The roadside mamak stall is such a unique Malaysian institution. A convenience many take for granted until they migrated elsewhere. It can pop up under a tree and it is a great place to find food and drinks in a seeming remote neighbourhood. I was in a strange place behind Jalan Loke Yew with my friend Thiru Nash.
The red leafed iced tea in a scratchy plastic glass. Famous teh tarik or hot pulled tea is another favourite. The characteristic tray with soy sauce and pepper shakers, with another holding toothpicks. It prompts you to order ‘telur setengah masak’ (half boiled eggs) or maybe a roti.
Missing here are the ready packed nasi lemak and bee hoon. I wished there were fallen and dried leaves on the table to add character but the umbrella attached to each table does its job.
There is also another container with spoons and signature cheap forks with crooked or bent prongs. And free tissue papers or serviettes which we will never get at a Chinese coffee shop. And finally, there are other loafers and lepakians too.
I switched to Apeture Priority to include the other loafers at the back. At f22, the focus went from the ice cubes in my iced tea, to all the way to the back. There are technical things to think about at a mamak too.
Panasonic Lumix GM-1, ISO 2000, f22, 1/60 sec.
#roadside #mamak #stall #tea #streetphotography
