Rojak & Cendol Aliff in Taman Desa, KL
The words ‘cheap’ and ‘tasty’ don’t always intertwine when it comes to food. Even when they do, finding a hearty serving of good and affordable food can be a challenge. But against all odds, Rojak & Cendol Aliff have accomplished just that.
Tucked away in Taman Desa, KL, this roadside food truck is where you should head to for delicious rojak and cendol sold from as low as RM2.50.
Knowing it would be a regret to pass up such a good deal, we visited the stall to bring you this review.
A roadside food truck with 30 years of history
It is easy to spot Rojak & Cendol Aliff among the many food stalls along Jalan Desa Utama – just look out for a white truck with a huge orange icebox facing the road.
Two blue canopies are extended from the back of the vehicle, serving as a sheltered area for patrons to dine in.
The unassuming food truck reminded us of a fully loaded firearm – small but powerful. Despite the limited space, it is strategically divided into two zones that are equipped with all the essentials to churn out mouth-watering cendol and rojak.
At the cendol station, you’ll find an ice shaver, cans of condensed milk, and stainless steel pots that are filled with various cendol toppings.
Across from it is the rojak station, where different ingredients are laid out in separate trays next to a big pot of peanut sauce or kuah kacang.
The stall set its root in Taman Desa 30 years ago and has never relocated since.
We were convinced by the staff’s experience, as we witnessed the staff’s seamless teamwork: one was skillfully chopping ingredients, the other was scooping out hot peanut sauce, and yet another was busy grinding ice with an ice-shaver machine.
They worked so swiftly together as if they had a built-in system that could expertly keep their actions in sync.
Indian rojak & cendol from RM2.50
Unlike the typical rojak that includes fruits and shrimp paste, the stall’s version is Indian-influenced, also known by many as pasembur.
Their signature Rojak Telur (RM5.50) has shredded cucumbers and jicamas piled high over fried fritters, shrimp cakes, fish cakes, beancurd, and half an egg.
All these ingredients are followed by thick and rich peanut sauce generously ladled over the plate, covering all the components underneath.
Besides this, you can also order variations of the dish – Rojak Sotong Telur (RM6.50) and Rojak Mee Telur (RM6), featuring additional cuttlefish and noodles respectively.
There is nothing we can complain about OG Malaysian desserts like ais kacang and cendol really, especially during a scorching hot afternoon. The stall’s Cendol Biasa (RM2.50) is the perfect example.
Atop the mound of shaved ice are red bean, grass jelly, and green cendol jelly in coconut milk, followed by a drizzle of gula Melaka to give the dessert an extra sweet overlay.
We watched as the shaved ice gave way to the abundant toppings, transforming from a spiky mountain to a knoll with a rounded summit.
Additionally, if you enjoy the sticky texture of glutinous rice, opt for their Cendol Pulut (RM3).
The owners further shared with us that many customers come for cendol takeaways, which are packed in the old-school bungkus plastic style.
Here’s our verdict
We devoured the Cendol Biasa before it had the chance to turn into liquid. It was a delightful moment as the sweet, nutty, and creamy notes danced on our tastebuds.
The dessert was simple yet tasted super authentic and nostalgic. It was the type of bowl that would make you say: “This is what cendol should taste like”.
We then transitioned from sweet to savoury with Rojak Telur, which was presented in an appetising burnt-orange colour. After giving everything on the plate a good mix, we dove right in.
The peanut sauce was sublime. Its taste resembled both satay and gado-gado kuah – slightly spicy but mostly sweet and nutty.
We especially enjoyed the texture, which wasn’t overly chunky yet grainy enough to feel the finely ground peanuts crushed between our teeth.
The fried ingredients lost their initial crispiness with the generous pour of sauce, but we didn’t mind the sogginess. Rather, we found the evolved texture even more intriguing and enjoyable, with each ingredient soaking up the sauce.
Better yet, the frying didn’t take down the nutty and bean-like flavours of the beancurd as it still tasted super fresh.
The shredded cucumbers and jicamas, on the other hand, held onto their crunchiness, imparting a nice contrast to the dish.
Affordable rojak & cendol in Taman Desa, KL
Despite their simple menu, Rojak & Cendol Aliff remains a go-to spot for locals looking to make their afternoon extra delicious with cendol and rojak. Three decades of operation in the same location, with regular snaking queues, is testament of this.
As we wrapped up our visit, we reached a mutual agreement to return whenever our post-lunch cravings strike.
Address: Jalan Desa Utama, Taman Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 12pm-5.30pm, Daily
Contact: 018-258 9786
For more delicious yet affordable eats, try this RM5 Thai-style Hainanese chicken rice in Segambut or this RM8 handmade udon in Taman Desa.
Photography by xinyeegoh & Dennis Kong.
Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local Malaysia