Mamak Asian Street Food UCF Exterior
If you’re searching for authentic Asian Street Food Near Me, look no further than Mamak Asian Street Food UCF. Just like a hidden gem discovered after a long day of exploring bustling Asian markets, Mamak offers a taste of vibrant Malaysian flavors right here in Orlando. Having just devoured the leftovers from last night’s takeout, I can confidently say this east side location captures the magic of its original Mills 50 counterpart, and perhaps even elevates the asian street food experience. Each bite of noodle, every grain of rice, and every drop of their flavorful sauces remained just as incredible the second day around.
A Taste of Malaysian Street Food Culture in Orlando
When Mamak first opened its doors downtown back in 2014, whispers of comparisons to Hawkers, another popular Asian street food spot that emerged a few years prior, were unavoidable. Both embraced the concept of bringing asian street food to the Orlando dining scene, and even shared a similar name origin – “Mamak” itself referring to food stalls and the vendors who passionately serve from them.
However, Mamak quickly carved its own niche, establishing a loyal following thanks to the undeniable quality of its cuisine. And based on my recent experience with the UCF location, Mamak isn’t just keeping pace; it might just be setting a new standard for asian street food in the area. My recent order at the UCF outpost echoed my initial experience back in 2014, though this time opting for the convenience of takeout – arguably the most authentic way to enjoy street food, wherever you are.
Crispy Roast Pork Tapas at Mamak UCF
Must-Try Dishes: A Culinary Journey Through Mamak’s Menu
Exploring the menu, you’ll find appetizers playfully listed as “tapas,” a nod perhaps to the small, shareable nature of street food snacks, even if it’s a Spanish term. From this section, the Crispy Roast Pork is an absolute must-try. These succulent morsels of pork belly are roasted to crispy perfection and served with a rich, hoisin dipping sauce that perfectly complements the savory meat.
Roti Canai Flatbread with Kari Gravy
Another standout is the Roti Canai, a quintessential Malaysian bread. While the menu describes it as a “flatbread,” this is far from your typical American flatbread pizza. “Roti,” derived from Sanskrit, simply means bread, while “Canai” is Malay for “to roll thinly.” The result is a flaky, almost croissant-like bread, served with a generous bowl of coconut kari (curry) gravy. This dipping sauce is so intensely flavorful and rich, made with aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk, you’ll be tempted to drink it straight!
Kari Mee Soup Ingredients Display
Delicious Bowl of Kari Mee Soup
For a truly comforting and flavorful experience, dive into the Kari Mee. This popular Malaysian noodle soup is a symphony of textures and tastes. You’ll find a medley of ingredients: springy noodles, succulent shrimp, tender chicken, fried tofu for a delightful chewiness, crisp bean sprouts, a perfectly hard-boiled egg, and vibrant leafy yu choy. The beauty of the Kari Mee lies in the presentation – the dry ingredients are served separately from the broth, allowing you to customize each bite. The broth itself is a luscious coconut kari, tying all the elements together in harmonious deliciousness, a perfect representation of hearty asian street food.
Char Kway Teow Noodle Dish
The Char Kway Teow is another star, a testament to the vibrant noodle dishes found across Asian streets. This rice noodle dish, reminiscent of Pad Thai but with its own unique character, features shrimp, chicken, and scrambled eggs, all expertly tossed with wide, flat noodles in a savory sauce of light and dark soy sauces. The wok hei, or “breath of the wok,” is evident in every strand, adding a smoky depth that elevates this street food classic.
Malaysian Coconut Kari with Beef and Potatoes
Lastly, the Malaysian Coconut Kari offers a comforting and customizable option. While named “Malaysian coconut kari,” with the addition of beef and potatoes, it leans towards an Indian-style curry in its heartiness. Served over a bed of wonderfully sticky jasmine rice, it’s a fulfilling and flavorful dish, showcasing the diverse influences within asian street food cuisine.
Ambiance and Accessibility for Your “Asian Street Food Near Me” Search
Mamak UCF Restaurant Interior
The UCF location of Mamak is slightly more spacious than the original downtown spot, maintaining the same warm yellow and brown color scheme. The dining area feels airy and comfortable, with tables well-spaced. While takeout is perfect for that authentic street food feel at home, the restaurant itself is a pleasant place to dine in, though perhaps opt for a booth over the somewhat less inviting metal chairs if you plan to stay awhile.
Ordering from Mamak online is generally straightforward, though the website has a few quirks. Navigating back to the main menu after adding items can be a little less intuitive than ideal. The initial pickup time defaults to “ASAP (25 minutes)” with no immediate option to change it. However, the option to select a different pickup time does appear at checkout, so patience is key. Also, note that while the Malaysian coconut curry description mentions a protein choice, all protein additions incur an extra charge.
Despite these minor online ordering hiccups, the value Mamak offers is undeniable. The food is incredibly reasonably priced, especially considering the generous portion sizes – far exceeding what one might expect from typical street food portions. For students in the UCF area and anyone searching for delicious and affordable asian street food near me, Mamak Asian Street Food UCF is an absolute must-visit.
Mamak Asian Street Food UCF is located at 3402 Technological Ave., Orlando, FL 32817 (facing University Boulevard). While their website indicates they are open for lunch and dinner daily, current hours might be limited to dinner. It’s always best to call ahead to confirm: 321-235-6394.
