Rojak

Patricia Lim has given up her career in law to be a writer. And it’s not easy. Especially if you are living with your recently divorced mother. When Pat inherits her late grandmother’s house, she and her best friend, Adrian, hatch a plan to rent out the spare rooms to interesting housemates to make some money to pay her bills and to get fodder for her novel. She decides on Aish, an Indian psychotherapist, Olaf, a job - hopping New Zealander, and Steph, a Chinese American software designer forced to work in sales. Living with a group of clashing personalities proves far from easy, but Pat decides the mix of ‘ingredients’ is what makes life interesting, titling her novel ‘ROJAK’.

Steph finds a small fluffy dog on her way home from work and immediately decides to adopt it - much to the dismay of Pat, who is heavily allergic to animals. On Pat’s recommendation perpetually broke Olaf gets a job at Adrian’s bookshop cafe. Meanwhile, Stephanie’s obsession with her new pet ‘Boo Boo’ has become extreme; dressing it in outfits to match her own and feeding it luxury pet food. Olaf also takes a liking to the dog, knowing he can use it to attract women. Never one to turn down a money - making opportunity, he chances upon a ‘Missing Dog’ leaflet with a fat reward and tries to con the owner into believing Boo Boo is the lost pet - a plan destined to fail.

Pat and Aish fall for the same older man – and their claws come out as they battle for his attention. Steph’s sexist boss Desmond wants her to just wear a short skirt and look pretty while she is keen to contribute to the project in a real way. Steph’s input proves to be invaluable and saves the day for Desmond – but does that mean she will finally get an acknowledgement from Desmond?

Olaf’s drunk shenanigans are causing a ruckus in the neighbourhood and neighbours Paul and Kit aren’t happy. Aish is sick about the Indian men her mother tries to match make her with and agrees to go on a date with Wai Kit, a Chinese man she meets at a magazine stand. She is full of excitement and not does expect what is in store for her on her date. Olaf’s continues to mess up orders at the cafe and Adrian finally fires him. Steph takes it upon herself to save Olaf from alcoholism, introducing him to a more spiritual lifestyle with yoga classes and laughter therapy. Does Steph help bring Olaf back on track?

Pat’s mum Nicole decides to stay with Pat for a few days. While Pat is embarrassed about her mother’s behavior – all her housemates fall for her mum’s charms in different ways. Pat introduces her mum to her older boyfriend Raymond but Nicole isn’t impressed.

Paul and Kit are furious when another of Olaf’s drunken escapades lands him on their patio. Steph’s sales figures are dropping and Desmond’s only suggestion is to wear skimpier clothing. In her frustration she imagines attacking Desmond with a golf club. Aish wrongfully accuses Ah Ben, the local drink stall owner, of stealing her wallet only to find she had left her purse at home. Realising they’ve offended Paul and Kit and other people they decide to cook a curry and invite the neighbours, Ah Ben and Desmond.