Kuala Lampur, Sept. 16 -- Some reunions are carefully planned. Others begin with a simple suggestion: "Shall we go for cendol?"

My wife and I were in Ipoh to attend the Malaysian Medical Association Annual Meeting and Dinner. It also became an opportunity to reconnect with an old friend whom I had not seen for more than a decade. Dr Teoh, a retired Director of State Health Department and public health specialist, together with his partner, suggested that we take a short drive to Taiping. One of the destinations was Ansari Famous Cendol, a family-run establishment that has been serving its well-known dessert for three generations.

The journey itself was unhurried. After so many years apart, there was naturally much to catch up on. We spo...