Kedahan Makes It Big In Auckland With ‘Kedai Mamak’

Rabu, 05 Mei 2021

Amanda Annie, left, and Robin Annadass says their restaurant offers possibly the cheapest priced Malaysian street food in Auckland

Kedahan makes it big in Auckland with ‘Kedai Mamak’

FMT
6/5/2021

PETALING JAYA: When Malaysian barber turned restaurateur Robin Annadass opened ‘Kedai Mamak’ in New Zealand, he kept his expectations realistic. Little did he expect to be faced with hordes of hungry customers wolfing down his home-cooked nasi lemak and roti canai with gusto every time he opened for business.

“I’m actually not a cook,” chuckled Robin, admitting to FMT that he is more skilled with barber tools, having learned the craft as a young boy living in Kedah.

“I was 16 when a friend first piqued my interest in the art of cutting and styling hair,” recalled the 30-year-old, who is also the proud owner of Cut & Style, a barbershop in Auckland.

But it was more than just his way with shears that caught the interest of Malaysians and New Zealanders alike — his newest venture, Kedai Mamak, an eatery specialising in Malaysian food has been the talk of the town since April this year.

Located at Three Kings Plaza, Kedai Mamak is known for its traditional Malaysian breakfasts and lunches.

Customers are often seen patiently queuing to have a taste of Robin’s homemade nasi lemak topped with his signature spicy sambal, roti canai with dhal curry, mee goreng and of course, the quintessential Malaysian drink — a frothy, hot cup of creamy teh tarik.

Don’t worry, you won’t have to put up with a Western version of beloved Malaysian dishes as all the recipes used in Kedai Mamak’s kitchen are his mother’s.

“My mum runs an Indian restaurant in Kedah. Ever since I was a young boy, I would watch in fascination as she cooked up an amazing variety of Indian dishes,” explained Robin, who added that helping her out with her business taught him how to run his own.

Roti canai may cost a measly RM2 in Malaysia but in New Zealand, this simple flat bread could set you back a whopping NZ$12, said Robin.

“We wanted to offer affordable Malaysian fare to homesick Malaysians and to New Zealanders keen on trying our food,” he said, explaining that he keeps the prices fair at Kedai Mamak so everyone can enjoy a good meal without feeling the pinch.

As such, NZ$4.99 could get you a plate of Kedai Mamak’s authentic mee hoon goreng or kuey teow goreng.

But if you’re hankering for a plate of spicy nasi lemak, another NZ$2 gets you a delicious plate of this Malaysian favourite or two slabs of roti canai with dhal curry and sambal on the side.

According to Robin, Kedai Mamak is the first and only restaurant in New Zealand offering this type of Malaysian breakfast.

Once breakfast is done by 11am, Robin and his team rush for the lunch service made up of Malaysian mixed-rice favourites such as curries, stir-fried vegetables and sambals of every manner.

Currently, their rendition of fried chicken, ayam masak merah, chicken curry and mutton curry are a hit with Kedai Mamak customers.

The recipes are authentic down to the last ingredient as Robin sources everything from a local grocer that stocks up on Malaysian staples such as pandan leaves and lemongrass.

“You’ll be surprised at how much New Zealanders love spicy food,” he

said, recalling how the sambal he cooked initially had hardly any kick to it, at least by Malaysian standards. All that changed when customers requested to amp up the spice level.

“The locals here have visited Malaysia before and are big fans of our food. We have even received requests to open Kedai Mamak in other parts of New Zealand. Perhaps in the future,” said Robin, full of enthusiasm.

Despite running four barbershops and handling 20 employees, he admitted that he never expected how much running a restaurant would have him constantly on his feet.

“Running a restaurant is an entirely different experience so I am currently placing my focus solely on Kedai Mamak. Thankfully I have a great team helping me run my barbershops,” Robin said.

As for now, Kedai Mamak operates from 7am to 3pm, catering to the breakfast and lunch crowds. However, Robin hopes to turn his eatery into a 24-hour establishment, much like the Mamak restaurants back home in Malaysia.

If you’re in Auckland, set a date between Monday to Saturday and make your way to 540 Mount Albert Rd, Three Kings for a wonderfully authentic Malaysian meal.