In this edition of SEAtizens, we feature Kedia Kopi Tan Kow Po, an iced dessert shop that’s been in operation for a decade and continues to serve delightful homemade ice cream to visiting customers.
Located In the town of Bentong in Malaysia, the quaint Kedia Kopi Tan Kow Po shop serves clientele with homemade desserts such as ice cream, ais kacang or shaved bean ice, and cendol or rice flour jellies.
Aside from the sweet taste of their chilled treats, the shop has a rich history dating back to pre-independence Malaya. Tan Kow Po inherited the business from his father, who migrated from China to Alor Setar, Kedah in 1965. During their stay in the area, Tan Kow Po’s father became an ice cream vendor, selling his products on foot. “Back then, ice cream was not popular,” Tan Kow Po, the 90-year-old second-generation shop owner, said in an interview with FMT Lifestyle.
However, by 1956, the family moved to Bentong, leading to the establishment of the shop. It wasn’t until 1970 that Tan Kow Po helped to manage the shop and later became the second-generation owner. Today, his 58-year-old son Chee Oon also helps with the shop to keep business going.
Photo from Nigel Low
The shop serves classic iced desserts with a twist. Their cendol contains the traditional ingredients of rice flour jellies, coconut milk and palm sugar, spruced up with a bit of fruit cocktail and red beans. You can also indulge your sweet tooth with a wide variety of ice cream flavors made in-house like banana, chocolate, coffee, peanut, strawberry, sweet corn, and vanilla! They also serve it with fruits on the side depending on your preference, so you’re in for a sure treat.
Photo from Moganraj Villavan – FMT Lifestyle
Sweet chilled snacks aren’t the only traditional treats that Kedai Kopi Tan Kow Po offers. Just outside the shop, you can find Nurmaini Zaher selling savory delicacies from her 23-year-old stall. You can find local favorites such as beef rendang, cucur udang (prawn fritters), nasi lemak, pulut, sambal sotong, and tauhu sumbat. These dishes were made from recipes passed down from generation to generation, which the 63-year-old Ms. Zaher strives to preserve
Aside from stories and traditions, heritage is also passed down through the food we intimately prepare and share with our loved ones. Whether looking for a full meal or a cold snack, you can have a taste of Malaysia’s heritage by visiting Kedai Kopi Tan Kow Po and enjoying homemade treats. The shop is open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM and you can contact them through 09-222 1258 for inquiries.
Which heritage food spots should we feature next? Share them with us in the comment section!
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Notes: Free Malaysia Today‘s story was used as a source in this article.