Mamak Malaysian

Mamak Malaysian (50 Kitchener St, Ph: 09 948 6479) recently opened in the Chancery Precinct right in the centre of the CBD. Mamak refers to Tamil Muslims, who are known for their food stalls serving quick, tasty snacks.

A highlight of our meal was enjoying the teh tarik (‘pulled’ tea - $3.50) and teh ais (iced tea - $5.00). We loved the jug presentation, and the iced tea is a refreshing foil to the savoury dishes.

The mark of all Mamak places is their Roti Canai (two pieces served with dhal, Indian cabbage, fish or chicken curry gravy, $9). The roti was pre-made, and just a touch too oily and crunchy on the day we visited, though it tasted great. The condiments were fantastic - they certainly hit all the right notes.

Chicken murtabak (chicken mince with onion omelette wrapped with roti and served with cabbage and dhal, $13.50 got raves, as did Mamak's Nasi Lemak (coconut rice served with cucumber, ikan bilis (deep-fried anchovies), peanut, sambal, egg and a choice of chicken or beef rendang, $12.50). We also enjoyed chicken satay with satay sauce, cucumber and red onions. 8 skewers for $14.50 - there is also a choice of beef.

The outdoor seating is a refreshing change to many Malaysian places which are usually indoors, and can sometimes be noisy and cramped. Mamak Malaysian has tables in a sheltered courtyard shared with other eateries. You feel like you can take your time and 'lepak' (loiter/linger) over your Roti Canai and Teh Tarik, which is exactly what we did.