Gula Melaka Quality
The star of the show is the dark, smoky palm sugar syrup. It should be thick and fragrant, with a taste almost like salted caramel. Cheap syrup is just sweet, but the good stuff has a deep, complex aroma.
The Pandan Worms
Those bright green jelly bits are made from rice flour and infused with pandan juice. They should be soft and easy to slurp. If they are hard or tasteless, the dessert feels incomplete.
Quick answers
- Are red beans supposed to be inside?
- Yes, large kidney beans or smaller red beans are standard. They add a nice earthy texture to the icy mix.
- Can I add durian?
- Many stalls offer a premium version with a dollop of durian puree on top. It makes the dessert much richer.