Roti Canai Stalls in Penang

Roti Canai (12 October 2012)




Penang Roti Canai is a popular flatbread sold by Indian Muslim vendors in Penang. Created as a cheap meal to serve the coolie class in the 19th century, the roti canai has since been embraced by all races. Similar to rota prata in Singapore, the roti canai makes for a common breakfast food. The name, thought to be Malay, is actually of Indian origin, as the word "roti" derives for most Indian languages denoting the various types of flatbread found in India. Roti Canai, however, is a local derivation of Indian flatbread.

To make roti canai, wheat flour is kneaded into a dough with generous amounts of ghee. It is flattened and tossed to spread it out. The dough is then folded over repeated. Coated with oil, it is then cooked in a flat iron pan or skillet. The cooked roti is crispy, with minor touches of burnt, golden-brown flakes.

In addition to the plain roti canai, also called roti kosong, one may order it with eggs, and other toppings including sardine, margerine, onions, and so on.

Roti Canai Ingredients

Let me make it incredibly easy for you to find places on Penang Island where you can buy Roti Canal. The food map below points out all the stalls that I have come across, with more to be added when I found them.

Where to find Roti Canai Stalls in Penang

Roti Canai is available at the following locations in Penang:
Making roti canai (24 June 2005)