Cendol

The strands are jelly noodles commonly made from rice flour or another starch and colored and flavored with pandan. They are pressed into their short, worm-like shape before being served over shaved ice.

Gula melaka is a dark palm sugar traditionally associated with Melaka, Malaysia. It is melted into a caramel-like syrup that contrasts with the coconut milk and icy pandan jelly.

Cendol is strongly associated with Malaysia but belongs to a wider Southeast Asian dessert tradition found in Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, and neighboring countries. Regional versions may add red beans, glutinous rice, durian, or sweet corn.

Traditional cendol normally uses coconut milk rather than cow's milk, so its basic form can be dairy-free. Vendors may add evaporated milk, ice cream, or other toppings, so anyone avoiding dairy should ask before ordering.