Roti Canai with Chicken Curry by Roti Canai Transfer Road, Penang, Malaysia

Roti Canai with Chicken Curry

by Roti Canai Transfer Road, Penang, Malaysia

It was breakfast time in Penang, Malaysia, so I headed out to Roti Canai Transfer Road, a small and nondescript - yet extremely popular - streetside restaurant for one of the island's most iconic early morning dishes: roti canai.

roti canai with chicken curry by Roti Canai Transfer Road, Penang, Malaysia

Roti canai is a type of roti, or flatbread, originating in Malaysia, though with roots in Indian cuisine. The roti, which is made from flour, water, eggs, and ghee, has a flaky and crispy outside and a soft, chewy interior.

It's popularly eaten for breakfast but can be found throughout the day.

I ordered a serving of roti canai with a side of delicious, bright red chicken curry. The curry sauce was thick, richly flavorful, and moderately spicy, and the bowl of curry was served with a tender stewed chicken leg that fell apart off the bone.

spicy Malaysian chicken curry for breakfast in Penang, Malaysia

Roti Canai Transfer Road is one of the most popular early morning roti canai shops. The restaurant itself is nothing fancy - just a few tables set up along the side of the road - but the food is absolutely worth the visit.

I also ordered a cup of kopi, or Malay-style hot coffee with sweetened condensed milk to go with my breakfast.

roti canai, or egg roti flatbread in Penang, Malaysia

Location

Roti Canai Transfer Road is located at 114, 110, Jalan Transfer, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.  The small and unassuming shop is set up along a narrow street with a few seats underneath its awning and a few more tables in a small courtyard across the road.

Roti Canai Transfer Road (the TR Heritage Corner), Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

The staff is super friendly and helpful and can speak English well, so don't be afraid to ask for recommendations or help ordering.