Chinese Roti Canai

When the word roti pratha or roti canai as it is more commonly known here in Malaysia is mentioned, it has been traditionally the domain business of the Indian Muslims or "mamak". With the multi-racial background and diversity of race, this business had somehow immersed into the local community which includes the Indians and Malays seen picking up the trade around the country.


However, a Chinese making roti canai is something rare in Malaysia and rather found it refreshing from what can be commonly found. In true Malaysian fashion of diversity in race, I found this in Malacca.

Previously, I had only known of Kenny (aka Bibik Kim Neo) of the Baba Nyonya skits on TV and dinner shows who used to make roti canais in his Baba Nyonya restaurant which attracted quite a crowd everyday then.

A trip to Semabok market (Jalan Semabok-Jalan Johor intersection) in Malacca provide methe opportunity to watch and experience the taste of roti canai and roti telur made by this Chinese Peranakan vendor.

Arriving at 730am got me into a queue for his roti where seats have been taken up in the small quaint corner of a sundry shop.

His roti tasted as good as those made by the Mamaks, Indians and Malays. What really made the roti tasted better was the curry which was cooked in probably a little fusion of the Nyonya style. That itself gave a little twist to the normal roti gravy of dhall and indian curry.

Give this a try when you're in Melaka!