Orlando’s vibrant food scene just got even more exciting with the arrival of Mamak Asian Street Food UCF, an extension of the beloved Mills 50 Malaysian restaurant. As a content creator for foods.edu.vn and a culinary expert, I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Mamak UCF, and let me tell you, it’s an experience that truly transports your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Asia. From the first bite to the last lingering flavor, Mamak Asian Street Food delivers an authentic and unforgettable culinary journey.
For those unfamiliar, “mamak” is a term that refers to food stalls and the vendors who passionately serve up delicious fare in Malaysia and Singapore. Mamak Asian Street Food perfectly captures this essence, offering a menu brimming with dishes that are both comforting and explosively flavorful. While some initially drew comparisons to Hawkers, another popular Asian street food concept in Orlando, Mamak has carved out its own distinct identity, thanks to the unwavering quality and authenticity of its cuisine. After my recent takeout experience from the UCF location, I can confidently say that Mamak isn’t just keeping pace; it’s setting a new standard for Asian street food in the city.
My order at Mamak UCF was a delightful echo of my first encounter with the original Mamak years ago, this time enjoyed from the comfort of my home. Opting for takeout felt like the perfect way to appreciate the spirit of street food – convenient, flavorful, and ready to be savored anywhere.
Starting with the “tapas” – an intriguing, albeit Spanish-termed, section of appetizers – I chose the Crispy Roast Pork. These succulent morsels of pork belly were roasted to crispy perfection and paired with a rich hoisin dipping sauce. The contrast between the crunchy skin and tender meat was simply divine, a testament to the skillful execution that defines Mamak Asian Street Food.
Next up was the Roti Canai, a Malaysian staple. Described as “flatbread” on the menu, it’s so much more than the typical American flatbread. “Roti,” derived from Sanskrit for bread, and “canai,” a Malay word meaning to roll thinly, perfectly encapsulates this dish. Imagine a flaky, layered bread, akin to a flattened croissant, served with a luscious coconut kari (curry) gravy. This dipping sauce was so intensely flavorful and aromatic, I had to restrain myself from spooning it up on its own. The Roti Canai at Mamak Asian Street Food is an absolute must-try.
Moving on to the main courses, the Kari Mee was a revelation. This popular Malaysian noodle soup is a vibrant and complex dish, featuring noodles, shrimp, chicken, fried tofu, bean sprouts, a hard-boiled egg, and leafy yu choy. The thoughtful presentation, with the dry ingredients served separately from the broth, ensured that everything remained perfectly textured. And the broth itself? More of that incredible coconut kari, rich, fragrant, and utterly delicious. Mamak Asian Street Food truly excels at crafting deeply flavorful broths.
The Char Kway Teow was another standout. This rice noodle dish, reminiscent of Pad Thai but distinctly Malaysian, featured shrimp, chicken, and eggs tossed with flat noodles in a balanced sauce of light and dark soy sauces. The wok hei, or “breath of the wok,” was evident in every bite, imparting a subtle smoky char that elevated the dish to another level. For lovers of savory noodle dishes, Mamak Asian Street Food’s Char Kway Teow is a must-order.
Finally, I sampled the Malaysian Coconut Kari, opting for beef as my protein. Served over wonderfully sticky jasmine rice, this dish leaned towards an Indian-style curry in its richness and depth of flavor. The beef was tender, and the potatoes were perfectly cooked, soaking up the aromatic curry sauce. It was a comforting and satisfying dish that perfectly rounded out my Mamak Asian Street Food feast.
The Mamak UCF location is noticeably larger than the original downtown spot, maintaining the familiar yellow and brown décor. The spacious interior and well-spaced tables create a comfortable dining environment. While I opted for takeout, the inviting ambiance certainly made dining in appealing, though I might personally choose a booth over the less comfortable-looking metal chairs.
While the online ordering system at Mamak Asian Street Food has a few quirks, such as a slightly cumbersome menu navigation and initial pickup time constraints, these minor inconveniences are easily overlooked once you taste the food. And despite a small upcharge for protein choices in the Malaysian coconut curry, the overall value is exceptional. Portions are generous, far exceeding what you might expect from “street food,” and the prices are incredibly reasonable. For college students in the UCF area, and indeed for anyone seeking delicious and affordable Asian cuisine, Mamak Asian Street Food is an unbeatable choice.
Mamak Asian Street Food UCF is located at 3402 Technological Ave., Orlando, FL 32817 (facing University Boulevard). They are listed as open for lunch and dinner daily, but it’s advisable to call 321-235-6394 to confirm current hours, which may be dinner-only at the moment. Visit their website at Mamak Asian Street Food to explore the full menu and prepare for a delightful culinary adventure into the heart of mamak asian street food.
