Where to Try the Best Cendol in Penang: A Food Guide
Did you know that Penang’s love affair with cendol dates back centuries, making it not just a dessert but a cultural icon?
As a Penangite with a sweet tooth, I’ve spent countless afternoons seeking out the perfect bowl of cendol, each spoonful a delightful blend of creamy coconut milk, chewy green pandan jelly, and the rich sweetness of gula Melaka.
So, I’m so excited to take you on a flavorful adventure to discover where to find the best cendol in Penang! After all, every sip should be a taste of our proud local heritage and culinary excellence.
Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol
Address: 294-G-7, Sunshine Farlim Shopping Mall, Jln Thean Tek, Kampung Melayu, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 10 AM to 9:30 PM
Contact number: +60164153940
Pricing: $
Website
Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol is a must-visit if you’re craving some authentic Penang cuisine, particularly cendol. Trust us, it’s worth it! The prices might be a bit higher than other places, but the taste totally makes up for it.
One thing to keep in mind though – be prepared for some long queues, especially if you’re visiting during peak tourist seasons. But hey, the service is pretty quick and efficient, so you won’t be waiting forever.
Other Dish to Try:
Rojak Buah: A traditional Malaysian fruit salad typically consisting of a mix of sliced fruits such as pineapple, mango, cucumber, and jicama, tossed in a spicy and tangy sauce made from shrimp paste, chilli, lime juice, and sugar. It offers a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and sour flavours.
Penang Road Famous Ice Kacang Cendol
Address: Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Opening hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 11:30 AM to 6 PM
- Wednesday – Closed
- Thursday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 6 PM
Pricing: $
Penang Road Famous Ice Kacang Cendol is this little spot is right by the roadside, nothing fancy, but let me tell you, the cendol they serve up is something else.
The best part? It’s super affordable. I mean, where else can you get such a refreshing treat at such a reasonable price? And the flavour, it’s just perfect — sweet, sour, and totally balanced.
If you’re ever in the area and need a little pick-me-up, we highly recommend swinging by Penang Road Famous Ice Kacang Cendol.
Other Dish to Try:
Aiyu Jelly: A refreshing Taiwanese dessert made from the gelatinous seeds of the Aiyu plant, commonly served chilled with a drizzle of citrus syrup or honey. It has a unique texture and is often enjoyed as a light and cooling treat.
Penang Road Nyonya Cendol
Address: 27, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 9:30 AM to 6 PM
Pricing: $
Website
Penang Road Nyonya Cendol – it was amazing! This stall is known for its flavorful cendol, and it lived up to the hype.
The blend of coconut milk and pandan leaves was just perfect, and at RM4.50 per bowl, it’s totally worth it. But that’s not all – they’ve got other tasty treats too, like ice kacang and Taiwan Aiyu Bing.
Other Dish to Try:
Laksa: A popular Southeast Asian noodle soup with various regional variations, typically featuring rice noodles in a spicy coconut milk or tamarind-based broth. It may include ingredients such as prawns, chicken, tofu, and bean sprouts, garnished with herbs and spices.
Tony Ais Kacang Cendol
Address: Medan Batu Lanchang, Taman Sri Damai, 11600 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 11 AM to 6:15 PM
Contact number: +60124742722
Pricing: $
Website
Tony Ais Kacang Cendol is an old hawker centre, and it’s a hidden gem! Their cendol and ice kacang are out of this world.
The ice is shaved so finely that it practically melts in your mouth – it’s seriously refreshing. And the best part? It’s not some fancy joint; it’s just a humble stall in the hawker centre.
But don’t let that fool you – the flavours are top-notch.
Other Dish to Try:
Ice Kacang with Ice Cream: A Malaysian shaved ice dessert topped with colourful sweet syrups, red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly, and a scoop of creamy ice cream, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.
New World Park Cendol
Address: 102, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 10 AM to 10 PM
Contact number: +6042261199
Pricing: $$
Website
New World Park has all sorts of delicious food, but the real standouts for us were the ice kacang and cendol. You’ve gotta try them – they’re so good!
One thing we really liked about the place is that the food court has great ventilation and plenty of shade, so it’s super comfortable to hang out and enjoy your meal.
Other Dish to Try:
Assam Laksa (Penang Laksa): A tangy and spicy noodle soup originating from Penang, Malaysia, featuring rice noodles in a sour fish-based broth flavoured with tamarind, lemongrass, and chilli. It is typically garnished with shredded fish, cucumber, onions, and mint leaves.
Cendol Pulut Last Corner
Address: Kampung Seberang Paya, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Pricing: $
Cendol Pulut Last Corner is a place that serves up some authentic cendol right by the roadside, and it’s delicious. Plus, it won’t break the bank, which is always a bonus.
But cendol isn’t the only thing they’ve got – they also offer some traditional cakes and side dishes that are worth trying out.
Other Dish to Try:
Chicken Rice: A classic Malaysian dish consisting of poached or roasted chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by chilli sauce, soy sauce, and sometimes cucumber slices. It is beloved for its simplicity and flavorful components.
Cendol Asli Pak Haji
Address: Kampung Batu Feringgi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – Closed
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Contact number: +60184090286
Pricing: $
Website
Cendol Asli Pak Haji at Miami Green beach is super popular with both locals and tourists, and now we understand why. We tried their signature cendol durian pulut, and it was out of this world.
They make everything from scratch using recipes that have been passed down through generations, and you can really taste the difference. The combination of creamy durian, chewy pulut, and sweet cendol – it was like a party in our mouth!
Other Dish to Try:
Cendol Asli: A traditional Malaysian dessert comprising green pandan-flavoured rice flour jelly strands served in coconut milk sweetened with palm sugar syrup. It is often topped with red beans and shaved ice for a refreshing treat.
Cendol Casa Prima
Address: Jalan perdana taman sutera seberang jaya, 13700 Perai, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Contact number: +60135223628
Pricing: $
Cendol Casa Prima – it’s a spot students love, and for good reason. The food there is just so comforting, especially their coco crunch cendol.
Even though it can get pretty busy, the servings are huge, and the cendol flavours are just amazing. Waiting in line is totally worth it for a taste of their delicious dishes.
Other Dish to Try:
Cendol Pulut Ice Cream: A modern twist on the traditional cendol dessert, featuring cendol strands, glutinous rice (pulut), and coconut milk served with a scoop of creamy ice cream, blending creamy, sweet, and icy elements.
Kulim Road Best Cendol
Address: 11, Tingkat Tenang, Taman Tenang, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Friday – 11 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 5:30 PM
Contact number: +601114429854
Pricing: $
Website
Kulim Road Best Cendol, located right near St. Anne’s Church, know how to do cendol right.
They use fresh santan and they don’t go overboard with the sugar, which is great because you can always add more sweetness with unlimited gula melaka. And the portions are huge!
The best part? The place is super clean and the staff are really friendly. It’s just a great spot to chill and enjoy some delicious cendol.
Other Dish to Try:
Pasembur: It’s a popular Malaysian salad dish originating from Penang. It is often referred to as “indian rojak” or “penang rojak” and is commonly sold as street food. Pasembur typically consists of a variety of shredded or thinly sliced ingredients such as cucumber, jicama (yam bean), tofu, potatoes, bean sprouts, and turnip, mixed with a spicy and tangy sauce made from chilli, tamarind, and shrimp paste.
Sometimes, ingredients like prawns, hard-boiled eggs, and squid are added for extra flavour and texture. Pasembur is known for its vibrant colours, crunchy texture, and bold flavours, making it a popular and satisfying snack or appetiser.
BM Best Cendol
Address: 33, Jalan Danby, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 10 AM to 6:30 PM
Pricing: $
Website
BM Best Cendol is all about keeping it real with their authentic cendol, and they nailed it.
The service is super quick, so you don’t have to wait long to dig into your cendol. As soon as you order, bam! It’s right there in front of you, ready to be devoured.
The flavours are so traditional and on point – it’s like taking a bite of Malaysian culture.
Other Dish to Try:
Mee Goreng Mamak: Mee Goreng Mamak is a popular Malaysian Indian dish consisting of stir-fried noodles cooked in a flavorful blend of spices, sauces, and ingredients. It’s a staple in Mamak stalls, which are Indian Muslim eateries found throughout Malaysia. The dish typically features yellow noodles stir-fried with a variety of ingredients such as prawns, tofu, potatoes, eggs, bean sprouts, and sometimes chicken or beef.
Sky Rojak
Address: Taman Chai Leng, 13700 Perai, Penang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Contact number: +60166669526
Pricing: $
Website
Chai Leng Park – Sky Rojak is this cosy little café that serves up some seriously delicious cendol. Despite its small size, this place is always packed because their cendol is just that good.
What we loved about Sky Rojak is that even though it’s small, there’s plenty of seating available. So you can just relax and enjoy your cendol without feeling crowded.
Other Dish to Try:
Cucur Udang: Cucur Udang is a popular Malaysian snack or appetiser that consists of deep-fried prawn fritters. The name “Cucur Udang” translates to “prawn fritters” in English.
It’s typically served hot and may be accompanied by various dipping sauces, such as chili sauce or sweet and sour sauce.
Mural – “Chendol Boy”
Address: 475, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Pricing: $
Mural “Chendol Boy” is this awesome wall mural of a kid enjoying cendol, and it’s pretty easy to spot.
Right next to it, there’s this place where you can grab some really tasty cendol at reasonable prices. It’s the perfect spot to chill out and enjoy a refreshing treat next to this charming artwork. It’s a must-visit if you’re in the area.
Other Dish to Try:
Char Kuey Teow: Char Kuey Teow is a popular Malaysian stir-fried noodle dish commonly found in Malaysia, Singapore, and parts of Indonesia. It is made with flat rice noodles (“kuey teow”) stir-fried over high heat in a wok with a combination of ingredients such as shrimp, cockles, Chinese lap cheong sausage, eggs, bean sprouts, and chives.
The dish is seasoned with a mixture of soy sauce, chilli paste, belacan (shrimp paste), and sometimes fish sauce, creating a savoury, slightly sweet, and spicy flavour profile.
Char Kuey Teow is often served with a wedge of lime and is garnished with additional chilli paste or chopped green onions for those who enjoy an extra kick of spice.
Lebuh Presgrave Ice Kacang & Cendol
Address: 63, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 6 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday – Closed
- Friday to Sunday – 6 PM to 10 PM
Pricing: $
Lebuh Presgrave Ice Kacang & Cendol is pretty crowded, but the flavour totally made up for it! They serve up this amazing ice kacang and cendol with plump red beans and this fragrant gula melaka that just hits the spot.
What’s cool is that they offer it in these convenient tub sizes, so you can take it home and enjoy it whenever you want. Despite the crowds, it’s definitely worth trying out if you’re a fan of sweet treats!
Other Dish to Try:
Homemade Peanut Butter Ice Cream: A creamy and indulgent frozen dessert made from a base of milk, cream, sugar, and peanut butter, churned to perfection to create a smooth and rich ice cream with a nutty flavour.
Best Cendol Balik Pulau
Address: P14, 11000 Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia
Opening hours:
- Monday – 12 PM to 5:30 PM
- Tuesday – Closed
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 5:30 PM
Contact number: +60164917742
Pricing: $
Best Cendol Balik Pulau’s cendol is a bowl filled with fresh coconut milk, those chewy cendol noodles, and this rich, caramel-like gula melaka syrup. The combination of flavours is just perfect.
It’s not like any other traditional cendol – they add a little bit of secret ingredient to make their own taste.
Other Dish to Try:
Rojak: A traditional Southeast Asian salad consisting of a mix of sliced fruits and vegetables such as pineapple, cucumber, jicama, and bean sprouts, dressed in a sweet and spicy sauce made from shrimp paste, chilli, lime juice, and sugar, often garnished with crushed peanuts.
Gerai Cendol Pak Sharif
Address: Lorong Kampung Jawa, 8, Jalan Bahagia, Bayan Baru, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 2:30 PM to 7 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Contact number: +60134301917
Pricing: $
Gerai Cendol Pak Sharif is known for their cendol durian, and it’s a flavour explosion. The combination of gula melaka and santan is just perfect, and when you add in the fragrance of durian, it takes the whole thing to another level.
Other Dish to Try:
Cendol Tokwan: A specialty cendol dessert originating from Malaysia, typically featuring green pandan-flavoured rice flour jelly strands served in coconut milk sweetened with palm sugar syrup.
It may include additional toppings such as red beans, corn, and grass jelly, offering a delightful blend of flavours and textures.