Penang — nicknamed Pearl of the Orient — has a fascinating mix of culture, heritage and urban life.
But above all, it is well-known for its gastronomic delights, some of which have stood the test of time and is now part of the state’s history.
One of them is none other than the legendary Swatow Lane Ais Kacang.
Affectionately known as Ang Tau Sng (Hokkien for Iced Red Bean) Swatow Lane, the sweet dessert’s story began in 1923 when a Chinese immigrant by the name of Lee Kar Tee started selling this local delicacy from a pushcart at Swatow Lane outside The New World open-air entertainment centre.
Later in 1950, Lee’s son Soo Khan took over the business from his late father.
In later years, the business was forced to move to a food court nearby when the centre was closed for an upgrade.
At that time, Lee Eng Lai (third generation) had in turn taken over from his late father, Soo Khan.
It was not an easy job but Eng Lai was grateful to have both his sons, Wah Onn and Wah Chai (fourth generation) lending a helping hand.
Well, like the English proverb says, every cloud has a silver lining. After operating for almost 15 years within the food court, this family-run business was moved to a permanent premise at the newly-refurbished New World Park.
Boasting its huge signboard that reads Swatow Lane Ais Kacang, the shop is now impossible to miss.
Ais Kacang (literally means “ice bean”) but is more popularly known as Air Batu Campur (ABC).
The original Ais Kacang in the old days was made of only shaved ice and red beans. However, the variety of its ingredients has since evolved, making Ais Kacang a popular local dessert with various twists to it.
What sets Ang Tau Sng Swatow Lane apart from the rest is its “fruity punch”.
Ruling the Ais Kacang scene for almost a century now, Ang Tau Sng Swatow Lane wows with its own magic by adding slivers of mango, banana, watermelon, papaya, and ciku, along with typical ingredients like palm seeds, red bean, cincau grass jelly and a scoop of peanut ice cream perched atop the bed of shaved ice.
Completing this wickedly delicious, iconic dessert is their special syrup which has been the talk of the town for decades.
A bowl of this legendary icy treat varies from between RM3.50 and RM5.50, depending on the size of the bowl and extras ordered.
It is indeed worthy of a try as the medley of ingredients gives different levels of textures and flavours with each mouthful.
Now, don’t you wish you could have a bowl for yourself?
Swatow Lane Ais Kacang
102-E-1, New World Park, Jalan Burma,
10050 Georgetown, Penang.
Open: 9am–10pm daily.
This article first appeared in uppre.com