Mamak stalls are indoor and open-air food establishments found in Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia and Singapore, that typically serve food derived from Indian Muslim and Pakistani cuisines, unique to the region.[1]
History
Certain Mamak stalls, such as this example in Kuala Lumpur, may remain open 24 hours a day.
The word "mamak" is from the Tamil term for maternal uncle, or maa-ma. In Singapore and Malaysia, it is used by children as an honorific to respectfully address adults such as shopkeepers. Although the origins of the word are benign and neutral, it can sometimes be used as a derogatory term and insult against the South Asian Muslim community in Malaysia and Singapore, and therefore its usage is generally avoided outside of specifically referring to mamak stalls.[5]
Mamak stalls and Hindu stalls are alike except that mamaks, who are Muslims, do not serve pork but do serve beef, whereas Hindus serve neither beef nor pork. There are also similar stalls run by local Malays.[citation needed]
Design
Hanging televisions and misting fan systems are commonplace features at Mamak stalls.A Mamak cook preparing tandoori chicken
Mamak stalls' affordable food and unpretentious atmosphere tend to create a casual dining atmosphere. Newer mamak stalls have more of a café aspect, usually being well lit and furnished with stainless steel tables. Some are outfitted with large flat screen televisions, or even projectors, so that patrons can catch the latest programs or live matches as they dine. Some mamak stalls also provide free Wi-Fi service. Despite these innovations, many modern mamak stalls attempt to retain their predecessors' open air dining atmosphere by setting up tables on a patio, the shoplot's walkway, or even on the street.[citation needed]
A mamak stall usually offers different varieties of roti canai to eat and teh tarik, coffee, Milo, Horlicks, and soft drinks to drink. Most mamak stalls also serve several varieties of rice, such as nasi lemak and nasi goreng, as well as noodle dishes such as mee goreng (fried noodles). Some stalls also offer satay and Western dishes.
A typical Mamak stall will offer the following dishes and beverages, though this differs from stall to stall:
To attract more customers, some mamak restaurants have added an extra stall in their restaurant, operated by either an ethnic Malay from Malaysia or one from southern Thailand; these stalls are known as "Malay tom yam stalls". They provide different food options, such as:
^Arokiaswamy, Celine W.M. (2000). Tamil Influences in Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Manila s.n. pp. 37, 38, 41, 43, 45–49, 51–57.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
