Malaysia's 5 mamak stall favorites

The mamak stall is to Malaysia what the greasy spoon is to America. Mamak stalls are run by Muslim-Indians and serve Halal comfort foods that all of multicultural Malaysia enjoys together.

Mamak stalls are located in every rural and urban Malaysian community. Look for smiling Indian waiters (there are no waitresses) and open air restaurants with customers at all hours of the day and night. Since written Malaysian uses the English alphabet, it's easy for many visitors to order favorite dishes.

I especially like the mamak food at the chain Kayu Nasi Kandar, with branches around Kuala Lumpur, Penang and as far away as Brunei and Melbourne, Australia.read more

Rachel Perry Rachel Weisz Radha Mitchell Raquel Alessi Rebecca Mader Rebecca Romijn