, Daily
Contact: 03-2143 0392 | Loong Kee Facebook
2. Hock Chuan Hiong KL – two outlets in Klang Valley
Image credit: Hock Chuan Hiong Facebook
Operating since 1996, Hock Chuan Hiong is well-known for its sweet and juicy pork bak kwa. Located in Klang, the establishment has been thriving beyond the city, with a branch found in Shah Alam too.
Image credit: Hock Chuan Hiong Facebook
You can try the Minced Pork Bak Kwa (RM39.60), a signature menu item that offers a flavourful taste of bak kwa that is chewy in texture. Also not to be missed is the Chicken Floss (RM40.20), a smooth and melt-in-your-mouth staple that can be enjoyed with bread or as an additional topping for your daily meals.
Address: 40-00-01, Lorong Batu Nilam 1d, Bandar Bukit Tinggi 1, 41200 Klang, Selangor
Opening hours: 8:30am-9pm, Daily
Contact: 010-234 9328 | Hock Chuan Hiong Facebook
3. Lim Meng Kee KL – lobster bak kwa
Image credit: Lim Meng Kee
Lim Meng Kee, which first opened on Petaling Street in 1978, specialises in dried meats and meat floss.
If you’re looking to surprise your taste buds, consider trying the Lobster Dried Meat (RM85). It’s a unique combination that offers a delicate taste of lobster meat with a hint of the char-grilled aftertaste of tender and juicy pork.
Image credit: Lim Ming Kee Facebook
You can also try the Black Pepper Chicken Dried Meat (RM65), which uses Sarawak’s famous black pepper as a natural seasoning. It offers a distinctive taste of sweet and spicy dried chicken.
Bacon lovers can feast on the Sai Xi Dried Meat Bacon (RM85) – a high-quality pork belly with distinctive layers of fat and lean meat. Besides bak kwa, you can also find Crispy Shrimp Rolls (RM25), offering a salty shrimp flavour.
Address: 15, Jalan Barat, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am-9pm, Daily
Contact: 03-2144 3115 | Lim Meng Kee Facebook
4. HEJIA Johor – black pepper bak kwa
Image credit: @hejiabakery
HEJIA offers tender and caramelised meat, sizzled over a slow fire for a rich and smoky flavour. Each packet of bak kwa is vacuum packed so you can enjoy the freshness of each bak kwa, even if you’re opting for online delivery.
Try the HEJIA Premium Minced Pork and Chicken Jerky (RM34.50 for 250gm). The key to this savoury bak kwa is the secret marinade sauce, which has been traditionally used for decades, so it’s no surprise customers keep coming back for more.
Image credit: HEJIA Facebook
Also try the Premium Grilled Pork Bak Kwa (RM19.90 for 3 pieces), offering a juicy and tender experience in each bite this Chinese New Year.
You can place an order on Shopee here.
5. Ban Lee Heong Ipoh – Golden Osmanthus bak kwa
Image credit: Ban Lee Heong Facebook
If you’re from Ipoh, Ban Lee Heong might be familiar to you. This spot has a longstanding presence, crafting exceptional bak kwa for over 40 years.
The key to its established longevity lies in the careful creation of each bak kwa slice, using fresh meats so the quality of its colour, fragrance, and taste is exceptional.
You can try the Golden Osmanthus Pork (RM19 for 300gm), which is marinated in light soya sauce and a blend of secret spices. It also comes shaped like a coin, to represent fortune and prosperity.
Image credit: Ban Lee Heong Facebook
Additionally, the Pork Sausage (RM19 for 350gm), which has a fragrant taste, can be added to your hot pot meals, while the Charcoal Grilled Dried Meat (RM58 for 500gm) is a moist and flavourful bak kwa marinated in a blend of secret spices.
Address: 350, Jalan Besar, Taman Jubilee, 30100 Ipoh, Perak
Opening hours: 10am-5pm Mon-Sun (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 05-254 1486 | Ban Lee Heong Facebook
6. Wing Heong – BBQ ostrich bak kwa
Image credit: @wingheong_my
Wing Heong, which was founded in 1972, has a long history in the bak kwa business. It still crafts handmade bak kwa, searing it with the secret family sauce to achieve the brand’s signature taste and savouriness.
If you’re up for a game changer, try out the BBQ Ostrich Bak Kwa (RM91 for 500gm), which offers a flavourful, sweet and spicy taste of ostrich meat.
The bak kwa are smoked over a bamboo mesh, which results in juicy, tender meat. There’s a notable absence of added preservatives and artificial flavouring in their bak kwa, so if you’re health-conscious, you should consider this as an option.
Image credit: Wing Heong Facebook
Additionally, the Wing Heong CNY Gift Box (RM119.50), consists of BBQ bak kwa and the option to choose either crispy chicken or pork floss. So if you’re looking for a Chinese New Year gift for relatives, you know where to get them.
Address: 27, Jalan SS 2/64, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 9am-9pm, Daily
Contact: 03-7877 5455 | Wing Heong Instagram
7. Thin Heong KL – BBQ honey bacon
Image credit: Thin Heong Facebook
Thin Heong has been serving bak kwa since 1976 and is well-known for its crispy barbecued and fragrant bak kwa.
You can try the BBQ Honey Bacon (RM42 for 300gm), a well-known staple snack during Chinese New Year, comprising crunchy pork enveloped in sweet honey.
Image credit: Thin Heong Facebook
Also try the BBQ Sliced Pork (RM33 for 300gm), which offers a smoky flavour with a hint of spice.
Address: 27, Jalan Jejaka 5, Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 8am-9:30am Tue-Sun (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: 016-983 8386 | Thin Heong Facebook
8. Tuck Kee Penang – gold coin bak kwa
Image credit: Tuck Kee Facebook
Starting from humble beginnings, Tuck Kee has been on the streets of Chowrasta Market in Penang since 1979 and is known for its quality bak kwa throughout Malaysia.
Their juicy bak kwa entices the taste buds with a sweet fragrance that’s not too overpowering. So if you prefer something milder in taste without sacrificing rich flavour, consider this as an option.
Try the Gold Coin Dried Meat (RM55), where the centre of the coin tastes like Chinese wine and the base meat offers a delicate taste of juicy pork.
Image credit: Tuck Kee Facebook
Also, you can also try the signature Premium Pork Chinese Sausage (RM29 for 3 pieces), which is seasoned with Chinese rose wine and soya sauce.
Address: 39, Jalan Kuala Kangsar, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening hours: 8am-9pm, Daily
Contact: 04-262 8726 | Tuck Kee Instagram
9. Oloiya KL – squid bak kwa
Image credit: @oloiya
A third-generation family business which first opened on Petaling Street, Oloiya is well-known for bak kwa made from a generational recipe handed down in 1978 by Mr and Mrs Khue.
If you’re looking for something besides chicken and pork, consider the Squid Dried Meat (RM65.50) which offers a moist and smooth texture to your palates.
If that is not adventurous enough for you, then try the Guinness Bakwa (RM69), which is marinated with malt and slowly roasted, offering a bittersweet, flavourful bak kwa.
Image credit: Oloiya Facebook
Plus, the Oloiya Chinese New Year Bundle 2023 (RM168), is ideal for those looking for a meat-themed hamper. It consists of pork bak kwa (500gm), chicken bak kwa (500gm) and a premium ang pow all presented in a gift box, so it’s convenient for you to gift it to your loved ones.
Address: 62, Jalan SS 2/66, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 10am-9pm, Daily
Contact: 012-588 6331 | Oloiya Instagram
10. Bee Cheng Hiang KL – 80-year-old bak kwa recipe
Image credit: Bee Cheng Hiang
Bee Cheng Hiang is a brand that needs no introduction among lovers of bak kwa. Developed with over 80 years of experience, their bak kwa is made using a traditional bamboo sieve that is slowly smothered in live coals.
Image credit: Bee Cheng Hiang Facebook
Spice lovers can try the Chilli Gourmet Bak Kwa (RM76.80 for 300gm), which offers a spicy kick with a smoky undertone.
Plus, if you’re looking for something richer in flavour, consider the Sliced Beef Bak Kwa (RM105.60 for 600gm), which is made from the hind leg of a cow and seasoned to achieve robust flavours in each bite.
Address: 53, Jalan SS 2/64, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 03-7865 9372 | Bee Cheng Hiang Instagram
Bonus: Caketella – bak kwa bacon cookies
Image credit: @caketella
Bak kwa in cookies? Yes. This limited-edition Bak Kwa Bacon Cookies (RM48 for 300gm) by Caketella are a delicious fusion of candied bak kwa.
This buttery cookie has a chocolate chip base while offering the smokiness of bak kwa in each and bite.
So if you’re feeling adventurous, consider these bak kwa bacon cookies for a delightful treat this Chinese New Year.
Address: 31,Jalan SS 26/15, Taman Mayang Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Opening hours: 10am-4pm Mon-Sat (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 016-245 6580 | Caketella Instagram
Where to get bak kwa in Malaysia
Bak kwa is undoubtedly one of those snacks that we look forward to, especially during the Chinese New Year.
If you’re looking for places to get your hands on juicy bak kwa this festive season, consider these places in Malaysia that will help you find the perfect taste for a delightful celebration.
Read more here:
- Kwai Chai Hong’s new art installation is perfect for CNY OOTDS
- Michelle Yeoh: 8 facts you may not know about Malaysia’s biggest Hollywood actress
- 12 Restaurants in Klang Valley you can Lou Yee Sang this CNY
Cover image adapted from: @loongkeedriedmeat, Lim Meng Kee
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