It’s been a long time since I ate good roti canai. For those unfamiliar with the term, it’s a type of Indian flatbread found in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia. Some places call it roti paratha, and it’s usually served with dipping curries and dhaal (lentils).

While it’s commonly available everywhere in KL, the ones near my workplace/home are mediocre at best – usually done in bulk and then reheated. During Chinese New Year back in Ipoh, most of the Chinese restaurants were closed, so the fam and I went to an Indian-Muslim shop in Canning Garden for breakfast.

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We were immediately enticed by the sights and smells of two workers diligently preparing the bread; flattening out the dough, expertly folding up the sides and then plonking them onto a red hot skillet. He then ‘squashed’ the piping hot pastry between his hands so it took on a scrunched up appearance. Some might be appalled by the seemingly lack of hygiene, but that’s just how things work here and I haven’t died yet from years of eating roti canai. 😀

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Crispy and fluffy on the outside, the bread had just a slight hint of sweetness. The dhaal and curry were both excellent. Amazing how something as simple as dough can be so tasty!

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Many customers ordered second and third helpings. Cooks were extremely busy!

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Customers waiting for take-away.

RESTORAN HABIB 

54, Jalan Lee Kwee Foh, Canning Garden, 31400 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia