Cold-pressed juices, frozen yogurts, and artisanal ice creams may come and go from far and wide, but a brimming bowl of cendol certainly makes the cut above the rest, both as a thirst quencher and delicate dessert. When this icy goodness is placed before our eyes, all those hot weather whines turn to gratitude. Freshly shaved ice is drenched with Gula Melaka and coconut milk, then generously piled with red beans, creamy corn, glass jellies, and at times a scoop of ice cream at the summit. The rave-worthy combination guarantees to impress even the most particular taste buds, and it’s easy on the wallet. We have rounded off cendols that are crowned the best in Johor Bahru that would make sure you don’t stop with a single bowl.
Sofie Cendol (New & Fresh)
If varieties are what you’re looking for, make your way to this renowned stall at the heart of Taman Suria. Even when the sun is being a little gentle, the eatery is pretty hard to miss out on with snaking lines of patrons. The normal cendol is praiseworthy, but the real deal here is the range of toppings, especially with a fruity punch such as durian and cempedak. The texture and flavor variation is absolutely spot-on, it throws a party on your palate.
Md. Zain Cendol
Durian fans you must visit this famous food truck! A thick and creamy wallop of durian is perched atop a pool of coconut milk laden with a generous amount of cendol jellies, red beans, creamy corn, and finely grated ice infused with Gula Melaka. The little nectarous nibble from the local fruit is absolutely divine, you might just save it for the last. Gobble down the bowl amid like-minded Cendol lovers or opt for the takeaway cup to slurp on the go.
Cendol House
This thatched-roof restaurant is easily spotted at Kampung Melayu, offering a respite from the blistering heat with a range of cendols and local delights. Do try the Soto, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Ambang, and Rojak if you're patient to wait till the last for the icy sensation. The brimming bowl is flooded with grated ice glaciers, kidney-shaped red beans, swirls of pandan jelly, a dollop of creamy corn, Gula Melaka, and coconut milk. However, patrons vouch that pulut should be a part of the dessert if you’re seeking for optimal solace. The glutinous rice offers a fun element of texture, lumpy and chewy. Chock-full already yet yearning for more? Happily get back home while swooning a few packets of cendol to accompany you on the couch.
Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul @ City Square
Does this cendol brand need an introduction? The maestro from Penang has sprawled across the country and one of the most revered branches is nestled in City Square, being more accessible for busy urban dwellers and shoppers. Served in a hearty bowl, the freshly grated ice is topped with luscious Gula Melaka amid silky smooth grass jellies and red beans lounging in a pool of coconut milk. Cherish each spoonful of the refreshing dessert in a casual yet inviting backdrop. Free WIFI and air conditioning are other winning points.
Cendol Perling
This humble stall under the stewardship of an amiable man has been operating for years and has never taken a dip in the quality and quantity of customers. During peak hours, he does not stop to gyrate the manual ice-shaving machine that gives a fine icy concoction. It’s then loaded with rich coconut milk, ladles of Gula Melaka, red beans, and smooth glass jellies. A dollop of pulut would complete the memorable dessert. Despite resulting from lickety-split preparation, the teeming bowl does look good on Instagram.
Nyonya Treats
If you’re looking for authentic Nyonya cuisine in a cozy ambiance, make your way to Nyonya Treats. Once you’ve satiated your love for lip-smacking curries and dishes, wash it all down with their signature cendol. What sets them apart is the grated ice, which is a little lumpy, reminding you of Ais Batu Campur with a cendol twist. Moreover, they are never skimped with the thick and fragrant Gula Melaka, cendol strands, and red beans. If you need an additional element of flavor, how about crowning a creamy durian on top of the icy treat!
Cendol @ Courts Megastore
Ask any true blue Johorean about the best cendol and there is no way this joint skips out from the conversation. This roadside stall is juxtaposed Courts Megastore and has been magnetising cendol lovers for more than 10 years. Expect simple and straightforward combinations of starchy-pandan strands, manually shaved ice, corn, coconut milk, and spoonfuls of Gula Melaka. Grab a seat on the plastic chairs, hobnob with the locals, and watch the world go by with a childhood staple.
Looking for more?
Dear readers, please note that our listing as you currently see it is/are all the participant(s) in which we discovered. Feel free to give us a buzz if your favorite place is missing! Thanks!
user9@gmail.com
