Roti Canai is a classic Malaysian dish that is enjoyed all throughout the day from breakfast to dinner. This dish typifies what Malaysian cuisine is all about. I’ve praised Malaysian food numerous times and for me it is right up there as being one of the best in the world. One of the reasons for that is because of how it is made up of different strong food cultures: Indian, Chinese and Malay. This classic Malaysian breakfast dish is an example of the Indian influence on their cuisine.
What is it?
Roti Canai is basically paratha with curry and it is most commonly consumed for breakfast. It may sound overwhelming and a bit heavy to start the day with curry, but trust me, once you try it, this is all you’ll be thinking about. Couple this with a nice hot or cold Teh Tarik and you’ve got yourself a winning breakfast combo. Often simply referred to as roti, it is a versatile and beloved dish in Malaysia. This thin, flaky, and crispy flatbread is a staple in Malaysian and Indian cuisine, and it’s not only enjoyed as a breakfast item but also as a side dish in various meals.
Ingredients and Preparation
The primary ingredients for Roti Canai include wheat flour, water, and ghee (clarified butter). The dough is made by mixing the flour, water, and a bit of ghee until it reaches a soft and pliable consistency. This dough is then divided into small balls, which are individually flattened and stretched until they become thin and almost translucent. During this process, more ghee is often spread on the dough, adding to its rich flavour and ensuring the layers separate well during cooking.
Cooking Roti Canai
Roti Canai is traditionally cooked on a flat griddle or pan. The thin dough is laid out, and as it cooks, it’s folded and flipped several times to create layers. This process results in a crispy, flaky texture on the outside, while the inside remains soft and slightly chewy.
Variations
Roti Canai can be enjoyed in various ways. In its most basic form it is plain paratha that is served with a curry: commonly dhal, chicken curry, fish curry, or mutton curry. The soft, flaky bread is torn into pieces and used to scoop up the flavourful curries. It’s a hands-on and communal way of eating, with friends and family sharing a meal together. Some serve the curry on top of the roti and some serve the roti on the side to keep its crispiness. The variations of this classic is where this dish gets really interesting. Look at the menu of any Mamak (a Malaysian eatery that does it all from nasi kandar or teh to roti canai and are famously open 24 hours of the day) and you’ll see the variety interesting and overwhelming! You can get it with egg in the middle or with sugar stuffed inside or our personal favourite: Roti Pisang – this comes with banana inside. Couple this with the curry flavour and you got yourself a super unexpected winner!
Roti Canai is a testament to the rich culinary diversity of Malaysia. Its buttery, crispy layers make it a delightful dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it’s a must-try for anyone exploring Malaysian cuisine.
Where to try it
Transfer Road is an absolute legend in the game. They’ve been around for a very long time and they’re known to serve one of the best Roti Canai in town. If you look at the reviews and the social media hype (or lack of), they have gone down in recent times compared to their peak the first time we visited back in 2017. They were in trouble for their hygiene standards at the beginning of 2023 and their customer service and manners is quite lacking to be honest. We even experienced this on our most recent visit. Our server was a very disgruntled and angry man who just didn’t seem bothered and got angry every time we made a request (requests because he got our order wrong twice).
Hutton Lane Roti Bakar is another shout and one that is trending right now on social media. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the time to visit this place, but by looking at their pictures it looks to be a really good breakfast spot with some really delicious looking options.
Mamak or Nasi Kandar spots. Mamaks are Malaysian eateries that do a very wide variety of dishes and are famously open 24 hours of the day. These spots also serve up delicious Roti Canai especially during breakfast time.
Getting there:
Google Maps Location link: click here
