How shall I describe this place?
It is a place that is available to me all day and all night, all year round. Every time I make a visit to this place, every gluttony wish I have will be fulfilled, and almost any requests will be met.
Feasts fit for (simple/prudent) kings are prepared every day, with satisfaction guaranteed. You are the boss; and servers all ready at your every beck and call.
I visit this place for any occasions or for hosting any size of gatherings.
Having said that, it is not only exclusive to me, in fact, I gladly share it with other Malaysians.
It is a code word, a culture, a Heaven on Earth exclusive to us: the Mamak.
First of all, for those who are not already acquainted, the Mamak actually (and stereotypically) refers to the Indian Muslims in Malaysia.
However in today’s context, it is used to refer to many things, i.e.:
Place: “Jom pergi Mamak?”(Let’s go to the Mamak?)
Noun: “Aku orang Mamak”(I’m Mamak)
Adjective: “Muka dia macam Mamak”(That person looks like a Mamak)
Or simply, as an activity:
Verb: “Jom Mamak?”
Note that the word Mamak is very versatile and can be used very loosely (overused and abused, in fact) in the typical Malaysian conversation.
So, what is it about the Mamak culture that makes it so Malaysian?
I think it is because Malaysians are rather laid-back, easy people (not that kind of easy); we like things quick, satisfying and cheap. We don’t really bother with fine-dining, fancy restaurants OR cooking that much.
The cheaper the better. Haven’t you heard, we are the best hagglers in town.
So say you’re very hungry, but you have to make a beeline for a business meeting in 15 minutes, and you want something to put in your tummy that you know is good and affordable.
You head to any Mamak restaurant and order. “Nescafe ais satu, nasi goreng kampung telur mata satu!”
The efficiency rate is 4/5. From where the Mamak (aka waiter) stands, he can shout your order and in 5 minutes you get your drink and food. You eat, pay and leave.
Another thing that I should highlight is the fact that they make everything as in, EVERYTHING. They try their best to cater to your taste buds.
“Mee goreng tak nak sayur, letak ayam goreng kasi potong, sama papadom ada?”
“Sup tulang dengan cheese naan. Cheese naan tu kasi panas”
In fact, they also serve the easiest thing in the world – the instant noodle. Malaysians actually go to a restaurant and order a plate of RM3.50 “Maggi goreng” (fried instant noodle) that they can make at home and will only cost them a whopping RM0.80.
Hard to understand? Yes, it is psychological.
We like to be the boss; order people around and have people serve us what we want.
Yet ironically, we call the Mamaks who serve us “Boss”.
“Boss! Teh ais satu!”
But what I like most about it is the simplicity and “no-frills” vibe of Mamak restaurants.
I can come in my pyjamas at 2 am in the morning, and nobody would care. Or if you are overdressed, it’s no harm either. There is no such thing as a dress code.
It is also a place of convention for people from every walk of life. Apart from the annual MATTA Fair, or Merdeka Countdown celebration, the Mamak is where you get to meet real Malaysians; all kinds of Malaysians. Even hipsters gather here to talk about unknown bands.
So, does this Mamak culture I have been talking about define who we are as Malaysians? Well, perhaps.
But before we conclude, let’s adjourn somewhere else for some teh tarik.
Mamak anyone?
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On a good day, she can be the most awesome person you know. In fact, before the word 'awesome' existed, she was the point of reference. She enjoys describing herself in the third-person pronoun.
