Pudu is among the oldest districts in Kuala Lumpur, once famous for the prison which dominated the area. Though the prison is no more, Pudu still retains much of its old-world charm. Contributing to that charm is Ruby Dessert House, an eatery famous for its tong sui.
Since 1888
Image Credit: William Ng on Google Review (Left), Jack Ng on Google Review (Right)
It is not every day that you can claim to visit a business that can claim to have existed since 1888. Ruby Dessert House is one of those places, dutifully run by the Kan family. At present, the business is operated by the fifth generation of the family.
But what exactly is being sold here? If the business name is any indicator, desserts, of course. Not any desserts, but Chinese tong sui desserts, aka traditional dessert soups. No fancy gelatos or croffles here, just the stuff your grandparents would have loved.
What is amazing is how some of these recipes have been passed down from generation to generation. In fact, if you wander into the restaurant, you can find a glass encasing with a century-old recipe book within.
History of Ruby Dessert House
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On occasion, you might spot an elderly man ordering the Indonesian workers around. This is likely to be Ricky Kan, the current patriarch of the family. It was his great-grandfather, Kan Seng, who started the business.
If you chat him up, he will likely tell you how Kan Seng actually had a food business in Guangzhou, China. When the family migrated to Malaya, they set up shop in the Central Market. In the 1970s, the business moved to its current location in Pudu.
Many old businesses are at risk of shuttering with no one to take them over. Thankfully, Ricky’s sons are ensuring Ruby Dessert House will live on for a little longer. Good thing too, as the desserts here are to die for.
Delicious tong sui
Image Credit: Rachel Chu on Google Review (Left), Ricky Seah on Google Review (Right)
There are quite a few to choose from. The black sesame paste is a bestseller for good reason. Here, the paste is made fresh every day, with the sesame seeds ground in a stone mill before being slowly cooked over a fire. The resulting paste is creamy, thick, with a hint of smokiness.
If you have a nut allergy, look away! The peanut paste is made similarly to how the black sesame paste was, albeit with peanuts in place of sesame seeds. This dessert has a strong nutty aroma and is sweeter than the black sesame paste.
Also available at Ruby Dessert House is a relatively rare tong sui, the aromatic almond paste. It is a common sight in Hong Kong apparently. In any case, the almond paste here goes down the throat easily and is more subtle with its flavours.
If you are not that fond of pastes, the steamed egg custard is a menu option worth checking out as well. Smooth and bouncy, it is very mildly sweet, with a certain milkiness to it. If you like taufufa, there’s a strong chance you will like this dessert.
In addition to the tasty desserts, Ruby Dessert House is also famous for its dessert art. The tong sui often comes decorated with depictions of cartoon characters or animals. It is an adorable feature which brings a smile to many a tired face.
Worth your time?
Image Credit: Deechai Rattanaphutphong on Google Review (Left), Amanda Lam on Google Review (Right)
Overall, whether you like old-world vibes or just have a sweet tooth, Ruby Dessert House is worth a visit. The place has been patronised by celebrities and politicians alike, so it only makes sense to check it out yourself too.
Restoran Ruby Dessert
Address: No. 32, Jalan Kancil, Pudu, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 11 am – 11 pm daily | Closed on Tuesdays
Contact: 03-21413250
Halal Status: Non-halal
You should also check out: This Aunty is more hardworking than you, prepping at 1am for her 50-yr-old KL dessert shop
Feature Image Credit: Anna Kee on Google Review (Left), Woodzpacker on Google Review (Right)
