What You Need to Know About Chendol

Photo by Banej

 

Tantalising and rejuvenating

 

After CNN listed the Singaporean version of the sweet, refreshing treat in their list of best 50 desserts worldwide, the much-loved iced refreshing became the subject of a viral social media debate.

Some felt that Malaysia should have been credited instead, given the dessert’s long heritage in the country, while others thought that CNN’s listing was justified, especially since they had rationalised their choice by explaining that the “addition of a scoop of sweetened red beans” enhanced the delicacy. It was even pointed out that chendol had some history in Indonesia.

Well, we’ll leave the argument to the anthropologists, historians, politicians and the food connoisseurs and delve into what made the dessert a fan-favourite.

 

About

Chendol is popular throughout South-East Asia, hence, there is some degree of difficulty in tying down the exact origins of the dessert, though many believe it had heavy influences from the Indonesian dawet drink. Sometime in the 20th century, Malacca’s and Penang’s iterations of the treat shot to regional recognition, and were (and still are) largely considered the best in the area.

Shaved iced form the base of this dessert, with the flavour enhanced by pandan leaf flavoured jelly, coconut milk, palm sugar (or gula melaka). Singaporean editions, and many Malaysian versions, also come with sweetened red beans, and/or durian toppings.

 

Where to get the best chendol in Singapore

Old Amoy Chendol
#02-008 Chinatown Food Complex, S050335

 

Four Seasons Chendol
210 Lor 8 Toa Payoh, #01-07, S310210

 

Dove Desserts
Kim Keat Palm Market and Food Centre, 22 Lorong 7 Toa Payoh

 

Chendol Melaka
Soy Eu Tua Coffee Shop, 15 Upper East Coast Rd, S455207

 

Makan Melaka
1 Changi Village Rd #01-2046, S500001

 

Ren Ren Desserts
Katong Shopping Centre, 865 Mountbatten Road

 

If you are travelling to Malaysia

Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol
Lebuh Keng Kwee / Penang Road, Penang Island, Malaysia

 

Kwang Wah Ice Kacang
No. 5, Block C, Happy Mansion, Jalan 17/13, Section 17, Petaling Jaya

 

Aunty Koh Chendol
No. 5113, Jalan Batang Tiga, Kampung Bukit Rambai, 75250, Melaka.

 

Jonker 88
No. 88, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200, Melaka 75200

 

Penang Road Famous Chendul
Jalan Penang, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang