Rojak Manjung in Sitiawan

This month of June had me in stitches. No, NOT the laughing spell/stomach-cramps inducing kind, but more of that with surgical nature; aka 'Wounds bleeding' with endless slew of work and activities, taking me round the peninsular, for a grand total of 19 days of travelling and away from home !!! That's more than half the month gone! That has to be a record of sorts ......

Notice the various ingredients to be chosen for your customized serving of Rojak?

Still wondering whether I've the time (and energy) to update this blog in coming days, hence I'd better post as much as possible, whenever and wherever I can. For today's post, let's take a look at one of Malaysians' favourite salad, the Rojak.

Rojak Manjung gained considerable fame ... as proven by various articles, featured stories, and of course, words-of-mouth

Rojak refers to a popular type of salad commonly found in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia (known as rujak, refers to Selba's blog for various versions of the rujak), consisting of fruits and vegetables (and other ingredients occassionally), and served with accompanying sauce.

There are various intepretations of this simple dish, from the common Rojak with thick, gooey black shrimp paste and peanut sauce, to Pasembur-type of rojak with slightly different ingredients (cucur udang/prawn fritters, tauhu/beancurd, etc) and a sweeter yet spicy sauce. Of course, there's always other sensationalized versions, such as those with other not-so-common ingredients such as youtiao/yau char kwai/Chinese cruellers, cuttlefish (else known as sotong kangkung), cuts of papaya, etc.

Rojak Manjung @ RM3.20 (regular serving)

I've read about this place in Sitiawan (yup, NOT Seri Manjung, remember!) serving delicious and popular Rojak Manjung from THIS blog some time ago. Noted to self; "Gotta give it a try, seeing that Sitiawan's all about Hock Chew food, hawker fare, or seafood only." And of course, cendol as well. Come to think of it, if only this rojak can be served together with that cendol from James, then it's HOLY matrimony, people!

Seriously, this is the second time I tried Rojak Manjung in Sitiawan. (Don't you just love how they like to confuse you? Imagine Nasi Ayam Ipoh in KL, or Penang Char Kuey Teow in Ipoh. Or even Terengganu Nasi Dagang in Australia. Hahahah ... wait, two out of three ARE for real. Whoops)

Verdict? Lovely combination of ingredients, from their crispy and flavourful cucur udang (prawn fritters), a whole boiled egg, fish cakes and cubed potatoes, to other funky ingredients such as filament stick (or crab stick - another one of those bogus wannabes, fish paste masquerading as crabs?), peparu (cow's lungs!), tempe (a Javanese delicacy made from fried soybean - supposedly the Elixir of youth. Got doubts? Ask HIM), etc.

Coupled with that thick, spicy sauce with chopped peanuts, the platter of goodies was taken up to a whole new level .... of greater heights, should I say. Minor gripe? The small serving of sauce was far from enough to 'banjir' (flood) my plate of rojak. Additional sauce can be obtained at extra charge, should you feel like slurping on the gravy.

They serve rice with dishes as well. The Rendang Cendawan (curry mushrooms, literally) is one of their most popular dish, being covered in the media as well.

They operate from 9am til 7pm everyday, except Sundays. Aside from their famed Rojak, one can choose to have a more filling portion of rice and dishes for lunch here. The boss highly recommended their Rendang Cendawan, probably the first time I've came across such combination. Vowing to try the dish someday for lunch, I'll be sure to return for more.

Look for the D'Mara sign, in case you can't find this place

Location : Rojak Manjung @ No 6, Plaza Mara Sitiawan, Jalan Lumut, 32000 Sitiawan, Perak. Tel No : 6012-507 5453. Look for Encik Amer Zuraidi. HALAL.

And with that, let the Marathon begins .......