189 Bamboo Charcoal Heong Peah
A modern twist on one of Perak’s most beloved traditional pastries, 189 Bamboo Charcoal Heong Peah combines the familiar flaky, sweet character of classic Heong Peah with the distinctive appearance of bamboo charcoal pastry.
Its dramatic dark exterior immediately sets it apart, but underneath that contemporary look is the comforting character that makes Heong Peah so special — flaky layers surrounding a rich, sweet and aromatic centre.
It’s a wonderful choice for anyone who loves traditional Malaysian pastries but enjoys discovering something a little different.
What Is Heong Peah?
Heong Peah (香饼) translates roughly as “fragrant biscuit” or “fragrant pastry.”
This traditional Chinese-Malaysian pastry is particularly associated with Ipoh and the Kinta Valley of Perak, where generations of biscuit makers have produced their own versions.
Classic Heong Peah is known for the contrast between its delicate, flaky pastry and sticky, caramel-like filling, traditionally associated with ingredients such as maltose and shallot.
Fresh from the oven, the combination of toasted pastry and sweet filling produces the wonderful fragrance behind the name Heong Peah.
From Traditional Ovens to a Malaysian Favourite
The story of Heong Peah is closely connected with the traditional Chinese communities of Perak.
Earlier generations of bakers developed distinctive methods of baking these pastries, including the use of charcoal-fired ovens. The intense heat helped create the crisp, flaky exterior and beautifully toasted aroma associated with traditional Heong Peah.
As Ipoh and the surrounding Kinta Valley grew during Perak’s tin-mining era, local bakeries and food traditions flourished.
Eventually, Heong Peah became one of the region’s signature treats — something visitors would buy by the box and bring home for family and friends.
For many Malaysians, it remains closely associated with road trips through Perak, visits to Ipoh and old-fashioned neighbourhood biscuit shops.
Tradition with a Modern Twist
189 Bamboo Charcoal Heong Peah takes this familiar pastry in a more contemporary direction.
Bamboo charcoal gives the pastry its distinctive deep charcoal-black appearance, creating a striking contrast with the traditional-style filling inside.
It’s an example of how Malaysian food traditions continue to evolve — preserving the character of a familiar favourite while introducing new flavours, ingredients and presentation for a new generation.
And when you break one open, you still get that satisfying experience Heong Peah lovers look for: flaky pastry on the outside and a rich, sweet centre within.
Best Enjoyed with a Malaysian Drink
☕ Ipoh White Coffee – A natural pairing that brings two Perak favourites together.
☕ Malaysian Kopi – Bold roasted coffee balances the sweetness of the pastry.
🍵 Chinese Tea – Oolong, pu-erh or your favourite hot tea pairs beautifully with rich traditional pastries.
🫖 Teh O – Simple and comforting for a Malaysian-style afternoon tea.
A Little Taste of Perak
Heong Peah is one of those foods that carries memories with it.
For some, it recalls childhood visits to relatives. For others, it’s stopping at a biscuit shop on the way through Ipoh and leaving with several bags to distribute to family when they get home.
189 Bamboo Charcoal Heong Peah brings a contemporary look to that nostalgic experience while keeping the spirit of this much-loved Perak pastry alive.
Why You’ll Love It
⚫ Distinctive Bamboo Charcoal Pastry
🥮 A Modern Twist on Traditional Heong Peah
✨ Flaky Outside with a Rich, Sweet Centre
🏮 Inspired by Perak’s Traditional Biscuit Culture
☕ Perfect with Ipoh White Coffee, Kopi or Tea
🎁 Unique for Sharing & Gifting
🇲🇾 Tradition with a Contemporary Malaysian Twist
With its striking dark pastry and familiar Heong Peah character, 189 Bamboo Charcoal Heong Peah brings together the old and the new — a modern interpretation of a pastry that has been enjoyed in Malaysia for generations.
