Do Mamak Shop “annehs” move in packs?

Teh Tarik ~ Hot Indian Milk Tea

Mamak oh Mamak ...!!! I miss them when they close 1 day during Hari Raya and miss them tonnes when I travel overseas...the glorious sight of “gym freaks kryptonite”  dishes like “Nasi Kandar*” and “Roti Tissue” , the thunderous sweet sound from a football match screening on their huge LCD TVs, the beautiful stench of “Kedai Mamak*” that will stick to your clothes until you wash them, the surprise look of tourists when they see the bill after ordering “udang” [shrimp] and “ketam”[crab], powerful industrial mist fans that could make a man bald and who can forget....the legendary “Teh Tarik*”...sights to behold and require a moment to sip into my bones that subsequently will have tears in my eyes for a deep appreciation after days of separation...

Being in different restaurants all through my career, there is one thing that sets Mamak shops apart from other dining venues....our “anneh” waiters. I seemed to notice that it’s hard to see one “anneh” on his solo rounds. I would probably see them in packs standing, chatting while waiting for their respective orders to get ready or at the cashier paying at the same time for their customers...and all of them see you invincible when passing by...Only way to get their attention is to call, wave and pray that they will take notice...wave I mean like waving to a passing-by ship on a stranded island...

Some 'mamak' shop goes beyond that and after several attempts, you either go “self service” or walk towards an “anneh” and invite him to your table. If service is fast it can most probably be due to the fact that the shop is

a)      Empty

b)      Empty

c)       (Yes...)....empty

d)      All of the above

But I look at the bright side. You don’t have to look at many areas to look for an “anneh”....just either at the cashier or at the “bartender” counter...if God is smiling at you today, “anneh” might be standing right next to you watching the game with your gang!

So after you have succeeded in locating the pack, you have choices...you can either pick the good looking one or the fair one or the darkest one or the grumpy one, “bangla anneh*” or “original India anneh”...your choice...depending on your day’s mood.

So if you’re going to a 'mamak' shop anytime soon, take a look around and see if this is true?

So when a French man takes pride over their restaurants serving “Foie gras”, Italian “lasagna” or the English’s Black Pudding...I take pride on 'Mamak' shop....screw service....ordering a wholesome meal in a 'mamak' shop is an adventure!!

And to all my “annehs”...I’m not saying anything wrong please....it’s just my observation...so next time when I’m over there...please no extra “love” for my “Teh Tarik”....”Teh Tarik kurang manis*” is just enough

You guys are my hom boys!!!

Mamak shop for life

~ Ray

* Nasi Kandar ~ Indian muslim food which originates from Penang
* Roti Tissue ~ crispy local bread
* Kedai Mamak~ Stalls owned by Indian Muslims
* Teh Tarik - Hot Indian Milk Tea
* Teh Tarik kurang manis - Hot Indian milk tea with less sugar 
* Anneh ~ elder brother
* Bangla Anneh - elder brother from Bangladesh