Cool treat: Dwiana (left) and Louise enjoying a bowl of cendol to deal with the hot weather in Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The parched weather on the island has people turning to local delights like cendol and ais kacang to quench their thirst.
Locals and foreigners seem to know the go-to dessert that will keep them cool during the dry spell.
As people waited in queues to order bowls, many were seen attempting to find shade to protect themselves from the sun.
Indonesians Dwiana Listiani and Louise May, both 24, were seen sharing a bowl of cendol along Penang Road to keep cool as they explored the island yesterday afternoon.
“We are both from Medan, and right now, the weather here is hotter than it is over there.
“We have tried cendol back home but decided to try this one as it is famous and the weather is hot.
“To keep hydrated during our two-day trip here, we have been drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks in the shade, as well as reapplying sunscreen.
“We sometimes even just stay in our hotel room as the heat is bad,” said Dwiana.
The accounting student said she frequents Malaysia for holidays and even weekends as it is nearby.
“The weather has been hot here, but we are grateful for sudden drizzles,” she said.
Kelvin Tee, 34, from Johor, was seen with his family enjoying the cold desserts.
“It helps to cope with the weather, even though it is hotter in Johor right now.
“Since the weather is hot, it is ideal for a nice cold bowl of cendol. I guess it is currently the dry spell as there has not been any rain here,” he said.
Tee, who works in marketing, said the hot weather is always a perfect excuse to indulge in a cold dessert like cendol.
G. Prema, 56, said she thought it would be nice for her family to enjoy the cold treats on a hot afternoon as she packed a few containers of the local delights.
“I shall surprise them with some cendol and ais kacang.
“While we do have ice cream at home, it is nothing like a local treat with syrup and crushed ice.
“Our weather has been bad; even standing in line to tapau is draining.
“We will enjoy our treat in the comfort of our home,” she said.
