Nothing, and I mean nothing, beats a fresh bowl of cendol on a hot, sunny day. I don’t have to write about the virtues and amazingness of cendol, because if you’re a Malaysian, you’ll already know. And I’m sure that we all have our go-to places to get that classic shaved ice, coconut milk, gula Melaka syrup, and pandan jelly combo, but it wouldn’t hurt to try out somewhere new! Who knows, you might find your new favourite cendol spot!
Ah Keong ABC & Cendol, Brickfields
This is one of the most popular cendol stalls in the city, and a taste of their signature bowl instantly explains why. Their thick, creamy santan sets them apart from the rest, as well as the juicy green jellies and succulently sweet palm sugar syrup. The fact that this stall has been around for more than a decade just goes to show that good food will out! Don’t be surprised to see long queues for their delicious desserts!
Address: Opposite YMCA, Beside 7 Eleven, Along Jalan Padang Belia, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: 10am – 7pm daily
Nyonya Cendol Café, Summit Subang USJ
Touted as one of the best cendols in town, Nyonya Cendol Café’s specialty dish is carefully prepared using ingredients made by hand everyday. Creamy coconut milk, paired with extra thick and juicy pandan worms, are what brings the thirsty crowds to their doors everyday. And seeing as the café is located in a mall, it’s much easier to get to than roadside stalls!
Address: LGX (25) The Summit USJ, Persiaran Kewajipan USJ 1, 47600, UEP Subang Jaya
Hours: 10am – 10pm daily
Tel: 03-8081 1118
Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul
Originating from the streets of Penang, this modest roadside stall has come a long way from its days by the road. They now have outlets in loads of major shopping malls in multiple cities, including in seven malls in Selangor and 4 in KL! This just goes to show the extent of their success, and also how good their cendol must be. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out their durian cendol or even their white coffee cendol!
Available at several outlets nationwide.
Website: http://chendul.my
Cendol Sulaiman, Pudu
If you’re a fan of cendol at all, you have to try Sulaiman’s cendol in Pudu. Many have called it the ‘perfect’ cendol, and it’s easy to see why. All individual components of the cendol come together in perfect balance, with just enough and not too much of everything. The slight saltiness to the santan gives Sulaiman’s cendol just a little something that will have you ordering another bowl (and maybe even another). Customise with creamed corn, glutinous rice, or kidney beans if you like, but original is always best.
Address: In front of Restoran MSS Maju, Off Jalan Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Hours: 8.30am to 5pm daily
Cendol Pak Akob, Shah Alam
Well-known among residents of Shah Alam as a great place to quench their thirst during an especially warm day, Pak Akob’s cendol still attracts large crowds even years after they’ve parked their stall there. And not only do they have your typical cendol, they also serve cendol pulut, cendol kacang, and even cendol tapai (fermented rice) if that’s up your alley. There aren’t a lot of places to sit and enjoy your delicious icy treat, so you might have to resort to sitting at the bus stop next to the stall!
Address: Persiaran Selangor, Section 16, 40000 Shah Alam
Hours: Noon-6pm daily
Tel: 014-239 3125
Gerai Minum Weng Kee, PJ
Unlike most other cendol places that serve their sweet dessert in bowls or plastic bags, Weng Kee piles up their shaved ice combination in tall glasses, so it creates pretty layers that almost look like an ice cream float! Not only is it visually appealing, Weng Kee’s cendol has garnered them tons of fans who won’t go anywhere else for their cendol fix. The secret to their amazing cendol? Hand-roasted red beans that are plopped in the bottom of your cups. Definite must-try!
Address: Stall 46, Medan Selera Petaling Jaya Old Town, Jalan Othman, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Hours: 9am-9pm daily
Aunty Foong Café, Kepong
Cendol made with a little bit of extra love and care tend to taste the best, don’t you think? You can find exactly that at Aunty Foong’s, with silken shaved ice, hand-selected gula Melaka for their rich, homemade syrup, and specially chosen pandan-infused jellies that are perfectly chewy and plump, without being mushy. You can immediately tell the difference between thoughtfully-made cendol like this one and regular cendol. Don’t just take my word for it, go and try it yourself!
Address: 3 Jalan 5/62a, Bandar Menjalara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: 6.30am-3pm daily
Best Cendol SS15, Subang Jaya
If you’re living in Subang, you must already know about this famous stall in SS15. Actually, even if you don’t live in Subang you’ve probably heard about it too (seeing as it’s been around for over two decades). Unlike a lot of other places, this stall only sells two kinds of cendol, regular cendol and cendol pulut (glutinous rice), but they do it oh-so-well. Loads and loads of people have crowned this the best cendol in Klang Valley, and because of that be prepared to brave long lines for your bowl!
Address: Along Jalan SS 15/3B, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Hours: 12pm-7pm daily
Straits Food Company, Bangsar
This Nyonya kopitiam perfectly symbolizes ‘when old meets new’, for even though they’ve only been open for about 2 years, they emit a retro vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Their one and only dessert on the menu is cendol, but that’s enough to tide over us Malaysians, right? Creamy and well-balanced, their cendol isn’t overly sweet, which is what many people have applauded them for. Try it out for yourself!
Address: 2, Jalan Abdullah, Off Jalan Bangsar, Bangsar Utama, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Hours: 10am-10pm daily
Tel: 03-2202 0038
Cendol Durian Borhan, Gombak
At Cendol Durian Borhan, you can get the best of both worlds in Malaysian sweet treats with the combination of delicious cendol with polarizing, pungent durian. People come from far and wide for Borhan’s durian cendol, and they don’t leave disappointed. If you’re like me and can’t stand durian, give their other cendol flavours a try (like cendol with glutinous rice, creamed corn, pumpkin, yam, or even a mixture or everything!).
Address: Bt. 2, Pasir Penambang, Kuala Selangor, Gombak
Tel: 017-657 3096 / 017-291 4630
Have you ever given these cendol places a shot before? Or do you have other recommendations for holy grail cendol stalls? Let the people know down below!
Featured Image Credit: sauskecap.com
