These days if I visit Penang, and when I pop over to the famous Teochew Cendol stall at Lebuh Keng Kwee, off Penang Road, I don’t go for its cendol any more.
Personally I find this Ang Tau cendol is not as good as it used to be. You should try this chill shaved ice drink from Swato Lane.
Anyway, if I visit the stall at Keng Kwee Lane, I usually ask for the cold green pegaga drink.
Pegaga plant is a kind of wild creepers which is found growing among grasses. Pegaga is a Malay word, and pegaga in English is known as Indian pennywort or gotu kola. You can buy it from the wet markets.
Pegaga said to have many health benefits, as it is rich with vitamin K, magnesium and calcium.
It has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of illness which include high blood pressure, fever, toothache, malaria and even dengue fever.
According to some sources, Pegaga or can alleviate fatigue and can also help those who suffer from depression and insomnia.
I remember an elderly Malay lady once told me that this green bitter drink can enhance male virility!
I love drinking this fresh raw green juice every now and then. It said to reduce the so-called heatiness in our body. What the Chinese Hokkien called it “liang” or “liong” in Cantonese. Yes, cooling effect, or to cool down one’s body.
There is this sugar-cane juice stall which also sells Pegaga juice in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It is located near the cross-roads of Jalan Petaling and Jalan Sultan, opposite Hotel Lok Ann.
The Chinese lady in the photo above is preparing the pegaga juice with the sugar cane crushing machine at the back lane of Chinatown KL. It is very easy to make this healthy tonic drink.
Many of you might not like its raw bitter taste. The stall in Penang the icy-cold Pagaga juice is served sweetened. But this particular stall in Kuala Lumpur serves it either as it is or with a pinch of salt to reduce the bitterness.
Disclaimer: The contents of this post are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a qualified physician for any doubts.