Craving for a roti canai fix? Look no further and check out our guide for the best roti canai in KL and Selangor.
In case you missed it, Malaysia’s roti canai earned the number one title as the best street food in the world and was most recently also named the best bread dish globally, according to Taste Atlas. Ask any Malaysian about their idea of a local breakfast, and they will probably mention roti canai or nasi lemak. Considered a national dish, the roti canai or flatbread is a meal that can be enjoyed anytime, whether it be breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late-night supper.
What is a roti canai?
Roti canai is translated as “bread from Chennai”, as it is believed that this unique dish is brought from Southern India to Malaysia and our neighbouring country, Singapore.
The pan-fried flatbread has four main ingredients: flour, butter, egg and salt. It’s as simple as that. To identify the perfect roti canai, look for a crispy and flaky texture with a soft buttery taste. Enjoy it with spicy curry and dhal, or plain if that’s up your alley. For a dose of nostalgia, indulge your roti canai with sugar toppings. It takes us back to our younger days. These days, restaurants and Mamak stalls in Malaysia have added their twist to the savoury dish with sweet fillings like banana, Nutella, milo powder and condensed milk.
Now, you must wonder, “Where do I embark on my journey to find the best roti canai in KL”? Well, we’re here to help. If you want to discover the best of the best roti canai in KL and Selangor, you will have to bookmark this guide and find these popular spots in KL and Selangor.
Here’s where you can taste the best roti canai in KL and Selangor:
Hero & featured image credit: Getty Images
1 /12
Located in Section 17, Petaling Jaya, Kanna Curry House is no stranger to any banana leaf enthusiast. While they are famously known for their hearty banana leaf rice meal, the restaurant is also famed for its soft buttery roti canai. Don’t be overwhelmed by their curry selections, and enjoy a little bit of everything by turning your dream breakfast into roti canai banjir (flooded roti canai). Our favourite combination? Roti canai splashed in crab curry and a side of their signature fried squid.
Operation hours: 8AM – 8PM (daily)
(Image credit: Kanna Curry House)
2 /12
If you ask anyone from Taman Tun Dr Ismail for the best plate of roti canai, there’s a high chance Restoran Ismail will be on their list. Although their roti selections are only available in the mornings, it’s definitely worth waking up early for a plate of their signature layers of flaky delicious roti canai.
Operation hours: 7:30AM – 9PM (daily)
(Image credit: Restoran Ismail)
3 /12
This humble vegetarian restaurant stole the hearts of many for its delicious meals that are bursting with flavours, especially if you have dietary restrictions. Cooked with love and served with warm smiles, The Ganga Cafe is known for offering the classics like biryani and paneer, but you will be surprised that their roti selections are worth exploring too. What makes their “paratha” so special is how it’s made with chapati-like layered using whole wheat bread. You can opt for either plain or filled with onion, but if you want to eat it stuffed with paneer, mixed vegetables or potato, don’t be shy to ask.
Explore the menu here.
Operation hours: 8AM – 10PM (daily)
(Image credit: Instagram/@rachel_nems)
4 /12
Here’s another roti canai spot that’s worth visiting in TTDI. Restoran Puteri offers the most authentic Malay cuisine, and their roti canai sets the bar high if you’re hunting for crispy, buttery roti. Combine the roti with their signature curry and dhal combo, and you’re in heaven. If you’re feeling adventurous, order their best-selling beef murtabak and lontong.
Operation hours: 7AM – 5PM (daily)
5 /12
Are you heading to Klang soon? Drop by Restaurant I.V. This humble neighbourhood stall has captured the hearts of many roti fans for its fantastic customer service and delicious roti canai. Returning customers would vouch for their roti canai and classify this spot as the best in Selangor. They’re fluffy, crispy and definitely worth the wait. It can get busy in the morning but trust us, once your plate of roti canai arrives at your table, your taste buds will go crazy.
Operation hours: 6AM – 5PM
(Image credit: Instagram/@wendy.lee.5245961)
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Restoran Firdouse is a favourite among the locals, and we can understand why. The humble space off Jalan Kuching is a great way to kickstart your day if you’re looking for a traditional Malaysian breakfast. We’re talking about ordering a plate of their crispy roti canai splashed with their famous lamb curry and a glass of Teh Tarik. It may get busy in the morning, so plan your trip wisely.
Operation hours: 8AM – 11PM (daily)
(Image credit: Restoran Firdouse)
7 /12
Mansion Tea Stall, also known as Al-Amnah Restoran, in Masjid India, is renowned for its unique Roti Canai Banjir Special, but patrons should specify they want a hot plate to avoid pre-made options. This dish features two roti canai, two half-boiled eggs, thick dhal, and spicy sambal, creating a flavorful ‘flood’. To enhance the taste, patrons are encouraged to add pepper and soy sauce and thoroughly mix the ingredients. Be aware that the restaurant is often crowded, making it unsuitable for long conversations, and their creamy Teh Tarik, is also perfect to wash it all down.
Operating hours: 24 hours daily
8 /12
Valentine Roti, as advertised, claims to serve the ‘Best Roti Canai’ in town, a claim supported by numerous awards and polls. While offering a wide variety of roti, their signature Valentine Roti, filled with sardine, cabbage, onions, and chives, stands out as a hearty meal. Their traditional roti canai is praised for its light, fluffy texture and crispy crust, so delicious it can be enjoyed plain.
Operating hours: 8AM – 11:45PM (daily)
9 /12
Lan Roti Canai in Bangsar is a local favorite. This spot’s been slinging delicious roti canai for 32 years, and it’s still super popular. Grab your own plain roti and dhal from the counter, and you can order their curries and sambals as the perfect pairing. Their roti’s soft, and the dhal is crazy thick and creamy!
Operating hours: 6:30AM – 12PM (daily)
(Image credit: Instagram/@mischaselamat)
10 /12
This family-run restaurant offers a warm, welcoming vibe, with friendly staff and a cozy home garden. The atmosphere is enhanced by occasional live Malay music, creating a truly pleasant dining experience. Their authentic Malaysian breakfast, featuring roti canai and teh tarik, is a must-try, and even the flavorful chicken feet gravy is surprisingly delicious. The genuine hospitality, exemplified by the owner’s generous welcome, makes this a memorable spot for visitors.
Operating hours: 7AM – 12:30PM (Tuesdays to Fridays), 7AM – 1PM (Weekends) (Closed on Mondays)
11 /12
This roti canai spot is a must-visit, offering a fantastic signature roti with egg, perfectly paired with lemon tea. The flavorful sambal, curry sauce, and chickpea soup add delightful layers to the meal. Tourists will appreciate the friendly staff and menu with detailed pictures and descriptions. The highly recommended Roti Tsunami, a rich mix of roti, eggs, curry, sambal, and dahl, alongside their excellent teh tarik, delivers an authentic and delicious local experience.
Operating hours: 6AM – 3PM (daily)
12 /12
Hamdan’s Roti Canai in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is the go-to for affordable, pillowy roti, offering options from a basic roti canai to loaded egg and cheese versions. The roti canai and banana roti are particularly popular, and the stall is praised for its non-oily, fluffy roti. With friendly staff and a variety of flavorful options like sardine roti and a unique Chinese-spiced dhal, it’s a top choice for a delicious and budget-friendly breakfast in KL.
Operating hours: 7AM – 4PM (daily)
