Jessie's Special ABC — Restaurant in Petaling Jaya

It was an unpleasant experience overall.

The foodcourt was rather crowded during peak hour and the seats at their “territory” were limited. As I was not aware that there are actually 2 varieties of Cendol from the signboard, I ordered Cendol without specifying that I want “Cendol with red bean”. (Nevertheless, the stall owner did not ask if we want red bean for the cendol.)

When my cendols were served, I asked the stall owner nicely with smile if the cendol comes with red bean? The stall owner was sarcastic when responded to my doubt: “the varieties of cendol are stated on the signboard, it’s huge, you did not see it? Not every customer like red bean for their cendol.” (In fact, with or without red bean is also selling at RM4 per bowl.) The stall owner then walked away after the sarcastic response without offering me a solution. Probably, she could have asked me if I want to add red bean?

So, for those who are not familiar with this place, remember to order the cendol if you want red bean for your cendol 😉

In terms of the taste and flavor, I personally feel that some portion of the cendol (green rice flour jelly) is not soft, the texture of the cendol is like frozen. The gula Melaka taste is not obvious. Overall taste is overrated.

There’s another better cendol in PJ. This be my last visit here...

On a hot sultry afternoon I headed towards Old Town food court looking for, you guess it, Cendol.

There are two choices, Peggy or Jessie and both are like cohabiting side by side. Both Peggy and Jessie are neighbouring stalls offering Cendol.

Peggy pulls a stunt. She don't believe in dressing up. She bares it all though she got nothing much to show anyway. A little bit fogey in a way - very old fashioned and conservative, all her Cendol and red beans is undercover. Well hidden and out of sight leaving nothing much to the imagination. Boring! Boring!

Jessie is rather chic, she dressed with fastidious care, elegantly and stylishly fashionable, making sure you notice her abundant red beans on her top and her alluring Cendol very noticeable. I am not complaining.

Both are now selling at RM4. Before pandemic was RM3.50 la.

Verdict : Peggy is a total write off. Not even the least stimulating or tantalising. I will give her a skip.

Jessie is not too bad but not too good either. She could have been much more exciting if a little bit more santan or coconut milk. She's acceptable and...

There are three ais kacang or air batu campur (ABC) stalls in this historical food court. They are all good. Better than most ABC you'll find elsewhere.

I've eaten all three here but my personal favourite is still Jessie's which I find to be the best among the three and one of the best in town.

Jessie's ABC is rich and creamy till the very last drop. Unlike others which are good and tasty at the beginning but become diluted towards the end as the ice shavings start melting away.

I don't really know the secret but I guess it has to do with Jessie's use of good quality gula Melaka and more intense red syrup.

My preference is always to request Jessie for a blend of red and black (gula Melaka) syrup for a more aromatic flavour. And it never fails to impress the palate.

Besides ABC (RM5), I also ordered a carrot Milk (RM4.50) which was rich and creamy. Refreshing and packed with beta carotene!

Because of Jessie's use of thick and fragrant gula Melaka, her cendol is also...