There is something inherently comforting about food that tells a story, especially when that story is tied to tradition, family and a spark of entrepreneurial spirit. Among the growing number of homegrown brands making their mark in Brunei, one has emerged not only with a unique product but with a narrative rooted in legacy – Heritage Bakwa.
Founded by Ryan, a young entrepreneur with an unlikely origin story for a food manufacturer, Heritage Bakwa positions itself as Brunei’s first premium bakwa producer. At its core, the brand is a tribute, focused not on trends, but on sharing tradition in a way that suits today’s customers.
For those unfamiliar, bakwa is a sweet and savoury dried meat snack with deep roots in Chinese cuisine, often associated with festive seasons and family gatherings. But Heritage Bakwa is not peddling nostalgia alone; it is crafting something distinct: chicken bakwa, done with intention and elevated with premium flavours. The brand launched its operations in January 2024, though it was technically established a year prior, highlighting a period of careful planning, experimentation and quiet commitment behind the scenes.
What sets this venture apart is not just the product lineup, which includes Classic, Sichuan Pepper, Citrus (a seasonal offering), and the latest addition, Honey Garlic. It is the intent behind the business.
Ryan’s entrepreneurial journey did not begin with marinated meats and spice blends, but with sneakers. At just 14, he got his start in business, and by 16, had already opened a store dubbed ‘27supplyco’, a shop he still co-owns that focuses on retailing branded shoes. But moving from retail into food was a different kind of challenge. It was not just about knowing what people like; it meant learning how to make the product, ensure quality, and handle everything behind the scenes. It was, by all accounts, a steep learning curve.
Ryan faced a steep learning curve moving into manufacturing, a world quite different from selling shoes. He had to familiarise himself with sourcing, hygiene standards, packaging, scaling and logistics. It was not just a new industry; it required a new way of thinking. Though challenging at times, he has approached the learning process with steady determination.
Heritage Bakwa began as a home-based experiment, a “trial run,” in Ryan’s words, to see whether there was a real appetite for the kind of bakwa his family had always enjoyed privately.
The recipe comes from his mother, who often prepared a variety of Chinese dishes at home. Her bakwa was one of those special homemade items the family enjoyed over the years, but it was never sold commercially. It stayed within the household, something familiar and quietly passed around, until Ryan decided it was time to share it with a wider audience.
In many ways, Heritage Bakwa is not just a business venture, it is an act of preservation, a tribute to a mother’s craft and a continuation of a family tradition. By turning that tradition into a brand, Ryan is not just selling food; he’s sharing a part of his upbringing.
Customers can currently order products online via the brand’s website, heritagebakwa.com. Heritage Bakwa also maintains profiles on Instagram and TikTok, under @heritagebakwa, where it shares promotions, updates, and promotional videos.
While the business remains fully online for now, plans are underway to open a physical showroom, likely in the Menglait area. This is an ambitious step that reflects the brand’s gradual evolution, moving from a home kitchen to a central kitchen and now toward a showroom.
Scaling up has brought its share of challenges. Moving into a larger space meant adjusting production processes, upgrading equipment, and maintaining quality standards. It hasn’t always been straightforward, but Ryan sees these obstacles as part of the natural process of growing a business.
What makes Heritage Bakwa stand out is not just the quality of its products or the business behind it. It offers premium food inspired by tradition, bringing a personal touch to the local market. Heritage Bakwa is quietly showing what local craftsmanship can look like, thoughtful, grounded, and closely connected to its roots.
As the business grows, it invites customers not just to enjoy the taste but to connect with its story; a young entrepreneur moving from retail to food manufacturing, a family recipe brought from home to commercial kitchen, and a brand that honours tradition while adapting to today’s market.
Having been in operation for over a year, Heritage Bakwa continues to find its footing. What’s clear is that the brand adds a distinct voice to Brunei’s food offerings, reflecting both heritage and the practical realities of building a local business today.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
