Where to get the best nostalgic caramel custard pudding in KL and PJ

Custard caramel pudding is a classic kopitiam dessert enjoyed by Malaysians for generations. Ordered as a sweet finish to a meal, they are a creamy, sweet, and soft delicacy. If you’re looking to find them yourself, here’s where to find the best custard pudding in KL.

The soft and jiggly dessert originates from a French custard known as creme caramel. It is prepared by pouring condensed milk and sugar syrup into a mould. The pudding is formed in a boiler or a steamer before being served with caramel sauce. The dish requires skill and practise to master as it can easily melt or burn. An ideal caramel custard is tofu-like and creamy, tasting of vanilla and caramel with a refined sweetness.

Creme caramel spread throughout many parts of the world since its 1897 creation. With countries like Portugal and Spain using instant flan powder, a milk substitute, to make it. Meanwhile, in Asia, custard caramel pudding has its unique variants in India, Thailand, and Japan, varying in texture and ingredients. In the 16th century, the Portuguese introduced the recipe of creme caramel while colonising Malaya. The dessert stuck and continued to be served in colonial restaurants and eventually in kopitiams.

Today, the dessert can be found everywhere, from bazaars and night markets to trendy cafes and hotels. Ready to indulge in this soft treat? Bookmark and save the best places to get caramel custard pudding in KL and PJ.

The best places for nostalgic caramel custard pudding in KL and PJ

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Known for their wantan mee, Annie1, located in Uptown, also serves the beloved custard caramel pudding. You can enjoy a taste of Ipoh staples like hor fun and chee cheong fun, accompanied by snacks like kaya toast and various nyonya kuih. Their caramel custard pudding remains a highlight for its bittersweet, creamy flavour and an unforgettable, soft texture. For a more modern kopitiam experience near the happening The Starling Mall, this establishment will not disappoint.

Operating hours: 7:30AM – 9:30PM

Image credit: Facebook/Annie1

2 /7

Tucked away from KL in Taman United is MERG Cafe, a cosy cafe perfect for coffee and brunch. The cafe is well-known for its menu of pastas like pesto, linguine, and aglio olio. And to cap off a satisfying lunch, one of their local desserts is their custard caramel pudding. Made in-house with their own caramel syrup recipe, this dessert leans more creamy, which makes it ideal for those who prefer a caramel taste.

Operating hours: 8:45AM – 3:30PM (Closed on Wednesday)

Image credit: Instagram/mergcafe

3 /7

Included in our list of the best bookstore cafes, Tsutaya has its own cafe, which serves coffee, matcha, and pastries. One of their menu additions is the classic custard caramel pudding, or in this case, the Japanese variant known as ‘Purin’. With a denser texture, this pudding may be too firm for some, but it makes up for it with its delicious caramel syrup. This would be the perfect reward for finishing that work or study session.

Operating hours: 10AM – 10PM

Image credit: Instagram/bukitjalil.tsutayabooks

4 /7

Known for their unique coffee beverages like guava coffee and ginger latte, Kon Kon has been cited as one of the hidden gems of Sungai Besi. With a curated selection of cakes and desserts, the fox-themed cafe is a great casual spot for a hangout. One of its dessert selections is the classic custard caramel pudding, this time served decadently on a raised steel plate. Using their special mix of milk and syrup, this custard is the quintessential wobbly soft dessert that also doubles as a great prop for your Instagram carousel.

Operating hours: 10AM – 6PM

Image credit: Instagram/cafekonkon

5 /7

For a more affordable option, Mr Caramel has been serving the foodies of Taman Melawati faithfully since 2007. Starting from RM8 for a big slice of caramel custard, it’s no wonder that a queue always forms around the evening hours. Mr Caramel is known by residents as Farid, a long-serving seller of the dessert. You can expect every slice of custard to be rich, creamy, and not too sweet. A truly nostalgic taste that has been perfected for almost 20 years.

Operating hours: 4PM – 7PM

Image credit: Instagram/mrcaramel

6 /7

The Vietnamese variety of caramel custard, known as Banh Flan, is usually made from flan powder, a milk substitute. But at An Viet, things are made differently, using the actual ingredients of eggs, sugar syrup, and milk. The result is a pudding that tastes similar to the Malaysian variant we know, but has the texture of smooth tofu. If you’re looking for a different variety of pudding, give this dessert a try during your next meal there.

Operating hours: 11AM – 9:30PM

Image credit: Instagram/anviet.my

7 /7

Finally, a stall that has been trending on Instagram and TikTok recently – Rizz Quesillo. Located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, this place has amassed long lines from locals and tourists looking to savour the Latin American dessert. Quesillo is a different variety of the standard custard pudding, this time featuring a cheesier taste. This adds a new dimension of flavour to the dessert, making it savoury yet sweet. It has also made the dessert dangerously addictive, so do try it at your own risk.

Operating hours: 4:30AM – 12AM (Closed on Monday)

Image credit: Instagram/rizzquesillo