Melaka - Durian Cendol @ Jonker 88 & Largest Pineapple Tart in Malaysia?!

YES !!! Another 7 days to CNY !!! To kick off the 7 days countdown, here's something sweet (again?!) to tempt your tastebuds ..... all the way from Melaka !!!!

A sense of festivity already in the air ....

Notice the grave for a prominent warrior WAY back then? Hang Jebat's the name.

For a brief introduction of Jalan Hang Jebat (Jonker Street), here's an article. A stroll around the streets will bring back memories of days of yore, .... not to mention heatstroke, if you're not careful. =P

Feeling dehydrated? Here's the perfect antidote ....

Jonker 88 Desserts @ Jln Hang Jebat

Right smack in the middle of Jonker Street, this outlet selling various type of desserts (mostly ais kacang and cendol in various forms) and some savoury options eg. laksa, is a popular spot amongst the tourists.

Sitting on those wooden benches, surrounded by antiques, ornaments from yesteryears, and a charmingly ancient ambience

Cendol with Gula Melaka

Being a generally skeptical 'cendol' fan, after countless unimpressive experiences, I find the cendol here a tad, ordinary. But what sets this apart from the other imitators (so to speak) is the gula melaka (palm sugar syrup) being drizzled liberately on the surface of the shaved ice.

Very thick, sweet, and prominent, the gula melaka is overwhelmingly delightful, shadowing the lacklustre strips of cendol and red beans.

Wondering if those are valuables ... or nothings.

Durian Cendol

Or indulge in a bowl of sinful Durian Cendol, with the same ingredients as the original one, but with additional durian puree. If only they had thrown in real durian flesh, then the bowl of cendol would be heavenly. A tad artificial, and strictly for durian-lovers only.

Location : JONKER DESSERT @ 88, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Melaka. Here's their official site.

LW Nyonya Pineapple Tarts House - 4 branches in Melaka alone

Wondering what to buy back as souvenirs? Or craving for a bite to ease the journey back home? Try Melaka's pineapple tarts, for good measure.

Notice the LARGE tart on the top-left corner? It's even listed in Malaysia's Book of Records!

Previously, I've had a rather dismaying experience with pineapple tarts from Melaka. Another outlet (won't name it though, to avoid defamatory suits .... LOL) situated around the area was a household name in producing those sweet, delectable delights.

But lo and behold, the end products were nothing like the fresh ones promoted as samples to fish for potential buyers. Hard and tasteless, we left the boxes of tarts unattended until the next spring cleaning session.

Fast forward a few years .... and I found myself standing at LW, an even more famous joint, with 4 outlets in Melaka alone. Actually, the hugea$$ tart on display kinda attracted my attention. Then realised the other branches also displayed the same gigantic replica, a feat that's rather astounding. And no, it's NOT made from plastic, but do refrain from taking a bite, as it seems that the giant tart has been lacquered, to prevent crumbling and naughty hands. =)

Tastewise; not bad. Not the most out-of-this-world pineapple tarts I've tasted (I'm a fan of a homemade one, that's perfectly crumbly, with strong buttery pastries, and REAL pineapple jam .... cannot disclose the location/contact, sorry!)

Location : LW Nyonya Pineapple Tarts House @ 95, Jalan Kubu. 75350 Melaka

Three branches at : 41-A-1, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75300 Melaka, 86, Jalan Tokong (Jonker Walk) 75200 Melaka, and 62 Jalan Tokong, 75200 Melaka.