If you’re a true foodie, you must try the best Kareem Pasembur Rojak in Penang.
This iconic Malaysian salad has been delighting taste buds since 1945.
After over thirty years of enjoying this dish, I can confidently say it still tastes fantastic today.
Every bite of Kareem’s pasembur rojak is a delicious blend of flavors and textures.
You’ll find crispy vegetables, juicy fruits, and crunchy prawn fritters, all drenched in a sweet and spicy peanut sauce.
It’s a dish that captures the essence of Penang’s vibrant street food culture.
While younger bloggers call him “Uncle,” I’ve always known him simply as Kareem.
His passion for making this beloved dish shines through in every serving.
So grab your friends, head to his stall, and experience a slice of history with each delicious mouthful.
Your taste buds will thank you!
Kareem Pasembur Rojak
Almost dwarfed by a “mountain” of prawn fritters, the amiable Kareem smiles and beckons passersby to try his Pasembur Rojak.
This vibrant salad has Indian-Muslim origins and is a must-try for any foodie.
The Pasembur Rojak features fried ingredients piled high on a mound of shredded cucumber, yam bean, and blanched bean sprouts.
It’s generously topped with a deliciously warm, spicy sweet potato gravy that is absolutely to die for.
Kareem and I are a little older now, but he’s still the same smiling man I bought my Pasembur Rojak from when I worked at China Street Ghaut.
Established in 1945, his little blue pushcart was a familiar sight at the Customs Building on Gat Lebuh, China, during the 1980s and 1990s.
Later, he moved to Lebuh Union, where business starts at 11:00 a.m. and runs until 7:00 p.m.
Lunchtime is a bustling affair, with a long queue of eager office workers ready to enjoy this iconic dish!
Kareem is dwarfed by a “mountain” of prawn fritters.
The sign says it all.
Fried whole potatoes, squid, and prawn fritters.
Kareem Pasembur Rojak Menu New Items
For the past 30 years, Kareem has been serving his dish par excellence, and the taste has stayed the same.
However, due to popular demand, he has expanded his fried menu.
Now you can enjoy crab sticks, fish rolls, cheese rolls, hot dogs, and popiah.
“Hotdog, er… Kareem, but why?” I asked.
His smiling reply was, “Customer request, Kareem bikin (makes).”
But he knows that true blue Penangites prefer the authentic ingredients and recipes.
We like things the way they were.
Korchabi comes quickly to mind!
Kareem has his menu at the front of his pushcart.
A plate of Kareem Pasembur Rojak!
Kareem Pasembur Rojak – Penang’s Best Hot Sweet Potato Gravy
Here’s how it morphs as Kareem ladles and “banjir” the Pasembur with sweet potato gravy.
His staple dishes—cucur udang, cucur garing, cucur kacang, cucur kupaai, sotong, boiled eggs, and potatoes—remain firm favorites among his regulars.
At the top of the favorites list are the prawn fritters, deep-fried to perfection until fragrant and crunchy!
Some prefer takeaway, with the sauce and ingredients wrapped separately, but nothing beats sitting alfresco.
You can choose to sit by the road or across Union Street in the “Lorong,”
Here you get to share a table and enjoy your Pasembur with a foamy glass of Teh Tarik from the drinks stall.
I met this lovely lady who is a second-generation customer!
Review of Kareem Pasembur Rojak
One of my all-time favorites, Kareem Pasembur Rojak, is my favorite medley of quintessential Penang happy food!
Do check out this Pasembur stall when you are around the area.
Kareem Pasembur Rojak
Address: 7, Lebuh Union, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Phone: 011-2607 5822
Opening hours: 11 am – 6 pm (Closed on Sunday)
Google: https://g.co/kgs/gDwRA4s
Every year, Kareem Pasembur Rojak has a stall at the narrow Queen Street in Little India’s busy Ramadhan bazaar.
