From The Straits Times    |

Chendol

Photo: Yeoh Wee Teck

Bubble tea pearls in a sandwich may be trending on social media now, but classic desserts will always have a place in our stomachs.

Chendol is one of the most popular imports from our neighbours and just the mention of it – or the likes of ice kachang, cheng tng, bobur chacha – and we get misty-eyed with memory.

If cravings have kicked in, here are a few I’ve tried and liked:

 

1. Old Amoy Chendol

old amoy chendol

Photo: Yeoh Wee Teck

Founded in 1950, but folded in 2004, the brand has been revived by two youngsters: the owner’s grandson, former model Zhao Youning and celebrity chef Justin Foo (recently of Provisions). 

They’re keeping it real with the original recipe and making sure details matter (such as getting the gula melaka from an artisanal producer in Sarawak) and the result is a refreshing bowl of coconuty goodness

I also like that the default level of sweetness is not insane but they will check how sweet you want it.

Address: #02-008 Chinatown Food Complex, Singapore 050335

Tel: 8748-7590

Opening hours: 10.30am to 9pm

 

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2. Icehaus

icehaus

Photo: Yeoh Wee Teck

Working with Bjorn Shen, one of the judges in the upcoming Masterchef Singapore, Icehaus came up with one of the most delicious interpretations of chendol.

Andaz Pop is a palm sugar-coconut ice cream and red bean-caramel filled popsicle, coated with pandan-flavoured white chocolate.

The coconut flavours are rich, and the pandan white chocolate added aroma. 

Address: Andaz Singapore, 5 Fraser Street

Singapore, 189354

Tel: 6408-1288

Opening hours:  10.30am to 10pm

 

3. Malaysia Boleh

malaysia boleh

Photo: Yeoh Wee Teck

The best chendols are found in Malaysia, but a close representation is available at Jurong Point.

Malaysia Boleh is a foodcourt that is almost always packed. The draw? Almost authentic comfort food from our neighbour. 

The chendol here is beloved for its soulful gula Melaka. It is unapologetically sweet and a little goes a long way, which is why few people complain about the tiny portion.

Address: #03-28 Jurong Point, Singapore 648331

Opening hours. 10am to 10pm

 

4. Four Seasons Chendol

four seasons chendol

Photo: Yeoh Wee Teck

Don’t be fooled by the unattractive appearance, the chendol here is good.

My favourite element here is the almost creamy coconut milk. And they are generous with it.

Address: 210 Lor 8 Toa Payoh, #01-07, Singapore 310210 

Tel: 8720-1124 

Opening hours: 8am to 9pm 

 

5. Chendol Melaka

chendol melaka

Photo: Yeoh Wee Teck

Housed within a popular coffee shop, this humble looking stall is a firm favourites with nyonyas, which augurs well for quality. 

The chendol is excellent, as expected. It is not as sweet as the others but the creaminess is winning.

Besides the chendol, if you’re there early enough, you can also order the nasi ulam and make a meal out of your visit.

Address: Soy Eu Tua Coffee Shop, 15 Upper East Coast Road, Singapore 455207

Tel: 9630-1338

Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm; weekends 9am to 5pm. 

 

6. Makan Melaka

makan melaka

Photo: Yeoh Wee Teck

The idyllic neighbourhood this restaurant is located at is perfect for this laidback dessert. The sea stretches into the distance, there is more greenery than humans (on a weekday) and the breeze is gentle. Eating a bowl of chendol here feels like you’re on a mini-break vacation.

The version here is lighter than the rest, but the pale green “worms” has the strongest pandan taste. 

Address: 1 Changi Village Road #01-2046

Singapore 500001

Tel: 6542-1246

Opening hours: 8.30am to 10.30pm

 

This article was originally published in The Straits Times.

 

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