Hidden behind Fives Hotel in Bandar Johor Bahru, opposite KOMTAR JBCC Shopping Mall, a coconut wine shop sits quietly in a gated premise. The rustic shop sells only toddy (coconut palm wine / 椰花酒) — from the natural fermentation of the sap from coconut trees’ palm shoots.
The shop does not have a name and is just called “Kedai Tuak” or “Coconut Wine Shop”, and it is dated as since 1920. It is entirely self-service, cash-only and carry yourself. There are tables and chairs for drinking-in — unfortunately, smokers smoke in the room too, making take-away a preferred option (for me).
The coconut palm wine (toddy) is sold in glass mug, big jug or 1.5-litre bottles as shown on its menu above the counter. There are actually two types of toddy: normal and special. One glass of normal toddy is RM5 whereas a glass of special toddy is RM7.
For first-timers, it is recommended to try both the normal and special toddy to taste the differences between them before deciding on one’s own preference.
The normal toddy is mildly sweet and citrus with a faint fermentation taste. It has an immiscible appearance — doesn’t mix well. The alcohol content is very low — very similar to “Jolly Shandy”.
The “special” toddy is stronger in taste, sweeter and has a near-milky and consistent appearance. The alcohol content is also slightly higher — probably after a longer fermentation period or using certain distillation treatment to remove some water.
The “special” toddy is definitely my preference.
Even though toddy has very low alcohol content, make sure you are of legal age to drink in Malaysia — i.e 21 years old and above.
Opening Hours:
10:30am to 3pm | Daily
Nearby:
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