"OI, want TT or not?"
"OK ON! Where ah?"
"The usual mamak la!"
This is probably the most Malaysian English anyone will encounter here in Malaysia, as we flexes our multilingual capability fully embrace the Rojak culture here in Malaysia.
Dear fellow Steemian, welcome to the famous Mamak Stall.
Made in Malaysia
Yeap, you hear that right. Proudly created by Malaysian.
By definition, Mamak are Malaysians of Tamil Muslim origin, whose their forefathers migrated to Malaysia in the early 20th century during the British rule over Peninsula Malaysia. Originally, these food stalls are meant to serve their own community, but they are destined to be much bigger.
Since Mamak's is Muslim, they prepare their food following a certain procedure, so that it is Halal to be consumed by all Muslim, thus making Mamak stall a popular choice among Malays. Then come the always craving Chinese, their crave for more curry is literally unquenchable. Thus you have a place, born of necessity, evolved into commonality, that we all Malaysian have no problem eat, talk and sing in it.
Side note: Other places with significant Tamil Muslim community, such as Singapore, do have their own version of Mamak stall too.
The Best Breakfast, probably
Let me show you a proper way to eat Roti Canai: Potong, banjir (Literally means cut and mix with lots of sauce)
Image credit: letups.my
Roti Canai is a type of flatbread, fried to a crisp on the outside yet still chewy to the bite. It often served with Dhal, a type of thick lentil curry. The word canai means the way the cook tosses the bread, to flatten it after layering the dough multiple time.
There is many variation to Roti Canai, in both sweet and savory department. It even comes with a variety of different fillings, to satisfy the creative minds of Malaysian.
Pulled Tea
Tea Tarik, meaning "Pulled Tea", is literally an art foam form.
Yes, you see it right. There is Teh Tarik competition here in Malaysia.
It's hot black tea, some condensed milk, some evaporated milk, and lots of back and forth pouring, so that the optimal frothiness foam top can be created without any additional chemical ingredients. Oh by the way, it's really sweet, so remember to ask for "KURANG KURANG KURANG MANIS" (means less less less sweet).
Image Credit: Tripadvisor
We Malaysian is so addicte to all of those pulling action, we now can enjoy most of our hot beverages serve pulled, be it Kopi Tarik, Nescafe Tarik, Milo Tarik and many more.
The More The Merrier
Ever since we Malaysian are fixated with Mamak stalls, their popularity shoot sky high and becoming the de facto gathering spot for any occasion, especially those that required extended hours and available thru the night. Yes, I am talking about football all sort of televised sport tournaments, be it a local game or international championship.
Where else you can find a place to spend 10 bucks (roughly USD$3), sit there for 5 hours, cheer and boo and jump up and downs without anyone bat an eye?
Image Credit: says.com
Also, did I mention that some Mamak stall serve the nation's best Indian cuisine?
Image Credit: rojakdaily.com
Look at all those dishes, count the variety of curries in there! Be it chickens, mutton, fish or veges, you named it, they have it. no wonder we Malaysian can't seem to leave this place.
I am extremely grateful that such place exist here in Malaysia, providing a place for us to bond, to cheer for our national hero and last but not least, to talk c_ck and sing song. Cheers!
See you guys around, in a Mamak stall!