Craving a culinary adventure that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Asia? Look no further than Mamak Asian Street Food Orlando Fl, the east side gem that’s quickly becoming a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Building on the success of its downtown counterpart, Mamak UCF delivers an authentic Malaysian dining experience that’s both delicious and surprisingly affordable. Having recently indulged in their takeout offerings, we can attest that the flavors are just as vibrant and satisfying, even enjoyed as leftovers the next day.
Mamak Asian Street Food UCF Orlando FL exterior view showcasing its inviting storefront.
When Mamak first arrived in downtown Orlando in 2014, comparisons to Hawkers Asian Street Fare were inevitable. Both restaurants champion the vibrant concept of Asian street food and even share a similar name origin – “mamak” referring to food stalls and their vendors. However, Mamak has carved its own niche by consistently delivering exceptional food quality. Based on our recent experience at the UCF location, Mamak might just be giving Hawkers a run for its money in the Orlando Asian street food scene.
Coincidentally, our order at Mamak UCF mirrored a past downtown experience from 2014, this time opting for the convenience of takeout – arguably the quintessential way to enjoy street food. The menu, presented with a touch of Spanish flair by categorizing appetizers as “tapas,” promised a flavorful journey.
A Taste of Malaysia on Technological Avenue
Crispy Roast Pork tapas at Mamak Asian Street Food UCF in Orlando, Florida, a flavorful appetizer.
From the “tapas” section, the Crispy Roast Pork immediately caught our attention. These succulent bites of pork belly are roasted to crispy perfection and served with a rich hoisin dipping sauce, offering a delightful start to the meal.
Delicious Roti Canai flatbread served with coconut kari dipping sauce at Mamak Asian Street Food Orlando.
Next, we sampled the Roti Canai, a Malaysian staple. Described as “flatbread” on the menu, it’s crucial to understand this is far from your typical American flatbread. “Roti” translates to bread from Sanskrit, and “canai” in Malay means to roll thinly – hence, flatbread. But this roti boasts a flaky, almost croissant-like texture, accompanied by a luscious coconut kari (curry) gravy for dipping. The kari was so intensely flavorful, resisting the urge to drink it straight was a delightful challenge.
Ingredients for Kari Mee soup served separately at Mamak Asian Street Food UCF, Orlando, highlighting fresh components.
Authentic Malaysian Kari Mee soup, a flavorful noodle dish at Mamak Asian Street Food in Orlando, FL.
The Kari Mee, a renowned Malaysian soup, was another highlight. This hearty bowl features noodles, shrimp, chicken, fried tofu, bean sprouts, a hardboiled egg, and leafy yu choy. The thoughtful presentation of dry ingredients served separately from the broth, which was – you guessed it – more of that incredible coconut kari, ensured optimal texture and flavor in every bite. It was simply delicious.
Savory Char Kway Teow rice noodles with shrimp and chicken at Mamak Asian Street Food Orlando, a popular dish.
Equally impressive was the Char Kway Teow, a rice noodle dish reminiscent of Pad Thai. Shrimp, chicken, and eggs are tossed with flat noodles in a savory sauce of light and dark soy sauces, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Malaysian Coconut Kari with beef and potatoes served over jasmine rice at Mamak Asian Street Food UCF.
Finally, the Malaysian Coconut Kari offered a comforting and familiar taste. We opted for beef with potatoes as the protein, which, when served over fragrant jasmine rice, leaned towards an Indian-style curry experience. The wonderfully sticky jasmine rice provided the perfect base to soak up every drop of the rich kari.
Ambiance and Ordering Experience
Inside Mamak Asian Street Food UCF Orlando, showing the spacious interior and comfortable booth seating.
The UCF location of Mamak is slightly larger than the original downtown spot, maintaining the same warm yellow and brown color scheme. The spacious layout and well-spaced tables create a comfortable dining environment. While the metal chairs might appear less inviting, the booths seemed like a perfect spot to settle in and enjoy a meal.
Regarding online ordering, Mamak’s system has a few quirks. Navigating back to the menu after adding an item to the cart can be slightly confusing. The initial pickup time is set to “ASAP (25 minutes)” without an immediate option to change it. However, the option to select a different pickup time appears during the checkout process. Also, be aware that while the Malaysian coconut curry description mentions a protein choice “included,” all protein selections incur an extra charge.
Despite these minor online ordering nuances, the value for money at Mamak is undeniable. The portions are generous – exceeding typical “street food” expectations – and the prices are incredibly reasonable. For students in the UCF area, or anyone seeking flavorful and affordable Asian cuisine, Mamak Asian Street Food Orlando FL is an absolute must-try.
Mamak Asian Street Food UCF is located at 3402 Technological Ave., Orlando, FL 32817 (facing University Boulevard). According to their website, they are open for lunch and dinner daily, but current hours may be limited to dinner. It’s advisable to call ahead to confirm: 321-235-6394.
