By, Nur Aufa Al-ain Muhammad Hazamin and Aisyah Rizki Putri Fitra
Malaysia is known as a country with a vibrant food culture, therefore local events and food festivals play a vital role in introducing traditional dishes to wider audiences. One such platform is the Gombak Food Festival 4.0 that will be held in the Human Sciences Square, IIUM, from 5 to 6 May 2026. Various local vendors will gather to showcase their signature dishes to the public.
At events like these, traditional desserts gain increased visibility and continue to hold a special place in the hearts of many. Among these, cendol stands out as a timeless favourite, offering both refreshments and nostalgia in every bite.
A well-known dessert spot in Gombak is Cendol Batu 7, a popular roadside stall that has gained attention for its refreshing take on the classic Malaysian cendol. This reflects how food festivals act as a marketing communication platform that builds brand awareness to new and diverse audiences.
Understanding the Essence of Cendol Batu 7
Following the initial awareness of Cendol Batu 7, as stated on the official Instagram of Gombak Food Festival 4.0, “Step into the world of Cendol Batu 7, where every bowl is a masterpiece of creamy santan, fragrant gula Melaka, and perfectly chilled toppings. It’s the ultimate authentic cooling experience that hits the spot with every icy spoonful.” Reflecting the refreshing flavour profile of cendol, at Cendol Batu 7, the dessert is prepared using fresh ingredients to maintain its authentic taste and quality.
Moreover, cendol itself is a Malaysian traditional dish and how it remains as an important part of the national identity as it is known as a “comfort food” to Malaysians and has been declared as a ‘Malaysia heritage food,’ by the National Heritage Department.
A Moment of Refreshing Indulgence
Experiencing Cendol Batu 7 goes beyond simply enjoying a dessert, but it is also about burying oneself in the moment of comfort and nostalgia. The combination of finely shaved ice, creamy santan and fragrant gula Melaka creates a harmonious balance of sweetness that instantly refreshes the senses, especially in Malaysia’s warm weather.
Many customers find that enjoying a bowl of cendol brings back the memories of childhood and traditional Malaysian street food.
The enjoyable experience is also reflected by customer feedback on Google Reviews for Cendol Batu 7, Gombak. According to a reviewer by the name of Nur Afiqah Zaidir, “The cendol overall is delicious, like homemade cendol which is a bit larger in size, but the texture is really delicious. Worth a visit!”
Tastes of the People
What sets Cendol Batu 7 from others is the originality that they have preserved through time, showcasing the sweetness of an everyday Malaysian dessert, presenting it in a more refined taste. The traditional and homey flavour is woven through their menus with a selection of wide range authentic choices to indulge in. Without a doubt, the legacy of the people stilllives through Cendol Batu 7, as it still stands in its identity, consistent in its legacy through itsrecipes. Focusing on the familiarity of taste, the atmosphere of the past is passed down and kept so that the community would still have a chance to reminisce about the sweetness of the past. In a blog post by Amie, she titled her overall visit as, “Cendol Batu 7: It’s as delicious as the cendol of the past.” With its distinct quality, the memories of the people surely return with the taste of cendol from Cendol Batu 7.
With the people in mind and nostalgia hand in hand, its affordability is also a factor toconsider. Food for the people throughout the past has always been affordable, especially local food that is derived from local sources. Cendol is one of them, with its luscious coconut milk, palm sugar syrup and its tapioca starch jelly all locally sourced. In the past, they were usually sourced from people’s backyards. So, when we talk about people’s taste, we also talk about its affordability for local citizens. Taking this into account, it is great news for students; that Cendol Batu 7 is coming to the Gombak Food Festival 4.0 that is held at the bustling turquoise university campus.
The Choice of Malaysians
To experience a place is to experience its locality, particularly in its food scene. This is the perfect headstart for those willing to try original Malaysian taste untouched by time. It is more than just a seasonal refreshment, but it is one of the most legitimate desserts you can find soon in Gombak Food Festival 4.0. Surely, as the upcoming festival is in IIUM, international staff and students surely must give this indulgence a taste!
It is acknowledged that Cendol Batu 7’s consistency in bringing Malaysia and its nostalgia of the past has reached its way to those that have tried their menus. Many reviewers commented on its homemade taste and how it is different from commercialised cendol. Its consistency in taste has been favoured by locals, even going as far as reviewing it as the best cendol they have tasted. This reinforces their story on preserving the taste of Malaysian snacks and dessert. Building trust between Cendol Batu 7 and customers on bringing back the taste of the past with reliability in this fast-paced world.
Experience it Yourself: Visit Cendol Batu 7 at Gombak Food Festival 4.0
To further promote Malaysia local food heritage and engage with a wider audience, Cendol Batu 7 will also be participating in the upcoming Gombak Food Festival 4.0 which will be located at HS Square on 5-6 May. This event provides an opportunity for visitors to experience a variety of local foods where traditions are also celebrated and shared among food lovers.
According to an update from the official Instagram page at @gombakfoodfest, the festival aims to bring together local vendors and food enthusiasts to promote Malaysian street food culture. Meanwhile, updates and promotional content about Cendol Batu 7 can be searched at @seca0ne on Instagram that highlights the brand’s involvement in community food events and its commitment to expanding its reach beyond its usual location.
Visitors are encouraged to attend the festivals not only to enjoy a variety of foods but also to experience the signature cendol offered by Cendol Batu 7.***
(This advertorial is a part of assessment from a course, COMM 2312 Basic of Writing)
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