For all the contemporary and fusion desserts vying for attention, the traditional local ice-cold dessert of cendol still prevails even today. There’s something about the simplicity of cendol. A heap of shaved ice combines with Gula Melaka syrup, green cendol strands, red beans and coconut milk — all the usual must-have staple ingredients in a single metal or plastic bowl. So, if you are looking to enjoy a bowl, cool down at one of these 6 cendol spots in the Klang Valley area.
1) Kento Cafe
This little shop at Prima Setapak may have been famous for its can’t-miss Signature Yam Shaved Ice. But their cendol is just as good — smooth-tasting shaved ice drizzled with the caramel goodness of Gula Melaka syrup, creamy coconut milk and cendol strands. Each bowl comes with a generous serving of red beans. The good thing about their cendol? Not too sweet but just subtle enough that strikes the right balance of sweetness and milkiness. Do note that Kento Cafe only has limited seating and it’s especially so during lunch hour.
Address: No 12, Jalan Prima Setapak 3, Taman Setapak, 53000 Kuala Lumpur.
2) Makan Time
Kota Damansara is home to many good foods and… desserts too! And if you are looking for the latter, Makan Time is worth visiting for its best-selling cendol. So, what’s the big deal about their traditional local dessert anyway? The answer lies in the owner’s insistence on cooking the cendol strands in-house using the best-selected pandan leaves available. The result? Thick, yet soft fragrant pandan cendol strands that complement well with the Gula Melaka-laced shaved ice and fresh coconut milk. A friendly reminder, though: Their homemade cendol is only available in limited quantities so it’s highly advisable to WhatsApp beforehand at 013-323 9366 to avoid disappointment.
Address: E-43A-G, Jalan Teknologi 3/9, Bistari de Kota, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
3) Auntie Ling’s Nyonya Cendol
The Medan Selera Wawasan food court at SS3 PJ houses varieties of local foods, namely nasi lemak and char kuey teow. Then, there’s the stall called Auntie Ling’s Nyonya Cendol. And as the name suggests, the place is famous for its Nyonya-style cendol — thick, sweet and milky old-school dessert rich with santan goodness and Gula Melaka syrup. Not to mention a combination of cendol jellies and red beans that go well with the rest of the ingredients. Do note that Auntie Ling’s Nyonya Cendol doesn’t operate on Mondays.
Address: Medan Selera Wawasan, 1, Jalan SS 3/33, Taman Universiti, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
4) Sistars Kitchen
Once upon a time, Happy Mansion used to house the famous Kwong Wah Ice Kacang. While the latter has since moved to a current location in Seksyen 17, Sistars Kitchen took over the lot instead. And guess what? They also sell cendol here. Not just any mundane-tasting cendol but a bowl of shaved-ice goodness with the right balance of Gula Melaka syrup, smooth green cendol jellies and red beans toppings. The entire combo, coupled with the subtle richness of coconut milk doesn’t overpower each other, making it an easygoing melt-in-the-mouth dessert in every spoonful.
Address: CG5, Happy Mansion, Block C, Jalan 17/13, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
5) Penang Road’s Famous Chendol @ Malaysia Boleh! Food Court
The Malaysia Boleh! Food Court has been around for quite some time. And believe it or not, who could have thought there are reasonably-priced foods in the midst of the KLCC area? Or more specifically, on the lower ground floor of Shoppes at Four Seasons Place, which is located a few walking distances next to the iconic shopping mall. The food court houses a stall that sells cendol. Each bowl comes with the usual serving of shaving ice, Gula Melaka syrup, red beans and coconut milk. Mix everything together and what you’ll have here is an old-school sweet enjoyment if you are looking for something simple while visiting the KLCC area.
Address: B1-01B, Shoppes at Four Seasons Place, 145, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.
6) Cendol Station
Whether you live nearby or happen to be around the Cyberjaya area, here is where you can enjoy a bowl of good old cendol. Cendol Station has been operating since 1999, offering familiar comfort foods ranging from rojak to cendol. The latter has different versions you can try here, covering the usual variety to pulut (glutinous rice) or topped with a scoop of ice cream. The usual cendol is what you would expect here: a simple, no-frills dessert of shaved ice, cendol strands, coconut milk and red beans mixed all together. At the time of writing, Cendol Station currently operates from Monday to Saturday from 12 pm to 10 pm.
Address: Prima 4, Prima Avenue, Block 3513, Jalan Teknorat 5, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor.
