Mamak Review,Chatswood Sydney

Mamak is one of several new Malaysian Restaurants that are opening around Sydney. Being a Malaysian myself, I have been to this restaurant numerous times and really love the modern concept. There are always massive lines, especially at the Chinatown store.

Unlike the traditional Malaysian restaurant with the sometimes-below-average decor and hundreds of dishes to choose from, Mamak adds a fresh new twist to it.

First of all, you may be wondering, what exactly does the word Mamak mean? Well, according to the Wikipedia, the meaning of a “Mamak” stall is as follows

Mamak Stall

A mamak stall, is a food establishment which serves mamakfood. In Malaysia, the term mamak refers to Tamil Muslims, who generally own and operate them. Although traditionally operated from roadside stalls, some modern mamak stall operators have expanded their businesses into restaurant or cafe-type establishments.

Mamak stalls tend to be popular among Malaysian youths as hang out spots, due to cheap food and beverages being served 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Hence the term

Cheech’s addition: “Mamak” is used as a verb in popular culture to indicate hanging out at a mamak stall. For example, in Malaysia you would say to a friend, “Let’s go Mamak lah!” or “Daddy, can we go mamak tonight? I want some roti!”. 

 

AND so, staying somewhat true to atmosphere of a mamak stall, the place is very rowdy, and in the weekends they open late. One thing is different is their decor, which is very well done. There is good ambiance, the kitchen is see-through so you can admire their roti flipping skills.

As I mentioned before, the range of dishes isn’t big, but what you get in return for a small menu size is very delicious food that comes out at fast speeds (almost like fast food, that’s the case with the Chicken Curry, but they already have a pot boiling anyway so that’s why).

The food and drinks we ordered (following the order of the dish images below) are:

1. Teh Tarik and Teh Ais (Staple drink in Malaysia)
2. Roti Canai
3. Roti Telur (Roti Canai infused with egg)
4. Ayam Goreng (Malaysian styled KFC! but using curry powder and most likely a double deep fry to get that extra crispness)
5. Nasi Goreng
6. Mee Goreng
7. Sambal Prawns
8. Curry Kambing
9. Ice Kacang (Dessert, best thing ever in a sweltering Malaysian heat)

 NOW LET YOUR EYES DROOL! .

Mamak Review Summary

Overall I am very contented with the dishes. Maybe some may not agree, but I really love the Ayam Goreng and the Mee Goreng. Every time I pry open that deep fried curry flavoured chicken, there’s always steam coming out of the meat. Dayme, that’s what I like!

P.S. I enjoy eating hot food a lot, so hence the obsession with heat .

Service wise, they are very busy, and sometimes you have to make abit of effort to attract the staff. But I mean, that’s part of the game right? Whoever is louder, will get their food first!

Price wise, it’s quite expensive. I mean seriously, for roti, $5.50, it’s just flour plus chilli.

But I do have to admit with roti, it’s not the ingredient you paying for, more rather the skills it takes to make it. Flipping those roti ain’t an easy job let me tell you that!  I would like to note that roti in malaysian can be less than a ringgit, that’s MYR$1 divided by 3=33 Australian cents! and tastes even better. Definitely should go to malaysia sometime!

Thanks alot for reading this little outburst that is the Malaysian within me. I continue to frequent this outlet and if you do try it, please leave a comment with your experience! Would love to hear your take on it .

Here are the details for the restaurant

Website: www.mamak.com.au

Address:

Lower North Shore, Shop P9, 1-5 Railway St, Chatswood
Chatswood, NSW 2067

Telephone: 02 9411 4411

15 Goulburn St, Haymarket, NSW 2000

Telephone: 02 9211 1668

Location of both Mamak restaurants