Bakhoor (Arabic: بخور, also spelled bukhoor or bukhor) is traditional Arabian incense: wood chips or moulded cones soaked in fragrant oils such as oud, rose, musk and amber. When gently heated, bakhoor releases a rich scented smoke used to perfume homes, clothing and gatherings.
Where does bakhoor come from?
Bakhoor has been part of Arabian hospitality for centuries. Across the Gulf, hosts pass a mabkhara (incense burner) among guests as a sign of welcome and honour. The tradition travelled with trade and faith across the Indian Ocean, and today bakhoor is loved in Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore — burned before Friday prayers, during Ramadan and Raya, at weddings, and simply to make a home smell wonderful.
What is bakhoor made of?
Traditional bakhoor starts with wood — often agarwood (oud/gaharu) or other absorbent chips — blended and soaked with perfume oils: rose, saffron, amber, musk, vanilla and oud oil. Every house has its own secret blend, which is why two bakhoors with the same name can smell completely different.
Chips or cones — which bakhoor is right for you?
Chips (traditional): burned on hot charcoal in a mabkhara. The richest, most authentic experience, ideal for majlis and special occasions. Explore EZMA OUD premium oud chips.
Self-igniting cones (modern): no charcoal needed — light the tip and enjoy. Perfect for daily use, apartments and beginners. Browse the BAKHOOR HARAMI cones collection.
How do I use bakhoor?
Place a chip on glowing charcoal, or light a self-igniting cone on a heatproof dish. One piece scents a whole room for hours. Burn in a well-ventilated room with a window slightly open. For the full step-by-step method, common mistakes and storage tips, read the complete guide: How to Burn Bakhoor at Home.
Frequently asked questions
Is bakhoor the same as incense sticks?
No. Incense sticks are thin bamboo sticks coated with a scented paste: you light the tip, blow out the flame, and the stick smoulders on its own. Bakhoor is chunks or cones of oil-soaked wood that smoulder over a separate heat source or from a built-in base, producing a deeper and longer-lingering fragrance.
What does bakhoor smell like?
It depends on the blend: oud-forward bakhoor is warm, woody and smoky; rose blends are soft and romantic; musk blends are clean and fresh. Start with the scent family you already enjoy in perfume, or explore the full bakhoor collection to compare.
Ready to try it? Shop EZMA OUD bakhoor — free shipping on orders of 2 items or more, with a 7-day Love It or Return It guarantee.
