Chinese people are huge fans of pastries and baked goods. With the rich history and culture of the Chinese migration in the 1900s, it has resulted in the fusion of local flavours with the Chinese recipes. Chinese confectioneries usually are made using traditional baking methods while incorporating locally sourced ingredients.
Malaysian-made Chinese confectionery is unique in its own way, but the food never stops evolving into new products. Here are the top 10 confectionery bakeries that earned their spot to be the big names in Malaysia’s baking industry.
1. TK Bakery in Petaling Street
When it comes to egg tarts, almost all Selangor locals will mention TK Bakery. Established in 1935, TK Bakery has become a local favourite in Selangor. With the growth of many branches, TK Bakery stays relevant by producing innovative confectioneries and even offers online pre-order services. Lao po bing (sweetheart cake), mini buns, kaya puffs, purple yam pastry, butter rolls are some of their popular choices too!
Address: 8-10, Lorong Brunei 3, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Phone: 603-2141 1126
Operating hours: 6am-6pm (Closed on Sundays)
2. Ching Han Guan Biscuits in Ipoh
Ching Han Guan is one of the most famous traditional snack shops in Ipoh. The shop’s atmosphere and the taste of its pastries will give you a sense of nostalgia. The pastries and confectioneries are Teo-Chew style, with the Meat Floss Lotus Paste Biscuit as its bestseller. The two unlikely ingredients surprisingly create a perfect combination. It is recommended to pre-order the biscuits at least 2 days in advance because they are always sold out.
Address: 145, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, Ipoh, Perak.
Phone: 05-2545126
Operating hours: 9am-6:30pm (Closed on Sundays)
3. Sin Eng Heong Biscuit in Ipoh
Sin Eng Heong Biscuit is yet another competitor in the traditional confectionery market in Ipoh and has earned its spot due to its famous Kaya puffs. The kaya puffs are specially hand-crafted and baked by its owner every day to maintain its freshness.
The puff’s outer layer and paste ratio are just right. The biscuits are crispy on the outside and are not too sweet on the inside. Heong Peah (sweet cake) is yet another great pastry from Sin Eng Heong Biscuit that is worth a try.
Address: 64-66, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri, Jalan Clare, 30300 Ipoh, Perak.
Phone: 05-2439659
Operating hours: 10:30am-7:30pm
4. Tong Huat Confectionery in Kluang
Tong Huat Confectionery is one of the two most nationally recognised bakeries in Kluang. The Tao Sah Piah (savoury bean paste cake) is so delicious, even Singaporeans flock over for a taste. The Tao Sah Piah is entirely handmade and does not contain preservatives. The combination of crispy biscuit crust and rich savoury green bean paste, makes it earn good reviews from customers. Try it, and you will crave for more!
Address: 28, Jalan Cantik, 86000 Kluang, Johor. (Beside Sin Ming Kee Restaurant)
Phone: 077714616
Operating hours: Morning till evening
5. Yuen Fatt Biscuit Sdn Bhd in Kluang
Competing with Tong Huat, Yuen Fatt Biscuit is another famous traditional confectionery shop in Kluang. Those who have not heard of Yuen Fatt Biscuit will most definitely know Kluang Shanghai mooncake, which is where it originated! Over the years, Yuen Fatt Biscuit still maintains its tradition of baking everything by hand each day. Have a taste of the Shanghai mooncake while you’re there, it’s available all-year-round!
Address: No 39, Jalan Haji Manap Nordin, Kluang Baru, 86000 Kluang, Johor.
Phone: +607-773 7107/ +6012-715 8287
Operating hours: 9am-8pm
6. Ban Heang
Ban Heang is a place to visit in Penang to buy the best local tid-bits and gifts. Their Tambun biscuit is their best seller, especially the red-bean flavoured ones. The biscuit has a crispy layer with strong sesame scent and red-bean paste that is smooth, rich and yet not too sweet.
Can you believe a biscuit can taste that elegant? As opposed to other traditional confectionery shops, Ban Heang has modernised its operation and has expanded to many outlets. But don’t be sceptical about the quality of the other branches as each shop are regularly QC-ed to ensure that their products are as delicious as the flagship store.
Address: 200, Macaliater Road, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone: +604- 229 5018
Operating hours: 9am-9pm
7. Ghee Hiang in Penang
Ghee Hiang is one of the most well-known bakeries in Penang with a long history tracing back to the year 1856. Their Tao Sah Piah is so popular that news of it travels beyond Malaysia. It is especially crowded during the weekends and holiday season, with many tourists flocking to Ghee Hiang just for a taste.
Their Tao Sah Piah is layered with a fragrant crispy outer layer, filled with bean paste that is rich and filling but not too greasy. A great delight for afternoon tea. Sesame Heong Peah is also highly recommended!
Address: 95, Beach Street, 10300 Penang
Phone: +604- 262 0635
Operating hours: 9am-6pm
8. Sin Guan Hoe Biscuit in Teluk Intan
Without a doubt, Sin Guan Hoe Biscuit stands out among the many confectionery and tid-bits shop in Teluk Intan. Their crispy Heong Peah that is surprisingly soft to bite into has a stringy filling that is not too sweet that it is overpowering. Most importantly, freshness is key as their Heong Peahs are all made on the spot.
Address: Kedai Biskut Sin Guan Hoe, 23, Jalan Pasir Bendamar, 36000 Teluk Intan, Perak.
Phone: 05- 6215094
9. Sin Joo Heong Confectionery
Many may not be familiar with the name “Sin Joo Heong Confectionery”, but almost everyone will recognise the “Tiger Head Heong Peah” from Teluk Intan. This traditional Teluk Intan confectionery shop is so successful that it has branches all over Malaysia.
Its speciality has got to be their sesame heong peah. You definitely will not miss the sight of pink packaging with the orange tiger head as their label. It has managed to maintain its quality over the years, creating great nostalgic flavours that will surely remind you of your childhood!
Address: No. 830-D, Jalan Mak Intan, 36000 Teluk Intan, Perak
Phone: 05-6222472
10. Lau Zi Ho Enterprise in Sungai Petani
The shop’s name directly reflects its establishment and legacy as it is one of the best traditional bakeries in Sungai Petani. With over 50 years of business, their biscuits such as Tao Sah Piah, sweetheart cake and many others are handmade. Their best seller, Tao Sah Piah tastes rich but not too filling, fragrant and not too sweet, which will make you crave for more!
Address: 746, Jalan Kuala Ketil, 08000, Sungai Petani, Kedah.
Phone: +604- 423 3266
Operating hours: 8:30am-8:30pm