Pasembur is one of my must-eats in Penang and we recently had a very good one at Kareem Pasembur Rojak. It was recommended to me by my in-laws, who spent more than a week in Penang and stumbled upon this gem.
Union Street Famous Kareem Pasembur Rojak
My father in-law immediately texted me details and a micro review of Kareem Pasembur Rojak, citing this as “way better” than Gani in Padang Kota and the overpriced Gurney Drive pasembur. Kareem Pasembur Rojak is located across Bank of China on Lebuh Union and they open from 11am onwards.
They open from 11am till 6pm
Pick your rojak ingredients and hand it to them to chop into bite-size pieces
This humble-looking stall offers a good selection of fritters and rojak condiments, from the simple fried potatoes and eggs to the more indulgent prawn, squid and crab. The uncle and younger chap who man the stall are both friendly. They are also not pushy, unlike the other rojak places who pushes their premium items to customers.
The cucur udang is good stuff. Filled with plenty of gerago (small shrimp).
The prawn fritters at Kareem Pasembur Rojak are delicious; a generous amount of small shrimp (udang gerago) in batter and shredded vegetables. Even the fried potatoes are cooked nicely so the center is soft yet firm enough not to crumble when cut through.
Assorted fritters
We opted for some cucur bawang and cucur kacang for variety, and some egg and tofu for good measures. Once you confirm your choices, the uncle will then chop them up and lather thick, rojak sauce all over.
If you’re having it to-go, let him know and he will ask if you want the items chopped up or packed as they are. He will also advise you on how best to reheat the rojak. We had this as a takeaway to eat at our hotel later that night as Jien and I had a wedding to attend. Even so, it is the best pasembur I’ve had in Penang thus far!
Kareem Pasembur Rojak (left) which we had for supper. The gravy has a good balance of sweet, spicy and nutty.
The kuah (gravy) isn’t overly sweet or starchy, and they don’t stinge on the crushed peanuts so the gravy is lemak and aromatic. It’s not as spicy as Padang Kota’s rojak and I like it – because you get to taste the ingredients better. We paid RM18 for our rojak.
Friendly uncle (Kareem, I presume).
Jien and I returned the next day to buy a large packet home and that cost us RM25. Quite a bit cheaper (given how we always pick the same ingredients) than the other pasembur rojak places we’ve been to in Penang. If you’re in Penang, give this place a try. This will now be my go-to spot for pasembur rojak in Penang!
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Ambiance: 5/10
Price: 7/10
Food: 7.5/10 (halal)
Verdict: Pasembur rojak that hits the spot! The cucur udang is good stuff and prices are reasonable.
Do you have a food recommendation? Tell us!
Kareem Pasembur Rojak
7, Lebuh Union,
George Town,
10200 Penang.
Tel: 011-2607 5822
Business hours: 11am till 6pm
(closed Sunday)