Sitting here, in the car, just next to the Mydin hypermarket in Subang Jaya ; waiting for Jeannie who just dashed into Giant, the big grocery store to pick up a couple of things. Time limit: none.

Jeannie popped in at Mydin for “C.R.M.“: to pick up some of our favourite snacks before going over to Giant.. The snacks, under the brand, “Mr. Muruku”, are more popularly made by Indians. Malaysians being Malaysians – we love food. These snacks are very popular with all Malaysians. There’s gonna be a whole lot of munching going on when we get home.

While at Mydin, she also bought cendol and rojak from the stall at the food court. Usually, or most times; the cendol and rojak are good. However, this was one of the days that it wasn’t. Jeannie brought them to the car first, before she went over to Giant.

Cendol has been declared a national food heritage. (1) The cendol is typically made with a base of shaved ice, coconut milk and Gula Melaka (palm sugar) syrup. What you will find in each serving are additional but not limited to, ingredients like green jelly noodles, red beans, grass jelly, creamed corn; each has their own special recipe. The super recipes include various types of ice-cream, nuts, jelly beans. the list goes on. I have yet to come across where they add kopi kaw kaw to this dessert. That would be taking it to the next level.

Coming back to the cendol from Mydin. It was served in a to-go cup. Today, their cendol was not up to par. It had too little ice shavings and too much of santan (coconut milk). The santan was over powering the taste. Maybe, it was not the usual cendol maker. Food is very subjective. However, there will be people who would prefer a heavier dose of santan.

The cendol maker is also the rojak maker. Somehow, wherever you go, you will see the rojak and cendol together. I think they compliment each other. The rojak mentioned here is more commonly known as “rojak mamak”. (2)

In the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia such as Penang, and Kedah, rojak is always called “pasembur”, while in Kuala Lumpur, it is called “rojak mamak”. Indian rojak consists of an assortment of potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, tofu and prawn fritters. The sauce or dressing is made with sweet potatoes, peanuts and spices. The sauce is fairly similar to the sauce used for satay.

The rojak mamak from Mydin usually tastes good. Can’t wait to go home to have a go at this yummy meal.

Our next stop: Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall.

NOTES:
1. Foodadvisor.
2. Mamak refers to the Indian Muslims. The mamak restaurants or stalls that dot all over Malaysia, offer relaxed dining – everyone loves to go for their coffee, tea, or quick bite in the mornings, afternoons, tea time, dinner. Anytime is a good time for reasonably priced dining with family and friends.