Mamak stall
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A mamak stall, also referred to as 'mapley', is a type of food establishment which serves mamak food. In Malaysia, the term mamak refers to the Indian Muslims people, and generally, mamak stalls are owned and operated by them. Although traditionally operated from roadside stalls, some modern mamak stall operators have expanded their businesses into restaurant or cafe-type establishments. Mamak stalls tend to be popular among Malaysian youths as hang out spots, as food and beverages are cheap and they are usually opened for 24 hours.
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 the 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 gossip or watch 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.
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[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 Peninsular Malaysia.
The word 'Mamak' is from the Tamil term for maternal uncle, or 'maa-ma'. In the context of Singapore and Malaysia, children of all ethnic groups are taught to refer to adult neighbours, shopkeepers and even strangers as 'uncle' and 'auntie', as a form of respect for and deference towards elders. This term is used even though the adult may not be a member of the child's family, clan or even ethnic group/'race'. The origin of the term 'mamak stall' is likely from the practice of children addressing the shopkeeper as 'uncle', or 'mamak', in his native Tamil language, as a form of respect when interacting with him, and patronising his shop.
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.
[edit] Mamak fare
A standard mamak stall's menu would contain teh tarik and Milo and different varieties of roti canai. Most mamak stalls also serve several varities of rice, such as nasi lemak and nasi goreng, as well as noodle dishes such as mee goreng (fried noodles). Extended menus would also include satay and at certain restaurants, Western food.
A typical Mamak stall will offer the following choices of food, though this may differ for different stalls:
- Roti Canai (Chennai bread)
- Roti Telur
- Teh Tarik
- Half-Boiled Eggs
- Goat Milk
- Murtabak
- Thosai
- Chapati
- Nasi Kandar
- Nasi Briyani
- Nasi Lemak
- Maggi Goreng
- Mee Goreng (Fried noodles)
Indomie Goreng
- Pasembur
- Mamak Rojak
- Sup Kambing
- Sup Ayam
- Roti Tissue
- Roti Bakar
- Roti Bom
- Roti Naan & Tandoori Chicken
- Poori
[edit] Popularity of mamak stalls
A local university's research on the popularity of mamak stalls over other types of Muslim restaurants have shown that mamak restaurants or stalls are the local equivalent of fast food restaurants.[citation needed]. The results have shown the despite having different owners, these restaurants offer similar choices of food as well as waiter service. They also operate at convenient hours at strategic locations, and tend to be cheap.
Newer mamak stalls have more of a cafe aspect, 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 football (soccer) matches as they dine. Interestingly, most modern mamak stalls attempt to 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. Nevertheless, all mamak stalls provide a casual ambiance and affordable food to locals who need a place to unwind or socialise.
[edit] Critisms against mamak eateries
One of these critisms are long working hours and poor working conditions of mamak stalls' employees. Many mamak restaurants are open 24 hours 7 days a week. They only close for Friday noon time congregational prayers and during the two Eid celebrations. Due to this, hygiene in mamak stalls is usually bad as the 24 hour operating times make cleaning a difficult task. Remunerations at these mamak restaurants are low. Most of the workers are foreign Indian nationals, since local workers would not be attracted to the pay and working conditions at these restaurants.
These mamak restaurants served 'fast' foods which are high in fat and sugar. For example, teh tarik is strong tea with large doses of sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk. The roti canai is a pancake which not only has margarine as a major ingredient, but is also pan-fried in oil.
The mamak stall roadside dining original concept is still maintained despite the restaurants themselves becoming bigger and more spacious. Dining areas commonly extend onto five foot pathways and busy intersections. This practice is illegal and hazardous to customers as well as road users. There have been cases of patrons being involved in road traffic accidents while dining at the road sides and getting killed in the process. Despite on and off raids by local authorities to get rid of illegal roadside dining, the trend still persists as mamak restaurant operators continue to blatantly flout the law by having their dining areas overflow on to walkways, roads and carparks.
Moreover the price of their food are quite expensive compared to Malay restaurant and also government tax being charged to customer to certain items such as cigerette and recently these mamak restaurant charged 30 cent to customers to using their toilets.[verification needed]
[edit] Malay Tomyam stall
Recently, in order to attract more customers, some Mamak restaurants have added an extra stall in their restaurant. The stall, which is operated individually by an ethnic Malay, is known as Malay Tomyam stall. Customers therefore have more choices in the menu, such as:
- Tom Yam
- Nasi PadPrik
- Nasi Goreng Kampung
- Nasi Goreng Cina
- Nasi Goreng USA
- Nasi Pattaya
- Telur Bistik
- Sayur Campur
- Ikan Pedas
