The main ingredient of “Rujak Sayur Asin” is salted mustard. Salted mustard is made from chicory in a process similar to pickling that brings out its sour and salty qualities. It is usually  sauteed or mixed into the baikut dish (pork ribs) or fish soup. For “Rujak Sayur Asin”, salted mustard is cut into pieces then mixed with pickles, fried tofu then seasoned with black shrimp paste, peanuts, garlic and chilli pepper, and a little sweet soya sauce. The final touch is adding a cracker to the dish.

The sour taste from the salted mustard and pickled cucumbers, combined with tofu, tasteful black shrimp paste and crunchy cracker make for a unique combination and taste.

One “Rujak Sayur Asin” seller who has continued to sell Rujak through to today is Mr. Sutopo. He works on Diponegoro street, in front of house #136, across from the Dasa Medika drug store. His typical day runs from  11 a.m. to 17 p.m.

For those who want to reminisce and enjoy their childhood once again should try the taste of “Rujak Sayur Asin”. Visit Pak Sutopo on Diponegoro street and don’t let this food become extinct!

Translated into English by Rastra Tri M.
English translation edited by Martine Randolph.

This post is also available in: Indonesian