Ipoh Iconic Pastries

 Ipoh - Ipoh is famous not just for its white coffee and heritage streets, but also for its iconic traditional biscuits. These pastries reflect the city’s multicultural history and deep roots in Chinese baking traditions, making them must-buy souvenirs for visitors.

Heong Peah – the Fragrant Biscuit

Heong peah (香餅), meaning “fragrant biscuit” in Cantonese or Hokkien, is perhaps Ipoh’s most recognised pastry. Although it originated in Teluk Intan over a century ago, the biscuit became widely popular across Perak, especially in Ipoh. Its roots trace back to Fujian province in China, brought over by early Chinese immigrants.

Traditionally baked in charcoal ovens, heong peah has a slightly crisp exterior with a flaky, layered crust. Inside, it contains a molten, sticky filling made from maltose, shallots, and brown sugar. When eaten warm, the filling becomes soft and aromatic, living up to its name as the “fragrant biscuit.”

Ipoh Kaya Puffs

Another beloved Ipoh delicacy is the kaya puff. Known for its ultra-flaky pastry and rich brown coconut jam filling, this snack is a local favourite often paired with coffee. The pastry likely evolved from traditional Cantonese techniques and early 20th-century bakery innovations.

Many versions use a lard-based crust, giving the puff its signature crisp texture and rich aroma. One of the most famous places to buy them is Sin Eng Heong, established in 1961, where long queues form daily for freshly baked batches.

Pineapple Pastries

Ipoh’s pineapple pastries are another classic treat. Unlike the typical rolled pineapple tarts found elsewhere in Malaysia, Ipoh’s version often comes in a flaky, pie-style form. Brands like Yee Hup are especially known for this style, which features buttery layers surrounding sweet, tangy pineapple jam.

These pastries are a local adaptation of traditional pineapple tarts, shaped by Ipoh’s bakery culture and strong coffeehouse traditions.

Ham Tan Soh – Salted Egg Pastry

Ham tan soh, or salted egg pastry, is another iconic Ipoh biscuit. Inspired by traditional Chinese pastry techniques, it features a flaky, layered crust filled with lotus paste, savoury meat floss, and a rich salted egg yolk at the centre.

One of the most well-known places to try this pastry is Ming Yue, a well known establishment that continues to produce traditional baked goods using time-honoured methods.

From the sticky sweetness of heong peah to the flaky richness of kaya puffs and salted egg pastries, Ipoh’s biscuits capture the city’s heritage in every bite. They are more than just snacks—they are edible memories of Ipoh’s history, culture, and coffeehouse traditions.

Ipoh Peanut Candy – A Crunchy Local Classic

Ipoh’s iconic peanut candy is a simple yet irresistible treat made from roasted peanuts bound together with caramelised sugar. Known for its light, crisp texture and nutty aroma, the candy offers a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. One of the most famous places to buy it is Sin Weng Fai Peanut Candy Shop, a long-established family business in Ipoh Old Town. 

The shop is well known for making the candy fresh in small batches, often displayed in large slabs before being cut into bite-sized pieces. Many visitors stop by to watch the preparation and bring home a box as a nostalgic souvenir from Ipoh.  There was a long queue forming after a man ordered 30 packets of this famous peanut candy.