Mamak is a Malaysian eatery known for its freshly made roti and curry-based dishes, with a focus on bold, accessible flavours.
2015
Teh Ais ($4.00)
Iced milk tea with a pronounced dairy presence. The profile leaned heavily milky, with the tea component sitting further back.
Kopi Ais ($4.00)
Iced coffee sweetened with condensed milk. The flavour was direct and familiar, resembling coffee confectionery, with a clear sweetness and minimal overt milkiness.
Cham ($4.00, not pictured)
A blend of milk tea and coffee. The combined profile sat between the two, softening the milkiness of the tea while reducing the clarity of the coffee. More balanced than the tea alone, though still less defined than the coffee.
Roti Canai ($5.50)
A plain roti served with two curries and sambal. The roti was layered, light and slightly sweet, with a soft interior and lightly crisp exterior. The curries were aromatic and moderately spiced, with one lentil-based option providing a softer, more grounded flavour. Heat built gradually but remained controlled.
Chicken Satay ($9.00)
Grilled skewers with peanut sauce. The chicken was tender with a light char. The sauce leaned sweet with a mild spice, complementing rather than overwhelming the meat.
Kari Ayam with Rice ($11.50)
Chicken curry with potatoes. The curry carried a stronger heat, building quickly and persisting across bites. Chicken was tender and fell away from the bone, while potatoes were soft and absorbed the sauce effectively. Portioning of potatoes was limited relative to the dish.
Kari Sayur with Rice ($10.50)
A lentil-based vegetable curry with tomatoes, carrots, potatoes and eggplant. The profile was milder, with less heat and a more rounded flavour. Vegetables were cooked to a consistent texture—soft but holding shape. The balance of components made this the more stable and repeatable option.
Roti Kaya ($8.00)
Roti filled with coconut and pandan spread, served with ice cream. The filling was applied thinly, with coconut present but pandan largely absent. Texture leaned grainy, and sweetness lacked depth, resulting in a flatter profile compared to savoury items.
Overall, savoury dishes, particularly roti and curry combinations, delivered the strongest balance of flavour and texture. Sweet items lacked the same level of execution.
Mamak is located at 15 Goulburn St, Sydney NSW 2000.
2022
A newer location opened in Parramatta Square, providing a more accessible setting.
Roti Canai ($10.00)
The roti retained a crisp exterior and soft, layered interior, with a noticeable buttery note. The accompanying curries provided contrast: one richer and tomato-forward with moderate heat, the other lentil-based and milder. Sambal added a deeper, shrimp-led flavour with a gradual heat. The combination remained consistent and repeatable.
Ayam Goreng ($6.00 each / $22.00 for four)
Fried chicken with a thin, crisp coating. The seasoning carried a mix of herbs and spices, with the interior remaining moist. The balance between coating and meat held well.
Limau Ais ($5.50)
Lime drink with syrup. Sweetness dominated, with lime present only faintly. The profile lacked acidity and clarity.
Overall, core items such as roti canai continued to perform reliably across locations, maintaining texture and flavour balance. Beverages and desserts remained less consistent.
Mamak is located at Shop 6.02 Parramatta Square, 10 Darcy St, Parramatta NSW 2150.
Mamak is located at various locations in Sydney, Australia.