Struggling with the heat wave? Why not cool off with one of the best Malaysian desserts?
Malaysians are used to oppressively hot and humid tropical weather. But the record-breaking heatwave currently gripping Southeast Asia is something else! Luckily, there are numerous ways for us to beat the heat – the most delicious of which is consuming – nay, devouring – one of our country’s favourite desserts. ABC- also known as Ais Batu Campur or Ice Kacang – is a perennial delight. It’s ice will cool you down, and its variety of toppings, including Gula Melaka, rose syrup, peanuts, and red beans, will cheer you right up.
Having ABC is a must, whether you’re a visitor or a local, especially in this sweltering climate. And you’re in luck, because ABC stalls can be found virtually everywhere, from elite eateries to street markets. There’s something for everyone who wants to cool off and sate their sweet craving – so here are our picks of the 6 best Ice Kacang spots that are worth giving a shot:
Gerai Minum Weng Kee
In Petaling Jaya, there is a dessert stand called Gerai Minum Weng Kee, popularly known as Auntie Peggy’s Classic. It’s a well-liked location for both locals and visitors who are searching for a cool bowl of ABC, or other shaved ice treat. Here, they include rose syrup and bubur cha cha in addition to the traditional ice kacang. However, Aunty Peggy’s ABC stands out from other ice kacang vendors’ in the neighbourhood due to the distinctive combination of ingredients she uses.
Address: Medan Selera, Jln Othman, PJ Old Town, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 8 AM – 5 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
Kwong Wah Ice Kacang
For more than 6 decades, Kwong Wah Ice Kacang, a dessert shop in Happy Mansion, has been serving authentic ice kacang. While the neighbourhood is dominated by contemporary cafés, Kwong Wah has stayed true to its heritage by serving a variety of regional specialties created using genuine ingredients, like nasi lemak and Nyonya kuih.
Shaved ice’s smooth texture, along with the genuine Gula Melaka syrup and evaporated milk, are what make Kwong Wah’s ice kacang so special. This produces a flavour boost that is further increased by the assortment of toppings, the majority of which are created in-house and include sweet corn, grass jelly and toasted peanuts. Every spoonful of the amply-piled mountain of shaved ice offers a pleasant and cooling feeling.
Address: 627, Jalan 17/8, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 11 AM – 6 PM (closed on Mondays)
ABC Kedai Batu No 22
ABC Kedai Batu No 22 is worth a visit if you’re searching for a reasonably priced way to sate your sweet tooth. This dessert stand sells one of the most reasonably-priced and delectable bowls of ABC in the neighbourhood – just RM2.50 per bowl.
The dessert itself is a visual and gustatory feast. With every spoonful, the copious quantities of syrup-filled shaved ice produce a vibrant ice mountain that has a cooling and delicious sensation. The dessert’s various toppings, which include sweet corn, red beans, cendol and jelly beans, give a delicious texture and flavour that make it difficult to put down. Although they offer affordable desserts, ABC Kedai Batu doesn’t compromise on the quality of its ice shaving treats.
Address: Jalan Thaver, Kampung Pandan, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10 AM – 7 PM (closed on Sundays and Tuesdays)
May-May ABC Ais Kacang
May-May offers a variety of shaved ice treats – from cendol and soursop guava ice kacang, to tropical fruit cocktail. If you prefer something hot, they have desserts like Bubur cha cha, too. There’s just something for everyone here.
May-May ABC is, however, well-known for its mountain-high shaved ice, which is topped with Gula Melaka syrup and colourful toppings like peanuts, sweet corn and cendol strands. It’s the ideal delicacy to combat the heat. One of May-May ABC Ais Kacang’s distinctive features is that you can either eat the ice kacang plain or ask for a scoop of ice cream to be added on top. If you want to give the dessert a creamier top layer, this alternative is ideal.
Address: 17-27, Jalan Bangau 1, Kepong Baru, 52100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (closed on Mondays)
939 Ice House
This dessert stand is situated in the busy Seri Kembangan neighbourhood. Their famous ABC, which uses finely shred ice that flawlessly absorbs the syrups and toppings, is one of their specialties. The toppings on the ice kacang, which also include peanuts, red beans, grass jelly, and jelly cubes, create a mouthwatering burst of flavours and textures.
The 939 Ice House is a must-stop, whether you’re a native or a visitor, searching for a cool treat. So go to Seri Kembangan and savour their mouthwatering shaved ice treats.
Address: 3, Jalan BS 1/3, Pusat Perdagangan Seri Kembangan, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Operating hours: 12 PM – 9 PM (Monday to Saturday), 12 PM – 10 PM (Sunday)
Ice Cream Kelapa Muda
Traditional ice kacang isn’t all that Ice Cream Kelapa Muda specialises in. They also feature other innovative desserts, such as bingsu and coconut ice cream. They make unusual toppings, including barley, strawberry, durian, and yam. Their coconut ice cream, which is their speciality, is a must-have!
Address: Jalan Sungai Pusu, 53100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 1:00 pm – 12:00 am (Tuesday to Sunday), closed on Mondays
