Compilation of Malaysian Cendol

What would be a better thing to do than devouring a large bowl of Cendol on a scalding hot day?Well, for the uninitiated, Cendol is a popular dessert in South East Asia and it is typically comprised of shaved ice, santan (coconut milk), green jelly noodles (worm-like swollen jelly), gula melaka (palm sugar) as well as azuki beans (small red beans) or Kidney beans. Residing in this hot pot of Malaysia, Cendol has become another necessity for the dwellers besides air-con. This phenomenon is clearly manifested by looking at how people flock to "Cendol shops" day after day as if their craving for Cendol never cease to exist. Spurred on by this "golden" opportunity, multitudes of eateries bring in ice-shaving machines to start their Cendol business while some vend it by the roadside, creating inspiring stories of success.As an avid Cendol lover, I would never hesitate to order the dessert whenever it is available in any places. Throughout the years, I have had a great deal of Cendol in my tummy and therefore I decided to compile some of them which I think is worth mentioning.

Disclaimer: The sequence has no association with the ranking.

1) Teochew Chendul

First established in 1936 at Penang road, it is of no doubt one of the longest sustaining cendol vendors which later become renowned amongst Malaysians. They have a lot of outlets in Peninsula Malaysia and have won praises from the customers not only for the Cendol itself, but also their Asam Laksa.

What makes their Cendol unique is most probably the addition of salt into their coconut milk. Well, some people find it very palatable with the saltiness, but some do not. I have no problem with the salty taste as it certainly is a good change from the usual Cendol. However, the price doesn't come cheap, it costs RM6.30 for the original including GST. Apart from the original Cendol, they also offer Durian Cendol which I do not think it is anything to shout about.

2) PappaRich

As a Malaysian franchise eatery which offers a wide variety of prominent local delights, Cendol of course is available on their menu. It does not really sweep me off my feet, but I reckon that it is still worth mentioning if compared with many other Cendol out there which is a downright disappointment.

3) Big Nyonya Restaurant, Melaka 

Located in the bustling area of Jalan Merdeka, this restaurant offers you a very authentic Nyonya style Cendol. I was somehow amazed by how nice the Cendol tasted after a dubious mouthful, and finished it in no time.The coconut milk was so fresh which I could essentially sense it with my nose. Nevertheless, the serving was very small. Well, it doesn't matter as long as it is nice right? After all, quality precedes quantity.

   
4) Jonker 88, Melaka

Simply by looking at the long queue, you can tell how famous the place is. For decades, it has been the rendezvous for Asam Laksa and Cendol lovers. Finding a vacant seat would always be a hassle, and it is no surprise that you might need to share a small table with strangers.

I have to say that I do not like the Cendol served there as I find the taste of their palm sugar a bit peculiar, and the coconut milk is not up to par. Well, it's merely my own stance, so you can disagree with me.

5) Street Vendor near SJK(c) Yuk Chai Taman Megah, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Run by an Indian proprietor, this Cendol place is mainly patronised by the students in the vicinity. Business is brisk especially on a hot sunny day. Unlike some of the places out there, they use very fresh coconut milk which helps them to stand out from the others, and I like their Cendol with glutinous rice very much. Do note that you might need to collect your order by your own as they seem to have not enough manpower.

The rice indeed gives a pleasant texture to the dessert. Not to mention that they too serve Indian Rojak (Vegetable fritters, boiled potato, yellow noodles, cucumbers, fried tofu, turnips with peanut gravy) which is something that goes well with the Cendol.

6) Madam Kwan's

Prized at about Rm10 per bowl (including GST) , the quality of the Cendol here is strictly ensured to not being compromised. The crucial ingredient, green jelly noodle has a very strong aroma of pandan leaves, and it indeed brings the overall taste of the dessert to a whole new level. Not to mention that the palm sugar used here is very nice as well.  

7) Golden Delight Rojak and Cold Drinks Centre, Miri, Sarawak 

AHAA! This is a very popular dessert shop in Miri, located in the proximity of Mega Hotel. Well, you must check this place out should you happen to be in the city. The place is jam-packed most of the time, rendering the atmosphere sultry.

One thing I must compliment about the Cendol here is the green jelly noodle (or what we call jendol in Malay) which has a chewy texture. HMMM.. I will talk more on this later. 


8) Ah Yeo Ais Kacang @ Jubilee Ground Hawker Centre, Kuching, Sarawak

Best thing comes last! THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST CENDOL I HAVE EVER HAD! By the way, what makes it so special?

Well, the green jelly noodle has a pleasant chewy texture just like what they serve at Golden Delight in Miri. As a matter of fact, most of the places that serve Cendol do not have that chewy texture in the jelly. It actually surprised me a lot when I first tried it last year because all the while I thought that the green stuff is tough in nature. I was wondering why the chewy texture so I asked the proprietor, a very cheerful man, and he told me that the green jelly must not be refrigerated to retain its chewiness. Apart from the jelly, the coconut milk is somewhat mild if compared with the one at Teochew Cendol, but it is very thirst-quenching. Never miss out this place if you ever visit Kuching!