Cult Malaysian restaurant Mamak opens in Bali

A wave of Australian restaurants have washed up on Bali's shores in recent times, but the latest debutant is bravely taking Asian food to Asia.

Mamak, the Sydney Malaysian restaurant with a reputation for frustratingly long queues opens on Monday, December 4 in Seminyak.

Mamak co-owner Julian Lee, who has already branched out domestically by opening Mamak in Melbourne, says south-east Asia has long been part of expansion plans.

But while Australians exploring business opportunities in Bali in recent times have generally pushed European food (MoVida, Da Maria Bali) or Sydney cool at Mrs Sippy (where you can get smashed avo or a bacon and egg roll), Lee is joining a less popular club in taking Asian food.

"We've always wanted to go to Bali; we love the area. And we think it makes good business sense," Lee says.

Lower wage costs and higher margins have made Bali a popular destination for food operators over the past decade. And Lee believes Mamak-style Malaysian will prove popular.

"We think we will fill a gap in the market here, as no one is really offering authentic Malaysian food. Being in this part of the world gives us greater access to amazing Asian produce that can only enhance our flavours even further," Lee says.

It will be Mamak's first licensed restaurant, so Australians heading to Bali over summer will be able to order a beer with their roti and curry.

Mamak Bali, Jl. Kayu Aya No.4b, Seminyak, Bali 80361, mamakbali.com.