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When I think of Indian Rojak, a slew of ingredients and a bowl of rich red peanut sauce comes to mind. So, when I heard of Al Mahboob Rojak, and how they serve amazing rojak, you bet your last dollar I’d be there.
Located in a standalone restaurant at Tampines, it is also fully air-conditioned. Beats the al fresco dining concept most places have to offer.
The restaurant was fully packed and the atmosphere, chaotic when I arrived. However, the medley of colourful ingredients on display in front of me instantly drained the surrounding noise out. My focus was certainly on the food— I was truly in rojak heaven!
What I tried at Al Mahboob Rojak
I might have gone a bit overboard with my rojak. I got two Chicken Sausages (S$0.90 each), two Boiled Potatoes (from S$2), one Beancurd (S$2.30), two Big Prawns with Flour (S$3 each), and three Fish Cakes (S$2.30 each). Easily my most expensive Indian rojak purchase ever.
As the place was filled to the brim, I opted to tapau my order.
Despite the 15-minute journey back home, the prawn fritters still retained their crispness. The prawns were also fresh, which was a lovely treat.
Like the prawn fritters, the Fish Cake was fried to perfection.
Indian rojak Boiled Potatoes always hit a sweet spot. I’m pretty sure there’s a certain kind of sorcery added to their marinade because the potatoes here are out of this world.
I’m happy to report that the Chicken Sausage was incredibly crispy. I also noticed that it was sliced differently than in most places, which made it easier to consume.
Fried tofu is a must in every Indian rojak order, and the one here is huge! Two thumbs up from me.
Aside from their Indian rojak, Al Mahboob Rojak also sells other dishes like the usual gorengs, mutton chop, Roti John and more.
I ordered the Mee Kuah (S$7). This dish is essentially a bowl of your choice of favourite noodles in a thick, well-spiced, and red mutton broth.
True to its name, the Mee Kuah here is loaded with heaps of tender mutton chunks, potatoes, and eggs. In my opinion, yellow noodles are the ultimate combination, but you can choose otherwise too.
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The Mee Kuah here tastes sublime. It’s sweet, yet spicy and thick. The tender mutton chunks weren’t too gamey and had the right consistency to them.
I also got the Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis Merah (S$6.50), which loosely translates to red fried rice with anchovies.
The fried rice comes with an abundance of crispy ikan bilis coupled with soft potato cubes, crunchy vegetables, and eggs. Although this isn’t a dish I’d come back for, it does the trick if you’re craving for a simple nasi goreng.
Last but not least, Roti John Mutton (S$6.50).
The dish consists of sliced halves of a French loaf fried atop a griddle, topped with minced mutton, sliced onions, and egg, not forgetting the addition of chilli sauce and mayonnaise toppings.
Personally, I would prefer it to be a bit crispier. Taste-wise it could do with a tad bit more salt and pepper to enhance the flavours of the minced mutton.
Final thoughts
Be prepared to wait up to 30 minutes for your order. After all, a high volume of customers = longer waiting time, am I right? You won’t have to worry about the ingredients running out as they’re replenished regularly.
I also love how the restaurant is fully air-conditioned so you wouldn’t be sweating buckets waiting for your order to get prepared.
I also noticed that due to an overwhelming set of ingredients available, many overestimate their eating capacity and tend to take more than they can tank. Which is absolutely fine because they do allow you to pack what you can’t finish.
Would I come back here again? A definite yes (for their rojak).
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