If you were to ask any Malaysian what their favourite breakfast food is, there’s a high chance that they’ll gush about fluffy, crispy roti canai.
From weekend family breakfasts, to midnight lepak sessions with friends, roti canai is always a top choice for those in need of a familiar and comforting dish that rarely lets the consumer down. There are countless ways you can have it too. Eat the flatbread on its own, drenched in dhaal or curry, or dipped in sugar— the choice is yours.
Plain roti canai, which some may refer to as roti kosong, is so popular here that you can get different variations— sweet or salty. Roti telur, roti pisang, or roti tisu, whatever you can think of, you can find at any mamak shop in the country.
If you’re a tourist visiting Malaysia for the first time, or a local seeking to expand your horizons, here are 12 must-try roti canai places for the best breakfast of your life.
1. Ali Roti Canai Tsunami
Despite its unassuming location, Ali Roti Canai Tsunami is a crowd favourite. They’re only open 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, so you best believe that customers are willing to stand in line under the zinc roof for some delicious roti canai.
Instead of the usual silver tray of roti canai with 3 types of dipping sauces placed carefully at the side, this shop drenches their roti with dal, hence the name “tsunami”. What sets their Roti Canai Tsunami (RM4) apart though, is that they also top it off with sambal and a couple hard boiled eggs. This dish is also known as roti canai banjir in other places.
Don’t forget to take a peek at the workers as they skillfully prepare your dish then and there. Hand tossed and grilled to order, their roti canai may leave you tempted to get in queue again just for another plate.
Jalan Pantai Permai, Pantai Dalam, 59200 Kuala Lumpur Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6016 697 4335
Wed to Sun: 7am – 11.30am
Closed on Mon & Tue
Facebook | Instagram
2. Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar
Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar began its journey in 1974 as a small stall in a coffee shop. Now, the franchise has grown to be one of the country’s biggest Penang heritage chains.
Their rotis are a little different from other places as the dough used has a slight sweetness to it. This means that if you were to pair a mouthful of roti canai with some curry, you would get a delightful balance of sweet and savoury.
You can get some regular Roti Canai for RM2.50 a piece. However, a trip to Original Penang Kayu Nasi Kandar is never complete without ordering their iconic Roti Tissue (RM13.50), a crispy and sugary roti that stands tall, as pictured above. This dish is typically brought out like this, with the worker ensuring its structural integrity by holding the tip with a piece of tissue. It is then laid down, usually spanning 3 plates long.
For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, refer here.
Facebook | Website
3. Mansion Tea Stall
No social media, and even more shockingly, no signage outside the stall, Mansion Tea Stall is truly one of those if you know, you know places.
At this stall, they keep it simple; no head-scratching items, no long list that’ll leave you staring at the menu for a long time. Their menu is condensed to offer customers the staples, the best of the best.
They serve a total of 8 rotis here. Their plain Roti Canai costs RM1.60, while the Roti Bawang and Roti Planta are RM2.60 each. The other rotis you can order include Roti Telur Bawang (RM3), Roti Sardin (RM5), and Roti Boom (RM3).
Mansion Tea Stall also has a couple noodle dishes for customers to try, like Maggi Kari Sup (RM5.50) and Mee Goreng Campur (RM6.50).
Selangor Mansion, Jalan Masjid India, 50100, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6012 331 1456
Daily: 24 hours
4. Valentine Roti
In contrast, Valentine Roti’s menu is full of, well, everything. Apart from the usuals you’d find at your local mamak shop, this eatery has some menu items that you’ve probably never heard of before, featuring unique names and interesting flavour combinations.
If you just want the classics, they have Roti Canai (RM2), Roti Telur (RM4.30), and Roti Susu Milo (RM4.80), among others. If you’re feeling brave, however, check out their self-named Roti Valentine (RM7.50), Roti Boom (RM3.50), and Roti Kahwin (RM5.60).
They also have something called Roti Jantan (RM5.40). Yeah, I didn’t know that a dish like roti could be gender specific either.
In addition to all those rotis, Valentine Roti serves various types of thosai as well. The shop offers Thosai Rawa (RM3), Thosai Ghee (RM4), and Paper Thosai (RM4.20). Those looking for something sweet and savoury can opt for the Thosai Pisang Cheese (RM6).
Stor No. 1, Jalan Semarak, 54000 Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
+6012 293 6248
Daily: 8am – 11.45pm
Facebook
5. Kanna Curry House
Kanna Curry House is an iconic roti canai and banana leaf spot that’s well known among the residents of Petaling Jaya. They have 7 outlets across the Klang Valley, including 4 in PJ, one in Puchong, one in Klang, and another in Kepong.
They’re a family business that’s been running for 3 generations since 1976. When you walk into any of their restaurants, you’ll see their slogan plastered everywhere: “Makanan & minuman di restoran ini sesuai untuk semua lapisan masyarakat”, displaying their pride in serving food that caters to everyone’s taste buds.
Kanna Curry House offers crispy and fluffy Roti Canai (RM2.80), Roti Bomm (RM4.60), and Thosai Telur (RM5.20). Other than that, they also have Chapathi (RM3.70), Puri (RM3.70), and even Idly (RM1.70).
Workers carry large trays of small portions of chicken, fish, and lamb dishes from table to table, so that customers can select sides without having to stand up. You can choose between dishes like Ikan Tenggiri (RM10.50), Kambing Varuval (RM20), or Ayam Peratal (RM10.50).
For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, refer here.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
Sistars Kitchen: Hidden cendol spot in PJ with mind-blowing choy pou chee cheong fun
6. Lotus Family Restaurant
Located at Jalan Gasing, Lotus Family Restaurant is a popular destination for hikers who spent their morning trailing Bukit Gasing— more often than not, you’ll spot couples and groups of friends in exercise gear feasting after a long outdoor session.
Of course, they have the usual suspects like Roti Canai (RM2), Roti Canai Pisang (RM3.50), Roti Canai Square (RM2.50), and Roti Canai Cheese Double (RM5).
Here, you’ll also find dishes like Murtabak Chicken (RM12), Mutton Kothu Paratha (RM16), Egg Thosai (RM5), and Podi Thosai (RM5). Their Plain Appam Set (RM6) is highly recommended and comes with 2 pieces of appam and sweetened coconut milk to pour over. They also suggest customers check out their Egg or Onion Oothappam (RM5) and Thairu Vadai (RM2.50).
Those with a sweet tooth will be delighted to know that they also sell a variety of Indian sweets that you can take home for RM1.50 a piece.
15, Jalan Gasing, Seksyen 6, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
+603 7782 8795
Daily: 7am – 9pm
Facebook | Instagram
7. Murni Discovery
Murni Discovery, mostly known as Murni by locals, is a famous lepak spot. Not only do they have roti canai, they also serve various Asian fusion cuisines. First timers might get a shock from seeing their menu, but for its usual patrons, this means that they can visit the eatery often and still find a dish that they haven’t tried.
Their Roti Discovery menu includes food like Roti Canai (RM1.50), Roti Tampal (RM2.50), Roti Susu (RM2), and Roti Pisang (RM2.50). You might be bored of the same old rotis. Well, good news, because Murni’s got your back. Other than the eyebrow-raising items like Roti Fujiyama (RM5) and Roti Hawaii (RM6.50), they also serve Roti Salad Tuna (RM7.50) and Roti Beckham (RM7). Don’t worry, I’m just as confused as you are.
For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, refer here.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
8. Teh Tarik Place
When Teh Tarik Place first opened their doors in 2007, they were on a mission to serve authentic Malaysian street food in a casual and comfortable environment. Inspired by our lepak culture, they offer all kinds of dishes to the different customers and walk into any of their 13 outlets.
A lot of people might doubt the authenticity of their roti canai, mainly because Teh Tarik Place is a franchise that houses its outlets in shopping malls. However, many diners favour their hand-tossed roti canai over others because theirs is guaranteed to be soft and crispy, as a roti canai should be.
The eatery has Roti Canai (RM3.10), Roti Boom (RM4.30), and even Roti Jantan (RM8.90), which essentially is a roti canai topped with 2 soft boiled eggs to represent, well, you know. They also have Roti Tisu (RM4.40) and Roti Telur Bawang (RM5.60).
For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, refer here.
Facebook | Instagram | Website
9. Rathaa Curry House
Although Rathaa Curry House is usually frequented by banana leaf enthusiasts, they do have a selection of roti and thosai for diners to relish.
Their Roti Canai is RM2, and their Roti Bom and Roti Planta are both priced at RM3.50 a piece. If you’re looking for a more dessert-like roti, check out their Roti Tissue, Roti Kaya, or Roti Madu for RM3.50 each.
The restaurant has 7 types of thosai to choose from, like Thosai Biasa (RM2.50), Thosai Telur (RM7.50), and Thosai Bawang (RM4.20). You can even get dishes like Chapati (RM2.80) and Puri (RM5.20).
Other items available at Rathaa Curry House include Puttumayam (RM1.30), Idly (RM3 for 2 pieces), Nasi Lemak Panas (RM4.50), and Vadai (RM1.30).
22, Jalan Puteri 1/5, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia
+603 8051 1343
Daily: 6.30am -10pm
28, Jalan Puteri 5/1, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
Daily: 6.30am – 9pm
10. Restoran Aliff
If you’re an internet surfer, you may have come across several memes featuring quirky roti canai. Restoran Aliff is responsible for these creative dishes that have brought joy to many. This popular eatery has 3 outlets across KL, with the Sri Petaling location gaining attention for a viral claim online: they’ll prepare anything you order, no matter how bizarre it may be!
I believe many of you may be wondering, just how unconventional can it get? One of the dishes that went viral is the Roti Tisu KLCC, where 2 tall roti tisu are placed in a cup and connected with a ‘bridge’ in between. This playful creation has attracted numerous patrons to the shop.
Another unique dish is the Roti Ular, which many diners have enjoyed. ‘Ular‘ means snake in Malay, and true to its name, the roti is shaped like a snake! For something romantic, try the Roti ‘I Love You’, it’s a sarang burung shaped like a heart. This restaurant not only serves delicious roti canai but also adds fun to your dining experience. Side note: all these dishes are not on the menu!
56, Jln 1/149D, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
+603 9056 5044
Daily: 24 hours
29, Jalan 13/149l, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
+603 9054 9156
Daily: 24 hours
Arked Esplanad, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Daily: 24 hours
11. NZ Curry House @ KLCC
Roti canai is a widely-recognised delicacy that doesn’t break the bank. But have you imagined enjoying this affordable dish with a stunning view in the heart of Kuala Lumpur? Yes, you read it right! Located on Jalan Ampang, in the bustling heart of the city, NZ Curry House offers diners a perfect scenery of KLCC. Having to enjoy this spectacular view while indulging in a meal of roti canai, why not?
The eatery offers a variety of roti canai options for diners to choose from. It features timeless classics like Roti Canai (RM2), Roti Telur (RM3.50), Roti Tampal (RM3.50), Roti Sardin (RM5), Roti Tissue (RM4.50), and more.
If you prefer additional ingredients in your roti, you can try the Roti Telur Bawang Cili (RM3.90), Roti Jantan (RM5), Roti Telur Cheese (RM5.30), or Roti Tissue with Milo (RM6). Besides these, there are more offerings on the menu waiting for you to discover on your own.
Lot 42, Jln Ampang, Kampung Baru, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
+6012 350 6857
Daily: 24 hours
Facebook | Instagram | Website
12. Rani’s Corner
KL really knows how to elevate the roti canai experience. Tired of the KLCC view? Head over to Taman Saga and visit Rani’s Corner! Besides its delicious dishes, the restaurant’s outdoor seating offers a stunning view. Positioned on a hill, diners often liken the ambiance to a “mini Genting”.
While catching up with friends, you can indulge in their delicious roti canai with over 15 options to choose from. Prices start at RM1.50 for the Roti Canai Biasa. For RM3.50, you can enjoy varieties like Roti Canai Milo, Roti Canai Cheese, Roti Canai Pisang, and Roti Telur Bawang. Additionally, they serve Roti Canai Telur (RM3), Roti Canai Planta (RM2.50), Roti Canai Boom (RM2.50), amongst others.
For adventurous foodies, there are innovative dishes like the Roti Salad series available in various flavours. Explore selections like the Roti Salad Biasa (RM5.50), Roti Salad Telur (RM6), Roti Salad Sardine (RM7), Roti Salad Ayam (RM7), Roti Salad Kambing (RM8), and Roti Salad Cheese (RM7).
Jalan Taman Saga, Taman Saga, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
+6012 203 9997
Daily: 5pm – 2am
Facebook
Kapitan Tandoori House: Penang’s gem is now serving juicy tandoori chicken and creamy Milani in KL
