Ma-Makan — Restaurant in Berlin

I came to this restaurant with high expectations, especially for the elusive Laksa, which everyone claims is delicious.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with cheerful smiles, which initially made us feel welcome. We ordered the Laksa and "fried chicken." When the Laksa arrived, I tried it, and to my surprise — as someone who is native to Southeast Asia — it was completely bland, though the shrimp broth was noticeable. Naturally, I asked the waitress, who had greeted us so warmly, for extra salt and sugar. Her reaction? A look of complete bewilderment, almost as if I had asked her to solve a math problem on the spot. Keep in mind, I wasn’t complaining or angry, just simply asking for a seasoning adjustment.

Next, the “fried chicken” was essentially battered chicken wings, thickly coated with flour. My expectation was a drumstick, but I suppose my standards were too high.

While we were still eating, the same waitress came up to us and asked, “Are you ready to pay?” Perhaps she was having a rough day, having just dropped a bunch of glasses and plates, but this question — blunt and without any pretense of politeness — was uncalled for. What really struck me, though, was how she then approached the table next to us — a non-Asian group — and, with a warm smile, asked, “Would you like to have dessert?”

I kept my cool, paid my bill, and thought that would be the end of it.

But no, the waitress came back with the card reader and casually mentioned, “You can leave a tip: 10%, 15%, etc.” And instead of turning her face away or offering any semblance of warmth, she stood there, staring at me as if monitoring whether or not I’d leave a tip. Spoiler: I didn’t. Would you tip for flavorless food and service like this?

After I paid, she turned her back and snatched the machine without so much as a “thank you” or “goodbye.”

I wasn’t angry, just disappointed. Then I looked up reviews on Google and discovered I wasn’t alone. Other native Asians reported receiving the same treatment, feeling like they were being treated differently from locals. Quite ironic, considering this is an "Asian" restaurant, right? One last surprise: I found out through Instagram that this very waitress holds a position at the restaurant and has been there since its pop-up store days.

Hopefully, my experience was an isolated incident, and no one else will have to endure such indifferent service. But, if anything, this makes me wonder: if we want Asian cuisine to be appreciated by a wider audience, shouldn’t the hospitality...

As a Singaporean, I must admit that I was slightly underwhelmed by the authenticity and overall quality of the food served at the establishment.

The special curry (3/10) was indeed healthy, but it lacked the depth of flavor and complexity that I would expect from an authentic Singaporean curry. It tasted rather bland and reminded me of something I might quickly prepare at home using leftover ingredients.

The Kaya Toast (3/10) was also a bit disappointing. The kaya jam seemed to be lacking in the distinctive pandan flavor, which is an essential component of this dish. I would suggest that the cheft consider using a store-bought pandan jam if they are going to keep being stingy on using pandan and misleading the tasty flavor of kaya. Additionally, the slices of butter in the toast made it quite heavy, which is not ideal for a starter menu item. I hope that the butter was an optional add-on rather than a standard component of the dish. Furthermore, the onsen, soft eggs were served cold, which detracted from the overall experience.

The chicken rice (6/10) had some redeeming qualities. The garlic-flavored rice was flavorful, although it was not cooked all the way through. It is important to note that al dente rice is not a concept that is typically found in Asian cooking. The cilantro and cucumbers were nice accompaniments to the dish. However, I was disappointed that sweetened dark soy sauce, which is a traditional condiment for chicken rice, was not offered. Instead, they provided regular soy sauce with added sesame oil, which is not the same.

The Nasi Lemak (5/10) was passable, but it did not leave a lasting impression on me. I would not be inclined to order it again.

The Soursop drink (4/10) had a refreshing lime flavor, but the soursop flavor was not as pronounced as I would have liked. The menu indicated that it was a soda, but there was no noticeable fizziness in the drink..

Overall, I would say this restaurant is worth considering if you have no expectations for Singaporean or Malaysian cuisine. I personally do not foresee myself yearning to dine...

I have been longing to visit here for quite some time, and today I finally had the opportunity to stop by. I must say, it was an excellent decision.

Arriving on a sunny Sunday afternoon, I was immediately greeted by a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. The DJ booth playing captivating tunes set the perfect mood for a memorable dining experience. The friendly staff added to the positive first impression, making me feel welcomed right from the start.

One thing that impressed me about ma makan is their innovative approach of featuring different menus each week. This clever concept ensures that customers have something new and exciting to look forward to, enticing them to return. It’s a testament to their dedication to keeping things fresh and captivating for their patrons.

Opting for the week’s special, the vegan chicken with coconut rice, I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portion size. The dish was not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavors. The creamy laksa sauce complemented the meal perfectly, adding a delightful depth of taste.

In addition to the delectable food, they offer an array of interesting cocktails on their menu. With such an enticing selection, I’m already looking forward to my next visit, where I can explore and savor different dishes while indulging in their intriguing drink options.

Overall, my experience today surpassed my expectations. The ambiance, friendly service, delicious cuisine, and innovative weekly menus make it a place worth revisiting. I highly recommend giving it a try if you’re seeking a delightful culinary...