Cendol, a truly Malaysian dish for comfort and unity

MELAKA - A potpourri of cultures in Malaysia has birthed a diversity of cuisine, and the array of food has helped towards strengthening racial unity in the country.

Therefore, it is common to see one race enjoying and preparing food from another community, and these dishes turn out as comfort food on menus.

Cendol, a dessert generally sold by Indian Muslims in Penang, Melaka and Kuala Lumpur, has been listed as a "comfort food" not only for those in Peninsular Malaysia but also in Sabah and Sarawak, especially during the hot spell.

The dessert, which is served cold is a mixture of coconut milk, gula melaka, green rice flour jelly and red beans, has been declared a ‘Malaysian heritage food' by the National Heritage Department (JWN).

Visitor Insyirah Hakim, 31, said the dessert is one of the 'comfort foods' that can be easily found anywhere at a reasonable price.

"After all, cendol can be likened to Malaysians...the sweetness of a mixture of ingredients. So in conjunction with Malaysia Day, it is very fitting that this dessert has also become a symbol of unity in the country.

"That is why each time I bring my local or foreign friends to Melaka, cendol is definitely on the agenda as who does not like a cold, sweet and an appetising dessert," said Insyirah, who lives in Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, Melaka-native Tan Yi Wern said it is a blessing to see various nationalities sharing a table at cendol stalls and relishing the dessert.

"Just imagine, all because of a bowl of cendol, we share a table or don't mind queuing up together to buy the cendol from any seller. This is truly unity and the uniqueness of being Malaysians through food," said Tan.

Kampung Hulu Cendol's social media manager Siti Noor Dalilah Mohamad Rahimi said the 'friendly' image of cendol makes it acceptable as a dessert to all races and nationalities.

"Besides nasi lemak and teh tarik, the taste of cendol is also synonymous with Malaysians and many people could not resist trying Kampung Hulu Cendol’s version of the dessert," she added. - BERNAMA