Bánh lọt

Cendol is a refreshing iced dessert originating from Southeast Asia, particularly popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Myanmar. This delightful treat consists of green rice flour jelly, creamy coconut milk, and sweet palm sugar syrup. To enhance its flavor, you can add toppings such as jackfruit, red beans, or even durian.

The name "cendol" varies depending on the region. In Indonesia, it is referred to as "dawet" and has deep roots in Javanese culture. In Malaysia and Singapore, you might find additional ingredients like sweetened red beans and sweet corn incorporated. In Indonesia, cendol is a staple often featured at cultural events like weddings.

The core ingredients of cendol remain fairly constant: coconut milk, green jelly noodles, shaved ice, and palm sugar. However, regional variations with unique toppings such as jackfruit, durian, red beans, and other sweet additions are common. For instance, there’s the Javanese "es dawet ayu" or the black cendol from Purworejo.

You can find cendol throughout Southeast Asia, from bustling roadside stalls to vibrant food courts. It’s not just a local favorite; it has also gained international recognition. For example, Barack Obama mentioned enjoying cendol during a visit to Indonesia. Additionally, when CNN named the Singapore version one of the world's top 50 desserts, it sparked a friendly debate among Malaysians.

So, whether you're exploring a new country or simply looking to try something different, cendol is a sweet treat that offers a taste of Southeast Asian culture.