The flatbread did not end up on TasteAtlas’ 2023 list of the 100 best street foods for no good reason, after all!
With so many stalls and eateries selling the classic treat, is it really to anyone’s surprise that people across the country have put their own spin on it?
If you want to find out just how creative people can be, hop into your car and prepare for a long drive.
Your destination? Kampung Sungai Yu 1 in rural Kuala Selangor, where a certain warung has gained quite a bit of attention for its unusual fare.
The 70km journey to here from Kuala Lumpur is one which can be quite relaxing for city slickers as the roads are lined with endless oil palm plantations.
With a name like “Roti Canai Pelangi”, it is appropriate that the signboard above the warung is as colourful as a rainbow.
Perhaps you might have seen it on social media before? It has gone viral quite a few times, a testament to the power of virtual word of mouth.
This establishment belongs to one Dimyati Tualo, 62, who has been in the food business for several decades now, though gaining a fair share of fame recently thanks to a revamp of his menu.
The place is normally only open for breakfast, though do note that during this Ramadan period, it only operates in the evening.
Either way, for a typical warung, it draws quite the crowd, thanks to its unique offerings of colourful roti canai. Yes, you read that right. Bright colours at that – pink, orange, blue and green.
Apparently, in 2018, Dimyati grew bored with making roti canai the same old way. So, though a risky move, he introduced Roti Canai Pelangi (Rainbow Roti Canai), after six months of testing and experimenting.
There isn’t much of a secret recipe to the colourful roti canai; it’s made the usual way, but with some colouring and flavouring thrown in.
That said, the roti canai served here is genuinely fluffy and chewy, so it is worth a try whether or not you like a fruity taste to it. The plain roti canai is still on the menu if you’re not feeling adventurous.
At present, there are five types of Roti Canai Pelangi, with their respective flavours being durian, strawberry, apple, yam and corn.
Of course, of the five, the durian roti canai has the strongest and most distinct smell. If you love durian, you will love this. If you don’t, hold your nose for a bit.
If you like candy as a breakfast food, you might find the strawberry roti canai to your liking; its taste is quite akin to gummies!
That said, the added flavours are not overpowering, so even if it’s not to your tastes, you’ll still enjoy your meal.
It is only right to enjoy one’s roti canai with a serving of curry and the warung has chicken curry, beef curry and mutton curry.
The restaurant runs on self-service, so pick out what you want in person. That said, service here is good, with staff always happy to help you out.
It also helps that the warung is comfortable though it can get crowded over the weekends.
Not in the mood for roti canai? Try their roti planta and roti boom instead. There is also a curiously named Roti Telur Goyang and Roti Telur Jantan, which are apparently among the more popular dishes here.
In addition to tourists and locals, Roti Canai Pelangi tends to be a pit-stop for roaming biker groups and a notice board inside is plastered with stickers of these groups.
With affordable prices, a fascinating menu and comfortable seating, why not make the drive here and taste the colours of the rainbow for yourself!
Warung Dimyati Roti Canai Pelangi
Lot 2430, Batu 3
Kampung Sungai Yu 1
45000 Kuala Selangor
Selangor
Business hours:
(Normal) 7.00am-12.00pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
(Ramadan) 3.30pm-7.00pm