Humble facade, great food
While Melbourne has its fair share of Indian food, I didn't manage to find real mamak fare - until
Rich Maha. This little shop looks like it could have been transplanted from somewhere in Section 17 with its zinc chairs and simple signage. The food, I was delighted to find, is equally authentic.
Roti, murtabak, and all the things you missWay) back in my university days, the idea being thrown around Malaysian students was that someone should open a mamak here. Finally, someone has. Rich Maha adds another layer of Asian delights to Melbourne's already rich culinary scene.
The food is primarily Malaysian Indian hawker, the kind you get in a typical roadside lot. In terms of breads, you'll find the full shebang: roti, murtabak, naan and thosai. Then there's curries (chicken, lamb, beef and seafood) which you can choose through the glass counter, mamak style.
It's not paper tosai if it's not bigger than your plate
Other things on the menuRich Maha also serves Tandoori, Sri Lankan and Vegetarian cuisine. The Chef's Special is Malaysian fish head curry. The Weekend Special is chicken and mutton briyani, which at $10 is fantastic value for what you get. (Rice, lots of condiments and some seriously ambrosial curry.)
If you're thinking about drinks, yes, they have Teh Tarik and Rich Maha does this to perfection: flavourful and not too sweet.
Teh Tarik - feels like home
The verdictIf you've got a mamak craving, Rich Maha can fix it. At $4 for a plate of roti and dhal it's ten times more than what you would pay in Malaysia. But if you consider the alternative (frozen roti from the Asian grocer) I'd say it's well worth the price. Rich Maha is open 7 days a week 11.00am to 10.00pm.
