Mamak Corner, Adelaide by Big Fil

I feel a little like the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. Not that I'm late for a date, more I am so far behind on posts that the Queen of Tarts may soon be after my head. Anyway, on a recent trip to Adelaide I was able to sample two different styles of cooking not necessarily normally associated with their countries of origin - Mamak food from Malaysia and Uyghur food from China.

When most people think of Malaysian food they probably think of curry laksa or satays, but Mamak is a very common style of food in Malaysia. It's based on South Indian cuisine and is cheap, quick and tasty. Mamak stalls are often open 24 hours a day and while hygiene can be questionable their popularity is not.


Mamak Corner brings the food and some of the ambience of an upper end Mamak cafe to Adelaide. It's fairly casual, with ordering done via an open space through which you can see the kitchen, and while it will never be considered a fine dining establishment it's bright, clean and well lit.

The menu includes some of the typical things you'd see in Malaysia, different style rotis, curries and fried noodles. It has been well noted that this is the type of food that Australian and British tourists often head for when visiting Malaysia. There must be something about the combination of flavours that just appeals to a western palate, mine included.
Our fish nasi lemak came served on plates shaped to look like the banana leaf this dish is sometimes served on. With the dried fried fish (ikan bilis), half a boiled egg, peanuts and sambal served with some pretty decent fish curry, it's one of my favourite breakfasts or lunches when visiting friends in Malaysia.


Of course we also had to try the roti. Crispy and served with daal, a curry sauce and sugar for dipping in to, I prefer my roti lighter and fluffier but it went well with the beef curry we ordered on the side.



And of course, what's a visit for Mamak food without a big frothy glass of tea tarik (stretched tea) on the side.


Overall
Maybe not the best Mamak food I've tried but a good easy introduction to a different style of Malaysian cuisine.

Verdict
Food - 7.5
Service - 6.5
Ambience - 6.5
Price - 7.5

Address
8 Bank Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Tel: (08) 8410 9888