Best Dishes at Mambow
Otak-Otak Prawn Toast
StartersOtak-otak — a mixture of prawn, makrut lime leaf, and red curry paste — is formed into a cake, fried in slices, then wrapped in a wild betel leaf. Reviewers describe it as 'sweet and succulent as birthday cake' and 'humming with fragrant kaffir lime'. This is the dish that opens nearly every review of Mambow.
Lor Bak
StartersA crunchy, enclosed parcel of pork and prawn wrapped in deep-fried bean curd. Reviewers call it 'one of the most irresistible small plates around' and praise the textural contrast and seasoning.
Sarawak Black Pepper Chicken Curry
MainsA deeply savoury curry with whole pieces of chicken and earthy black pepper notes. Reviewers describe it as 'plate-licking' and emphasize that everything is cooked hot — heat is a feature, not an accident.
Rock Fish in Curry Sauce
MainsOne reviewer called this 'one of the best dishes of recent memory'. The whole fish is cooked in a generously spiced curry sauce that lets the fish's natural sweetness come through. A standout if it's on the menu that night.
Kerabu Jantung Pisang
SaladsA refreshing Malaysian salad of grilled banana blossom (jantung pisang) tossed with spiced fried peanuts and a sharp dressing. The menu rotates kerabu (salads) regularly, but this is a signature version that balances the heat elsewhere on the menu.
About Mambow
Abby Lee's 500-square-foot Clapton spot evolved from a 2020 pop-up to a brick-and-mortar home for high-octane Malaysian cooking rooted in her Singaporean and Malaysian family recipes. Dishes rotate regularly, and the menu blends creativity with authentic heat. The strapline says it all: Malaysian Heat + Juicy Wines.
Top 5 dishes at Mambow:
- Otak-Otak Prawn Toast – 95% recommended(Signature)
- Lor Bak – 90% recommended(Signature)
- Sarawak Black Pepper Chicken Curry – 88% recommended(Signature)
- Rock Fish in Curry Sauce – 92% recommended(Signature)
- Kerabu Jantung Pisang
Details
- Cuisine:
- Malaysian
- Price Range:
- ££
- Phone:
- +44 20 3417 8181
- Website:
- Visit Website
- Services:
- Dine-in, Reservations
Hours
- Friday:
- 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM(Open Now)
- Sunday:
- 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Monday:
- 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Tuesday:
- 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM
- Wednesday:
- 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM
- Thursday:
- 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM
- Saturday:
- 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Everything here is on the hot side of life. Order the kerabu salads or coconut-based dishes to balance the chilli — the sweetness helps cool the heat.
The signage is as modest as the tastes are bold — the front door is hidden behind a bus stop on Lower Clapton Road. Look for the unmarked entrance or call ahead for directions.
Order whatever's on the specials board and anything with fish — the menu rotates regularly and fish dishes are consistently standout.
The handful of counter seats aren't ideal for sharing several dishes — wait for a proper table even if it takes longer. The spread you should order warrants proper plate space.
Open Wednesday-Friday evenings only, plus Saturday lunch and dinner. Wednesday is often easier to book than Friday.
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