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‘Cendol Klang’ serving sweet, icy treats since 1972

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Selling from a simple cart in the 1970s, Cendol Klang now occupies a humble shop lot along Jalan Nanas.

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Free Malaysia Today
Cendol Pulut and Cendol Campur are just two types of cendol available at this cendol shop in Klang. (Noel Wong @ FMT Lifestyle)

KLANG:
Being the old and storied city that it is, Klang has quite a few secrets and treasures hidden in plain sight. If you know where to look, you are bound to find them.

On the gastronomical front, Klang is synonymous with piping hot bowls of bak kut teh. But clearly, the city has more to offer than just herbal broths.

If you’re there on a scorching hot afternoon, a stroll down Jalan Nanas will eventually take you to a humble little shop called Cendol Klang.

But while this cendol shop may not be impressive in terms of appearance, it does hold quite a bit of sentimental value for locals.

Free Malaysia Today
Cendol Klang occupies a humble shop along Jalan Nanas, where it previously existed as a simple roadside stall. (Noel Wong @ FMT Lifestyle)

Given that the words “Since 1972” is emblazoned across its signboard, you can bet your horses that the place has some history behind it.

According to the locals, back in 1972, one Mr Mahalingam decided that he wanted to open his own little cendol business. Hailing from a poor family in Penang, he pawned a precious Seiko watch for a small sum of $20 to kickstart his dream.

The prospects were initially hardly promising; on his first day of work he earned a whopping profit of …$1.60.

Despite the discouraging start, Mahalingam persevered and sure enough, Lady Luck soon came knocking at his door.

An acquaintance and fellow cendol seller based in Klang was returning to India for good and hoping to give up the business to whoever wanted it.

Sensing an opportunity, Mahalingam relocated to the Selangor royal town and ultimately, this was where he found some modest success.

Back in the day, Klangites would stop by his stall, located on Jalan Nanas, where they would order their bowls of cendol, and enjoy it seated on plastic stools or standing in groups under a shady tree.

With the growing popularity of his cendol business, he relocated his business to an actual brick-and-mortar shop lot on the very same street.

And there it has remained, serving bowls of cendol to hungry customers, with rojak and fried noodles now part of the menu too.

Free Malaysia Today
The Cendol Pulut is particularly popular here, with the glutinous rice providing a chunky, chewy texture. (Noel Wong @ FMT Lifestyle)

While the shop isn’t the epitome of luxury, it is still clean and comfortable. Before you take a seat though, remember to place your order at the display counter, where an old ice grinder still sits.

The shop offers five types of cendol, namely Cendol Biasa, Cendol Pulut, Cendol Campur, Cendol Ice Cream and ABC Ice Kacang with prices ranging from RM3.50 to RM5.50.

Most folks recommend the Cendol Pulut, which for those unawares, refers to the use of glutinous rice in the cendol. Alternatively, the Cendol Campur is also a good option, with plenty of colourful ingredients to feast your eyes on.

The cendol here is served in small metal bowls, and instead of icy mountains coated in gula Melaka and syrup, you are more likely to receive white melted ice pools instead.

Free Malaysia Today
Colourful and tasty, the Cendol Campur is another winner. (Noel Wong @ FMT Lifestyle)

However, appearances can deceive and as you take your first spoonful, you will learn quickly why this cendol has been enjoyed for decades.

While some cendol stalls tend to be overly generous with their gula Melaka, Cendol Klang uses just the right amount, striking a happy balance between the coconut milk and gula Melaka.

The pulut too adds another star to this excellent concoction, providing the cendol with a chewy texture that can get rather addictive.

As for the Cendol Campur, it is certainly a colourful display with generous amounts of jellies, corn and beans to warrant some praise.

If you want something savoury in nature, perhaps throw in an order of rojak. It pairs well with sweet icy desserts anyway!

Does Cendol Klang rival cendol in Penang? Perhaps, perhaps not. In any case, it’s a good opportunity for you to drop by and find out for yourself!

Cendol Klang
41, Jalan Nanas
Kawasan 18
41400 Klang,
Selangor Darul Ehsan

Business hours: 11.15am – 7.30pm daily

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