The humble ‘roti canai’ has been given a creative boost, with unique variations found nationwide, the NSTP TEAM writes
WHO doesn’t love roti canai? You cannot call yourself a Malaysian if you have not eaten this popular dish before. Some like their roti canai hot and crispy, while others like it in a delicious dhal or curry mess (roti canai banjir).
Years ago, there was only one — the plain roti canai, or roti canai kosong.
However, now, the traditional dish has been given a creative boost. You can find alternative versions of it nationwide, from roti cheese to roti canai Milo, and even a roti canai named after a poisonous snake.
Here are some of the unique roti canai offerings in Negri Sembilan, Penang, Melaka, Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah and Sarawak.
1. JAMAL SALIM CURRY HOUSE AND CATERING
Jamal Salim Curry House and Catering has Roti Kobra, a plain roti canai served with a sunny-side up egg and a choice of chicken or mutton. The dish is also served with a generous amount of curry.
Despite its name, Roti Kobra does not resemble a snake.
Served with chicken, the dish is priced at RM7.50, and RM12 with mutton.
Location: 27, Ruang Grace Square 2, Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu.
Operating hours: Opens daily for 24 hours.
2. ROTI CANAI MAT ROSID
If you are looking for fluffy roti canai, look no further than Roti Canai Mat Rosid in Jalan Batu Burok, Kuala Terengganu.
The shop is located at a traffic light junction opposite the Shell petrol station.
A plain roti canai costs RM1, while roti telur costs RM1.70 and roti telur bawang, RM2.20.
Location: Warong Mat Rosid Salleh, Jalan Batu Burok, Kuala Terengganu.
Operating hours: Opens daily, from 7am to 5pm.
3. ROTI CANAI KAYU ARANG
The Roti Canai Kayu Arang restaurant serves roti canai prepared on a charcoal stove.
Located in Bachang, Melaka, the restaurant offers a variety of roti canai, such as roti tampal, roti telur, roti sardin, roti cheese, roti bawang, and the more unique dangdut paste and roti canai nachos.
Owner Siti Idah Talib, 43, inherited the business from her mother and has been using charcoal to prepare roti canai for 17 years.
She claims that the roti canai prepared that way is crispier and more fragrant than those prepared on a gas stove.
Location: Lot 459, Kg Bakar Batu Mukim, Kampung Bakar Batu, Bachang.
Operating hours: Opens daily, from 7am to noon.
4. AL MALEEK CURRY HOUSE
Al Maleek Curry House in Kota Baru, Kelantan, has added a new item to its roti canai offerings; it now offers roti cheese.
Restaurant staff Mohd Arfan Salleh, 25, said their roti cheese is well-received by customers.
Besides dining at the restaurant, customers also order the dish for a takeaway.
If you want to get a taste of
roti cheese at Al Maleek Curry House, make sure you arrive at the shop early because it prepares only 30 pieces of the roti in a day.
The roti cheese is sold at RM2 a piece.
Location: 3606, Jalan Ismail, Kota Baru.
Operating hours: Opens daily, from 6am to 6.30pm.
5. STALL #25
Kapit is accessible via a three-hour express boat ride from Sibu, Sarawak. A trip to the town will not be complete without experiencing roti canai goreng.
Served with a Sarawakian-style chicken curry and sambal, the dish is sweet on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Apart from the plain version, the roti canai goreng also comes with a variant — deep-fried with egg.
Location: Stall #25, Gerai Makanan Islam Sri Suria, Gelanggang Kenyalang, Kapit.
Operating hours: Opens daily, from 7am to noon.
6. MAMU ROTI CANAI TERBANG
This roti canai is on our list not so much for its taste, but how it is made.
Visit Mamu Roti Canai Terbang in Penang and order a few pieces of roti canai.
While waiting for yours to be served, get your camera ready to record the fascinating way the workers spread the roti canai dough.
Is it a UFO? Cloth? Or paper? Nope, it is a real roti canai dough that “flies” while it is being spread.
It may get a little frustrating due to the crowd, especially during holidays, but the roti canai terbang show is worth the wait.
Location: The shop is located next to 460, Jalan Besar Penaga, Kampung Paya, Penaga.
Operating hours: Opens daily, except Tuesdays, from 8am to 3pm.
7. OLI MOHAMED RESTAURANT
Fancy eating roti canai with Milo? If your answer is yes, then head on down to Oli Mohamed Restaurant in Bahau, Negri Sembilan.
Roti canai Milo is mainly to entice children.
The dish is made with Milo and sugar spread on a freshly baked roti before it is fried. It will make your children’s day and they may ask for more.
The roti canai Milo is sold at RM3 a piece.
Location: Oli Mohamed Restaurant, No 110, Jalan Kiara 1/2 Kiara Business Center, Bahau.
Operating hours: Opens daily from 7am to 2am.