Page 13 - Twice-Told April 2018

Volume 18, Issue 6 Page 13

Within Walking Distance

By Siddarth Pinnamaneni
C to the restaurant’s bland exterior, the contemporary

oncealed as a hidden gem on Colonial Drive,
mere yards away from Lake Highland’s Charles Clay- interior served as a stark, but welcome, difference. This
ton Campus, Mamak emphasizes the liveliness and is punctuated by an elegant rope canopy hanging above
unique flair associated with Asian street food. In addi- customers and tile panels surrounding the establish-
tion, the restaurant highlights a modern design layout ment. Mamak’s quaint style transfers directly to its
and authentic ingredients in order to stand apart from cutlery, as each diner receives ordinary utensils, chop-
local competitors. As part of the local community di- sticks, and a menu as they are seated. Customers are
rectly near Lake Highland, Mamak serves an array of traditionally seated at small wooden tables, in conjunc-
entrees, derived from various Indian, Malaysian, and tion with fashionable metal chairs. Despite its regular
Muslim backgrounds. However, the restaurant still size, the layout of the restaurant was extremely open,
serves as a quaint, stylish hangout for any student seek- creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.
ing a relaxed atmosphere. Upon opening the menu, customers are greeted
As we walked into the restaurant, the trendy, with a full tri-fold of menu options, subdivided into a
symmetrical layout immediately set the establishment plethora of categories. While certain categories, such as
apart from traditional Asian restaurants. In comparison “Salads,” appear seemingly standard, Mamak continu-
ally produces innovative entrees by placing emphasis
on authentic Asian ingredients such as jicama served
with a specialized dressing. This creates welcoming
appetizers for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians to
enjoy. The “Tapas” category includes a wide array of
vegetarian foods, with allusions to several cultures.
However, this section also includes certain types of
meat, such as fish, as well as traditional American plat- (Above) The waiters at Mamak are extremely cultured
ters, like seasoned French fries, for less adventurous about the authenticity of their menu options. As a relative-
diners. ly new customer to the establishment, my server, Jack,
In the entree section, “Noodle Soup,” highlights made immediate recommendations for our appetizers and
entrees. Moreover, the entire staff, from the chef to our
Mamak’s Asian culture, as a series of soups accompa- waiter, was extremely accommodating to a variety of pref-
nied with noodles are presented, with optional sides erences in regards to our food. Photo by Siddarth
such as boiled eggs, shrimp, fish cake, bell peppers, and Pinnamaneni.
wontons. The selection of noodles also creates an ave-
nue for diners with an appetite for spicy food to be sat- The dish, served with napa, bean sprouts, and carrots
isfied. More menu options, such as “From the Wok,” retained a unique flavor due to a dressing of brown
continue this trend, basing their entrees off of noodles sauce.
with a base of eggs, rice, or vegetables. However, this Mamak remains a trendy, local hangout for any
section also provides comfort for less adventurous cus- Highlander seeking a late-night dinner within a close
tomers, serving favorites such as Pad Thai and Chicken proximity to campus. Mamak is also accessible to near-
Lo Mein. The aptly named “Rice Dishes” center their ly everyone, with relatively low prices, ranging from
entrees around fried rice, giving diners a variety of plat- six to ten dollars for a normal entree, with appetizers
ters with optional food items, such as shrimp, onions, varying from three to five dollars. Due to an efficient
chicken, tomatoes, and more. Finally, the “Sweets” and dedicated staff, there are low wait times for cus-
section offer diners in search of more food an Ameri- tomers, as well as a high standard for each of their dish-
(Above) Mamak’s menu is seemingly overwhelming, with vari- canized way of ending their meal, basing their dessert es, making Mamak is an appealing restaurant for any
ous subdivisions and intricacies involved in many of its off of variations of American classics, such as ice diner. Overall, with its ability to place new twists on
signature dishes. In order to analyze Mamak’s menu cream and banana splits. traditional Asian dishes, Mamak generates a much
beforehand, guests can visit their online menu at website As I entered the restaurant, I was immediately needed sense of diversity in the food industry around
mamakasianorlando.com. Photo by Siddarth Pinnamaneni. seated at a small table for four, with menus already Orlando.
waiting at the table. While I was overwhelmed with the
variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, I honed in
on familiar dishes, curious about the differences
Mamak would apply to traditional Asian food. For my
appetizer, I chose the Mamak Roti Canai, which were
promptly delivered 10 minutes after my order was
placed. Mamak toasted the bread, which was punctuat-
ed with a side of mildly spicy curry sauce. After I fin-
ished my appetizer, I ordered my main course of Chick-
en Lo Mein due to a recommendation from my server.

(Above) While similar to Rasa and Hawkers, Mamak distin- (Above) Upon entering the establishment, I was greeted by
guishes itself through its location. In the heart of Down- colorful and stylish signs until I was promptly seated in the
town Orlando, Mamak remains close to several of Orlando’s restaurant mere seconds after entering. I took notice of (Above) Mamak’s asymmetrical layout contributes directly
prime attraction venues, such as the Amway Center. Moreo- the various sets of seating arrangements noticing the res- to its lively, yet modest, atmosphere, attracting a base of
ver, in comparison to similar restaurants on East Colonial taurant’s ability to host a wide range of parties. Mamak is largely younger clientele. With Mamak’s bar and minimal
Drive, Mamak stands apart from local competition with centered around one menu, with options flexible for lunch wait time, the restaurant serves as a classy locale for
authentic references to Asian food and quality service. or dinner gatherings with friends. Photo by Siddarth Downtown Orlando’s younger population to receive authentic
Photo by Siddarth Pinnamaneni. Pinnamaneni. Asian food. Photo by Siddarth Pinnamaneni.