There are only two Mamak outlets in Sydney, and with D having forgotten all about our initial visit to the one in Melbourne back in 2011, I was keen to remind him of the difference between the roti canai at Mamak as compared to Papparich, which we’re more familiar with given their numerous outlets across Sydney.

The Roti Canai ($7.50), ‘the original roti, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside’. It’s deliciously light as ever and markedly less dense than the (still fluffy) one from PappaRich, which seems to be a sturdier vehicle for the curries.

Keen to try something different and of the mind that butter can only ever make things taste better, this is the Roti Planta ($8.50), a ‘rich buttery roti’. The roti loses the fluffiness of the roti canai with butter oozing from between the layers of pastry. The butter adds a richness to the roti that’s enjoyable on its own, but a bit much when used as a vehicle for the curries.

T’s up to trying something different as well and goes for the Chicken Murtabak ($14.50), ‘a local favourite, filled with spicy meat, cabbage, eggs and onions’ as well as the standard curries. Unfortunately, this is an entirely forgettable dish tasting like a mildly seasoned egg, cabbage and onion stirfry with chunks of protein that were decidedly not spicy.

We enjoy Mamak, but we enjoy Papparich more for its more accessible locations and consistently tasty menu at affordable prices.

Mamak is located at 9/1-5 Railway St, Chatswood NSW 2067.