Roti, which is a direct translation of bread, is a combination of water and flour, and is the staple source of carbohydrate for most people in this world. When a piece of unassuming dough finds its way to Malaysia, however, we Malaysian are capable to make all sorts of yummy food out of it.
Roti Canai is the most common version of mamak-influenced bread in Malaysia,, thanks to the booming trend of mamak stall at almost every corner. While it looks nothing like the bread you usually get from Western bakery, Roti Canai’s fundamental ingredients are pretty much the same as a Gardenia bread. This mamak flatbread is usually paired with daal and curry, and then wash it down with a cup of teh tarik panas. Hm…That’s satisfaction with a taste over there.
There are at least 10 types of mamak-influenced roti which are equally, if not more popular than the humble roti canai. We’ve compiled a list of go-to roti which are both sinful and satisfying, so grab a tissue to wipe your drools!
1. Roti Telur (or Roti Telur Bawang)
Roti Telur is the second most common roti that we know other than Roti Canai. This roti is very much similar to roti canai, except that this comes with an egg and even onions which are mixed together with the dough inside and out while cooking. If you hate onions, don’t sweat because everything is customizable at a mamak stall.
2. Roti Tisu
This roll of crispy, paper thin roti is known as Roti Tisu. This roti might look simple, but the taste of this roti is surprisingly sweet with a generous drizzle of sugar and condensed milk inside and out. Aesthetically, this roti is by default the tallest roti of all, and Pelita Kayu makes the tallest roti tissue in town!
3. Roti Cheese Naan
With the generous amount of gooey cheese, Roti Cheese Naan is the best choice to order. It’s a gastronomical joy served on the plate when you tear you way through the cheese-laden dough slowly and bask in the pleasure of simply just watching cheese oozes out from the naan.
4. Roti Jala
Roti Jala gets its name from the word of “net” due to with its spider web-like look. The web is formed by spinning a water-flour liquid from a canister with multiple holes underneath right onto an evenly greased hot pan and voila, roti jala is born. It is especially delicious when you pair them with daal or meat curries. In order to serve it at its best, roti jala is usually make-to-order, so it might be a little tricky to get this from a small time mamak stall.
5. Murtabak
Murtabak is the only dish without the word of roti though it is indeed from the roti family. This particular roti is stuffed with heaps of mince meat and spices to achieve its aromatic flavor, leaving you to want for more after every bite.
6. Roti Tampal
Roti Tampal is very similar to Roti Telur as contains egg. But the egg of Roti Tampal is plastered on the outside of the dough. For a more egg-y goodness of Roti Tampal, do request a bulls eye/less cooked version for your eggs to get that runny yolk on your roti!
7. Roti Hawaii
The slightly westernized version of Murtabak, Roti Hawaii contains a whole lot more filling, stuffed to the brim with minced meat (chicken or beef), cheese, sausages and pineapples. Served with a generous amount of mayonnaise on the top for a fresh, tangy taste.
8. Roti Jepun
Some might innocently thought that they’ll find wasabi in Roti Jepun, but Japan is not only famous for its wasabi. Roti Jepun is in fact stuffed with eggs, margarine, cheese and condensed milk which brings out a mix taste of sweet and savory flavors.
9. Roti Fujima
This Roti Fujima is a little bit fancier than Roti Pisang. How is that so? This particular roti is served by placing some sliced banana in between folds, topped with two generous scoops of ice cream. There’s no need to have this with curry or daal. All you got to do is to dig into it while the roti is still warm while ice cream melts away.
10. Roti Maggi
If you are looking for a filling surprise, Roti Maggi is the dish that your are looking for. Why? It’s carb in carb! Perfect for those who are on a cheat day.