Step 1 of 8
Roti canai
Mix the flour, salt and sugar in a bowl. Beat the egg with the condensed milk and most of the water, pour it in and mix, adding the rest of the water as needed for a very soft, slightly sticky dough. Knead 10 minutes until smooth and elastic, rest 15 minutes covered, then knead 2 minutes more.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Roti canai take?
6 hr all in — 1 hr prep, 1 hr cook, 4 hr rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 8 pieces. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
A bit of work.
How spicy is it?
Mild.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Wheat, Eggs, Milk. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian, Nut-free.
9 more questionsFewer questions
What does it cost to cook?
Cheap night — about Under $8 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Mixing bowl, Saucepan, Frying pan, Comal or dry skillet, Kitchen scale.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1½ tsp.
How much sugar?
1 tbsp of Sugar.
What can I use instead?
Ghee → Butter or margarine. Margarine is what many stalls use. Butter burns faster; keep the heat a notch lower. Condensed milk → 2 tbsp milk plus 2 tsp sugar. Slightly less rich and a little less tender, still good.
What should I watch for?
It is hot. Use a clean tea towel in each hand if your palms object.
Any tips from this recipe?
For roti telur, crack an egg onto the stretched sheet before folding and cook it a minute longer on each side. Leftover dough balls keep two days in their oil in the fridge.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Leftover dough balls keep two days in their oil in the fridge. This rest is not optional. Under-rested dough tears before it gets thin.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.