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  • To Mamak
At the start of Sydney's Chinatown precinct is Mamak, a small, busy and very popular restaurant specialising in the authentic cuisines of Malaysia. Savour the flavours and spices of Roti Canai, satay, Nasi Goreng, Rojak and for dessert, Ais Kacang just as you would in Kuala Lumpur or country towns like Ipoh. The restaurant is open everyday for lunch which closes at 3pm, and reopens for dinner at 5pm. BYO is accepted and takeaway is available.

Reviews of Mamak

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  • R_E_V_I_E_W_E_R_1  Local Star   50 reviews
    This place always has long ques (both for lunch and dinner), which is impressive given the many places to eat in Chinatown! They serve a variety of delicious meals and an impressive selection of roti. It is a quick in-out type of venue. Fast service and reasonable prices (mains all under $20).

    2 months ago - 13/03/2013

  • beanboy  Local Star   320 reviews
    Its been 7 months since coming here, we had to wait 45 minutes as there was 6 of us. But once we sat down and ordered the food came out so quickly. I was rather impressed with the curry, the fried rice and of course the yummy sweet/salty roti for dessert.

    8 months ago - 10/09/2012

  • beanboy  Local Star   320 reviews
    There is normally a long long queue to this place, but for some reason this one night was only a 10 minute wait. 4 types of Roti, chicken skewers, and all of them were 10/10, the service is really quick, and everything I've eaten on the menu is yum. Some of the sauces can be spicy, but there so be careful where you dip!
    The only reason this place didn't get an extra star is I find it grubby around the seating area, back kitchen and bathroom.
  • siros   18 reviews
    Always a long wait especially during dinner, but well worth the wait, thats for sure. Mamak offers authentic Malaysian which is a rarity in Sydney. Their Roti seems to be a speciality and definitely a must have for my visits to Mamak. The desserts are also interesting, try the Roti Tisu with some Teh Tarik!
  • JessieC   3 reviews
    Although there's a long wait, it's worth it! The roti canai is the best Malaysian dish, tastes like genuine Malaysian hawker style food, a nice break from the oily/unauthentic Malaysian dishes that proliferate Sydney. A great slice of home.
  • Cath Chen  Local Star   117 reviews
    VERY long waiting times! Don't even bother trying on a Friday night. The service is quite slow. Food is all right, standard Malaysian cuisine. If you have a low chilli tolerance this probably isn't the place to be! The roti is perhaps the best option here.
  • Chris-Red   2 reviews
    The roti is fantastic! A slice of Malaysia right here in Sydney
  • Victor P  Newbie   1 review
    Mamaks new venture in Chatswood is a big operational step up from the original with its modern fit out and enough space to handle around 100 diners. The pace is fast, the staff are super friendly and the food is fiery. Its hawker-style Malay cooking that suits large group dining, as you can taste so many dishes. The ever-popular roti hit the table in three forms this day, the traditional crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside and the Murfabak (filled with chicken and lamb), which I had never had before, served with two curry dips and spicy sambal sauce that got our mouths watering.

    We couldnt leave without trying a few desserts as they are always so strange to westerners and so delicious! The Ais kacang of shaved ice, red beans, corn, grass jelly, rose-syrup and sweetened condensed milk was surly invented as a balm for a hot tropical night in Malaysia. As I watched the group gobble down the Cendol (starch noodles made from fresh pandan leaves with gula-melaka syrup, coconut milk and shaved ice) I was again convinced that food is love.

    Mamak is really good hawker style Malay food. Its simple by Malay standards, but delivers quick and unique dishes that keep the laughter and the smiles going for a long time.
  • dandybell   19 reviews
    I have a cousin that will go out of his way to make new friends, just as an excuse to eat as his favourite restaurants without having to drag the same people to the same place so that he can eat there.

    The _only_ reason Mamak does not make me do that is because I'm introverted and prefer a small circle of friends. I have definitely made excuses to bring friends to eat an early dinner (we arrive about 20 minutes before they open and hover around Chinatown, to avoid the consistently long evening lines) here.

    Any of the roti choices are delicious, and I feel you are missing something if you visit Mamak without ordering at least two of them. I can't decide between the fish and the lamb curry for my favourite, but the main attraction is still the delicious hawker style food you can find here.
  • Boomyhead   5 reviews
    yes the queues are a pain but they exist for a reason - the food is great -All the curries with Roti Canai are exquisite - it is a must try experience.
    I did visit the sister restaurant at Chatswood recently and the food was very good - but not quite up to the standard of the City one
  • Monday:
    11:30 AM-10:30 PM
  • Tuesday:
    11:30 AM-10:30 PM
  • Wednesday:
    11:30 AM-10:30 PM
  • Thursday:
    11:30 AM-10:30 PM
  • Friday:
    11:30 AM-2:00 AM
  • Saturday:
    11:30 AM-2:00 AM
  • Sunday:
    11:30 AM-10:30 PM

Restaurants

Dining Options

Eat-in Take-Away

Cuisine

Malaysian

Price Guide

Mains under $20

Licensing

BYO

Menu

Lunch Dinner

Disabled Facilities

Wheel Chair Access

More Restaurants near Haymarket, NSW

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