Roti in Phuket: Sweet Street Pancakes and Their Malay Roots
How Thai street roti differs from Malaysian roti canai, the common sweet and savory variations, and where to find it.
Roti: Thailand's Sweet Street Pancake
Roti (a Thai adaptation of the Indian/Malaysian flatbread of the same name) has become a beloved sweet street snack throughout Thailand, and Phuket — with its history of trade connections to the Malay peninsula and a significant Muslim community — has a particularly strong roti culture. Unlike the savory roti canai eaten with curry in Malaysia, Thai street roti is typically served sweet, most often with banana and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk.
How It's Made
The dough is stretched thin and folded, similar to the technique used for roti canai, then pan-fried on a flat griddle with plenty of oil or margarine until golden and crisp at the edges. Fillings like sliced banana, chocolate, or egg are often added before folding, and the finished roti is cut into pieces and drizzled with sweetened condensed milk just before serving.
Common Variations
| Variation | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Roti kluay | The classic version, filled with sliced banana |
| Roti khai | With egg mixed into the dough while cooking |
| Roti chocolate | Filled with chocolate spread instead of or alongside banana |
| Savory roti with curry | Served plain or lightly filled, alongside a curry for dipping |
Roti stalls are common near markets and busy pedestrian streets in the evening — look for a vendor with a hot flat griddle actively cooking, a good sign of fresh, made-to-order roti.
