Whether you’re a devotee of tradition or a culinary daredevil, our guide promises to hit the right notes for your bak kwa cravings in Malaysia’s KL and Selangor.
Today, it has transcended its festive origins to become a gastronomic delight savoured throughout the year, whether relished in its pure form or as a flavoursome addition to sandwiches.
This list is a gastronomic treasure trove that caters not only to traditionalists who swear by the classic bak kwa flavours, but also to the culinary explorers who seek a refreshing twist to age-old recipes.
So, whether you’re a devotee of tradition or a culinary daredevil, our guide promises to hit the right notes for your bak kwa cravings, ensuring a festive season bursting with unforgettable flavours. So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for a culinary odyssey that celebrates the irresistible allure of bak kwa.
Where to get the best bak kwa in KL and Selangor
Loong Kee
In the heart of KL, along the bustling Jalan Alor, a gastronomic gem known as Loong Kee has been grilling up a storm since 1976. This bak kwa powerhouse has won over countless palates with its delightful tunes that are as catchy as its dried meat is tasty.
Specialising in mouth-watering barbecued meats, it has cemented its reputation for its irresistible bak kwa. Each piece is grilled to perfection, resulting in a harmonious blend of sweetness and smokiness that’ll have you coming back for more. Its flagship store on Jalan Alor stands as a beacon for street food connoisseurs, serving as a must-visit landmark in the city’s culinary landscape.
Loong Kee @ Jalan Alor
Address: 79, Jalan Alor, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 8 AM – 12 PM
Contact: +603 2143 0392
Visit their website to check out more Loong Kee locations here.
Oloiya
With a rich history that stretches back to 1970, Oloiya is a well-established family business that has made a name for itself in the bak kwa scene. Starting as a humble stall in the heart of Petaling Street, the original outlet still stands tall as a testament to its enduring legacy.
Today, Oloiya has blossomed into an extensive operation that seamlessly marries traditional methods with modern technology. This ensures the time-tested recipe, crafted with love and precision by the founders, Mr and Mrs Khue, is faithfully preserved.
When you step through their doors, make sure not to miss their signature Oloiya Toast, a renowned favourite among patrons. Beyond the classic chicken and pork options, adventurers of the culinary world can indulge in their distinctive Squid Dried Meat, a delight that offers a tantalising dance of moist and velvety textures on your palate.
Oloiya @ The Gardens Mall
Address: Lot No.LG-215, Lower Ground Floor, The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur 59200
Operating hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +603 2282 9686
Visit their website to check out more Oloiya locations here.
Hock Chuan Hiong
Hock Chuan Hiong, a culinary gem established in 1996, has made a name for itself with its mouth-watering pork bak kwa, noted for its tantalising sweet and juicy character. Not just confined to Klang with its two physical stores, Hock Chuan Hiong has embraced the digital era, expanding its reach far beyond the city’s borders through an e-commerce platform.
On their enticing menu, the Minced Pork Bak Kwa stands out as a signature dish, promising a bak kwa experience that captivates your taste buds with its rich flavour and satisfying chewy consistency. Also deserving a special mention is their Chicken Floss – a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth delight that works perfectly as a companion to bread or a flavourful extra sprinkle on your everyday meals.
Hock Chuan Hiong @ Bandar Batu Tinggi
Address: 40-00-01, 40-00-01, Lorong Batu Nilam 1d, Bandar Bukit Tinggi 1, 41200 Klang, Selangor
Operating hours: 9 AM – 8 PM
Contact: +6010 234 9328
Wing Heong
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Since its establishment in 1972, Wing Heong has been crafting bak kwa with an artisan’s touch. This family-owned business holds a secret recipe for their sauce, a well-guarded family heirloom, that lends an unmistakably unique and savoury twist to their bak kwa. Their distinctive flavour profile is a result of smoking the meat over a bamboo mesh, a time-honoured technique that infuses a smoky essence into every bite.
They proudly declare that their bak kwa is free from preservatives, meat tenderisers, and artificial colours or flavours – a testament to their commitment to authentic and natural taste. For those with a taste for the unconventional, Wing Heong also offers an intriguing variant – the ostrich bak kwa, a delightful surprise for the adventurous palate.
Wing Heong @ Imbi Road
Address: 120, Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
Contact: +6012 855 0036
Visit their website to check out more Wing Heong locations here.
Lim Meng Kee
Born in the bustling lanes of Petaling Street in 1978, Lim Meng Kee has grown from a humble bak kwa shop to a symbol of culinary innovation. Its Jalan Imbi flagship store now beckons food lovers near and far with a unique delicacy – the lobster bak kwa. This exotic fusion of traditional bak kwa and luxury seafood has been a crowd-puller, especially among international tourists. Today, two dedicated brothers from the third generation of the family helm this iconic brand, carrying forward its legacy of taste and innovation.
Address: 15, Jalan Barat, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
Contact: +603 2144 3115
Bee Cheng Hiang
Presenting Bee Cheng Hiang, a stalwart in the bak kwa arena, steeped in more than 80 years of culinary tradition. Their secret to success? A time-honoured practice of preparing bak kwa with a traditional bamboo sieve and a patient smoking process over live coals, infusing each piece with a depth of flavour that is hard to match.
For the spice enthusiasts among you, prepare to have your senses tantalised by the Chilli Gourmet Bak Kwa. It’s a fiery dance of flavours that leaves a lingering smoky finish, a true delight for those who like it hot. If you’re a fan of rich, hearty flavours, the Sliced Beef Bak Kwa is a must-try. Crafted from the hind leg of a cow, each slice is marinated to perfection, promising a flavourful journey with every bite.
Bee Cheng Hiang @ Petaling Street
Address: 87, Lorong Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 9.30 AM – 9.30 PM
Contact: +603 2070 5400
Visit their website to check out more Bee Cheng Hiang locations here.
Thin Heong
Steeped in the culinary history since 1976, Thin Heong is a beloved name in the bak kwa landscape. With a reputation for their uniquely crispy and aromatic bak kwa, they have become synonymous with festive feasting during the Chinese New Year. Their BBQ Honey Bacon, a festival favourite, is a burst of flavour – think crunchy pork swathed in sweet honey. Adding to their gastronomic repertoire is the BBQ Sliced Pork, echoing with a smoky undertone and a whisper of spice.
Address: 27, Jalan Jejaka 5, Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 8 AM – 9.30 PM (closed on Mondays)
Contact: +6016 983 8386
Hock Moon Hiong
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Hock Moon Hiong, another renowned name in the realm of bak kwa, sprouted its culinary roots in the vibrant locale of Klang. Their collection of delectable jerkies, Chinese sausages, and fluffy flosses have received applauding acclamations from patrons all over, securing a place of honour during the festive Chinese New Year feasts. For those who dare to tread the path less travelled this festive season, their red wine and salted egg bak kwa promises an adventure of flavours.
Hock Moon Hiong @ Kuchai Lama
Address: No. 2, Jalan 1/127, Off Jalan Kuchai Lama, Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
Contact: +6010 301 1413
Visit their website to check out more Hock Moon Hiong locations here.
Where to find the best bak kwa outside of KL and Selangor
Should your quest for the most delectable bak kwa take you beyond the borders of KL and Selangor, fear not. You’re in for a treat as some of the finest bak kwa offerings hail from regions such as Johor, Ipoh, and Penang. Continue reading to discover the top bak kwa destinations outside KL and Selangor.
Hejia Bakery
Hejia Bakery brings to you a symphony of flavours, meticulously crafted from the best cuts of meat. Each slice of bak kwa is slow-cooked to perfection, infusing it with a rich, smoky note that lingers on your palate. To preserve the freshness and aroma, each pack of bak kwa is vacuum-sealed, making it an ideal choice for online delivery and gifting.
Their Hejia Premium Minced Pork and Chicken Jerky is a culinary masterpiece. The secret behind its enduring popularity is a magic marinade sauce, a guarded family recipe that has been passed down through generations. This secret sauce is what makes each bite a memorable experience, and has patrons coming back for more.
Adding to their mouthwatering menu is the Premium Grilled Pork Bak Kwa. Each piece promises a tantalising blend of juiciness and tenderness, making every bite a treat for your senses. This Chinese New Year, give your celebrations a dose of tradition and taste with their bak kwa.
Ban Lee Heong
Ban Lee Heong is a renowned bak kwa brand hailing from Ipoh, with over 40 years of expertise under their belt. The brand’s unique taste is a testament to the founder’s dedication to quality and tradition. Each piece of bak kwa is handcrafted using fresh meats, with a special emphasis on its colour, fragrance, and taste. Part of their signature style includes a distinctive charcoal aroma, achieved through their traditional cooking methods. This characteristic scent has helped establish Ban Lee Heong as a favourite choice for bak kwa in Ipoh.
Ban Lee Heong @ Taman Jubilee
Address: 48, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
Operating hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: +605 254 1486
Tuck Kee
A humble beginning marked the start of Tuck Kee, founded in 1979 by Mr. Chong. Before establishing his own bak kwa brand, Mr. Chong was a trader at Penang’s Chowrasta Market. He prepared the meat at his home and later sold it at the market, initially to his family and friends. His bak kwa quickly gained popularity, leading his siblings to help him set up the shop that stands today on Jalan Kuala Kangsar.
One of their standout items is the Gold Coin Dried Meat. The center of the coin gives off a taste reminiscent of Chinese wine, while the base meat offers a delicate taste of juicy pork that is sure to delight your palate.
Tuck Kee @ Kuala Kangsar
Address: 39, Jalan Kuala Kangsar 10100 George Town, Penang
Operating hours: 8 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +604 2628726
3191 Massisco BBQ Meat
3191 Massisco BBQ Meat is renowned for its quality assurance. The chef takes a hands-on approach by seasoning the pork belly himself. This ensures the meat maintains its high quality throughout the cooking process. The aroma of charcoal immediately entices your taste buds, resulting in a delightful taste sensation. This is owed to the perfect ratio of oil to meat in each piece.
Address: No.28, Jalan Hulubalang 1, Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, 81300 Skudai, Johor
Operating hours: 9 AM – 8 PM
Contact: +6010 914 1319
Penang Bang Bang
Hailing from the sunny island of Penang, Penang Bang Bang is a relative newcomer in the bak kwa scene. Despite only having a few years under its belt, it has already made a significant impact, selling thousands of vacuum-packed dried meats each year. Their classic pork bak kwa is a must-try, and if you’re looking for a quick, satisfying bite, don’t miss out on their coin-shaped bak kwa. If you’re eager to see if their bak kwa lives up to the hype, place an order and taste the sensation for yourself.
(Hero and feature images credit: Instagram/ @oloiya)
Melissa Foong
Senior Digital Writer, Entertainment and Dining
Born and raised in the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur, Melissa loves writing all things entertainment, music and dining-related. She has written for BURO 24/7 and Augustman, and when she's not busy chasing deadlines, you can find her tucked in a blanket rereading her favourite series of fantasy novels, Harry Potter.
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