Chendol Showdown: Who Actually Owns the Cold‑Luscious Dessert?
When CNN did its roundup of the world’s top sweet treats, it named chendol a favourite dish from Singapore. The move sent Malaysian readers into a swirl of indignation because, let’s face it, they’ve been bragging about this icy delight for way longer.
What Makes Chendol a Crowd‑Pleaser
- Crushed ice that hits the tongue like a pop‑freeze.
- Rich, caramel‑sweet gula melaka swirling around the coconut milk.
- Pandan jelly that slips through your teeth in a silky groove.
- Bonus: a scoop of sweetened red beans that adds that final touch of “ooh‑wow.”
According to travel vlogger Jen Rose Smith, Singaporeans love a steaming afternoon bowl of chendol. She noted the Singapore version “remains especially tempting” because of the generous bean topping.
Malaysian Fans Take to the Net
Anyone who’s ever stared down a chill bowl of chendol knows why the comment section erupted this week. The most fiery posts looked like this:
“CNN, chendol is either Malaysian or Indonesian but it definitely isn’t Singaporean – and that writer should be forbidden from eating chendol.”
Another user chimed in: “Singaporeans flock to Melaka for food – and chendol – every weekend.” This spark was clearly aimed at reminding CNN that the dessert is a staple across the region, not the invention of one single nation.
Singapore Gets a Mixed Reaction
While some pins and tweets celebrate Singapore’s association with chendol, a few Singaporeans politely acknowledged that the dish isn’t unique to them. One took a gracious route: “Even if I’m proud Singaporean, I still have the dignity to not claim chendol as ours.”
Indonesian Perspective
Indonesians, in turn, seemed more concerned about the flood of logic wars than about dessert ownership. Their replies? A big “let it slide” because they’re well‑equipped with an entire buffet of western and local sweets.
Final Verdict
Whichever claim you lean toward, there’s a simple truth that can’t be contested: chendol is delicious. If you’re looking for the top spots in Singapore to test your bowl‑counting skills, don’t forget to check out the contenders in this city’s endless dessert scene.
Stay sweet, stay curious, and always remember—whether you’re in Malaysia, Singapore, or Indonesia, the key is that icy, coconut‑filled glass of joy that makes everyone say, “Bring it on!”
