Mamak Chatswood

Mamak Chatswood brings the Malaysian roadside-stall tradition of Kuala Lumpur to Sydney, with a menu centred on freshly made roti, satay, curries, rice and noodles. The restaurant is part of a group founded by Alan, Clement and Julian, three friends who missed the Malaysian food they knew from their younger days. After travelling to Malaysia to develop their skills, they began with a stall at Sydney’s Chinatown Night Markets before opening Mamak’s first restaurant in the CBD in 2007. The Chatswood branch followed in 2010.

Roti is a major draw. Roti canai is the classic starting point, while roti telur adds egg, roti bawang brings sweet red onion, and murtabak combines spiced meat, cabbage, egg and onion in a filled flatbread. The sweet roti range includes versions with banana, kaya or a richer, thicker finish, making it easy to turn the meal into something more substantial or finish with dessert. The kitchen also serves flame-grilled chicken and beef satay with peanut sauce, alongside Malaysian-style fried chicken and spiced chicken pieces.

For a fuller meal, the menu covers familiar Malaysian staples and more substantial shared dishes. Nasi lemak pairs coconut rice with sambal, peanuts, crispy anchovies, cucumber and egg, with optional additions including curry, sambal seafood or fried chicken. Mee goreng and nasi goreng offer wok-tossed noodle and rice dishes, while the curry selection includes chicken, fish, lamb and vegetarian versions. Sambal prawns, sambal calamari, vegetable dishes and rojak provide further choices for sharing, including options for diners who prefer a meat-free meal.

The drinks and sweets continue the Malaysian focus. Teh tarik is prepared as a frothy sweet tea, with ginger tea, pulled coffee, iced drinks and Milo also available. Ais kacang and cendol bring shaved ice, coconut-based flavours and traditional toppings to the dessert list. Mamak describes its service as smart and friendly, and its menu is well suited to groups who want to order several dishes for the table. It can also work for a solo meal built around roti, noodles or nasi lemak, while the broad mix of savoury, sweet and vegetarian choices gives families and mixed groups room to choose. Catering is available for functions through the Chatswood branch, with pickup orders requiring at least three days’ notice.