Mamak stall

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A mamak stall refers to establishments serving a fare of Mamak or Indian-Muslim food in Malaysia. The term itself may be misleading, since the establishment in question may well be a large restaurant rather than a small roadside stall as the name suggests. A standard mamak stall's menu would contain teh tarik and Milo and various varieties of roti canai. However, most mamak stalls would also serve nasi lemak and mee goreng (fried noodles). Extended menus would also include satay and at certain restaurants, Western food.

Traditionally, mamak stalls were indeed single stalls operating (illegally most of the time) by the roadside with little or no amenities. Hygiene at such stalls was doubtful, but they provided a unique al fresco dining experience. As times changed, mamak stalls grew into restaurants housed in concrete shoplots with running water and electricity. However, the term mamak stall still stuck and refers to both the roadside stall and restaurant varieties.

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Newer mamak stalls are interesting eateries, well lit with stainless steel tables and sometimes outfitted with large flat screen televisions for patrons to catch the latest programs as they dine. Some even have projectors, for patrons to catch live football (soccer) action. Interestingly, most modern mamak stalls retain the charm of open air dining of its predecessors by setting up tables on a patio, the shoplot's walkway or even on the street (which is illegal). Nevertheless, all mamak stalls provide a casual ambiance and affordable food to locals who need a place to unwind or socialise.

The mamak stall has been etched permanently into Malaysian culture, much in part because of its ubiquitous nature, especially in cities. The popular culture of hanging out at mamak stalls has permeated all walks of life in Malaysian society. Thus, the mamak stall is very much a melting pot of cultures, a symbol of multiracial harmony. People of all races, religion and age would frequent a mamak stall to while away their time gossiping or watching a late-night football game as they sip hot teh tarik. It is a very easy place to spot a football glory hunter here. No other eatery has quite as much cultural significance, save for the kopi tiam.

[edit] History

The Malaysian Mamak (commonly known as Mamak) are Tamil Muslims of Malaysian nationality, whose forefathers mostly migrated from South India to the Malay Peninsula and various locations in Southeast Asia centuries ago. They are regarded as part of the Malaysian Indian community. Indian Muslims were believed to first arrive at Samudera (now Aceh in Sumatra, Indonesia) back in the early 10th century, and later settled down in the Malayan Peninsula.

Mamak is a Persian word which has the meaning of "kind mother" or "little mother".

Mamak stalls and Hindu stalls are alike except the Mamaks, who are Muslims, do not sell pork, whereas the Hindus do not sell beef. There are also similar stalls run by local Malays, which are not to be confused with the Mamak.