Bak Kwa, Kuala Lumpur
| Address | Available at specialty shops in Chinatown and shopping malls |
|---|---|
| Hours | Varies by shop; check hours before visiting |
| Closed | No closed days |
| Halal status | Non-halal |
| Verified | Verified October 2026 |
About Bak Kwa
Bak kwa is a Chinese-style dried meat jerky โ thin slices of pork or chicken marinated in a sweet, smoky glaze, then grilled until caramelised at the edges. The result is a savoury-sweet snack with a slightly chewy texture that has been a staple of Chinese New Year gifting in Malaysia for generations. Pork bak kwa is the traditional version; chicken bak kwa serves as a halal-friendly alternative at some shops.
Bak kwa is sold by weight at specialty shops; established shops charge from about RM48 for 300 g of sliced pork, with prices rising before Chinese New Year. Chinatown (Petaling Street area) has several established shops, and mall-based chains like Bee Cheng Hiang carry vacuum-sealed versions. The shelf life is short โ one to two weeks unrefrigerated โ so buy it near the end of your trip. Check your destination country's meat import regulations before purchasing, as some countries restrict dried meat at customs. Pork bak kwa is non-halal.
Location
Photos
Visitor Reviews
-
โ โ โ โ โSeptember 2026
Bought 500g of sliced pork bak kwa from a shop in Petaling Street for RM30. The charcoal-grilled flavour was smoky and slightly sweet, much better than the factory-made versions. Vacuum-sealed packaging kept it fresh for the flight home. Perfect savoury souvenir.
-
โ โ โ โ โAugust 2026
The minced pork variety at RM28 per 500g was our favourite. Thinner and crispier than the sliced version. The shop in Mid Valley Megamall let us sample before buying. Shelf life is about two weeks unrefrigerated or three months frozen. Bought 1kg for gifts.
-
โ โ โ โ โJuly 2026
The chicken bak kwa option at RM25 per 500g is great for friends who do not eat pork. Found it at a specialty store in Chinatown. The flavour is milder but the honey glaze makes it addictive. They offer gift boxes with mixed varieties for around RM55.
-
โ โ โ โโMay 2026
Prices vary wildly between shops. Paid RM45 for 500g at a tourist-area store when the same quality was RM28 two streets away. The product itself is delicious, smoky and chewy with a sweet soy marinade. Check prices at a few shops before committing. Look for freshly grilled batches.
-
โ โ โ โ โMarch 2026
Bought the spicy chilli bak kwa at RM32 per 500g from a Chinatown shop and it had a genuine kick. The vacuum packing means it travels well. Be aware some countries restrict meat imports so check your home customs rules. The durian-flavoured variety at RM38 was surprisingly good.
Reviews sourced from Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bak Kwa's opening hours?
Hours vary by shop. Most Chinatown bak kwa shops around Petaling Street open daily from morning; check hours before visiting.