The Art of Street Food

Roti Canai is the newest cafe to spring up in the Batu Bolong area of Canggu, and provides a welcoming space for simple, tasty and affordable dishes inspired by street food traditions. The name gives it away – yes, roti canai is a specialty at this lovely little café where driftwoods and furniture made from recycled ishing boats create a rustic, laid back vibe. For those who are not familiar with roti canai, this tasty, round flat bread has its origins in India, and was brought to Malaysia and Indonesia by immigrant workers. Sometimes known as flying bread, roti makers expertly toss and twirl the dough in the air to create the signature flaky texture – a vocation often passed down from generation to generation. Balinese Chef Bagus, who is also a talented painter, has spent the last five years mastering the art of creating perfect roti canai which are soft and fluffy on the inside, and flaky and crispy on the outside.

Similar to paratha in India, there is nothing not to like about the rich and buttery taste of roti, traditionally served up with curry. The custom is respected here with fragrant and spicy Indonesian curries imaginatively served with rice dolls. Roti also lends itself well to fusion and can be wrapped with Egg Bacon and Cheese, Falafel and Eggplant, and my choice, a tasty and very filling Feta, Tomato and Black Olive Roti. Sweet options include Chocolate and Banana which tastes like a delicious big pancake, and it comes as no surprise that this is a popular pit stop for surfers on their way to and from the Canggu and Echo Beach breaks. On the refreshment side of things Teh Tarik – pulled black tea with condensed milk – is the classic accompaniment to roti and is dramatically poured back and forth between two cups to cool the liquid and produce the signature froth. At Roti Canai the Teh Tarik comes hot or cold, and can be flavoured with chocolate or cardamom. Sate, including Chicken, Beef, Tofu and Fish are served with a choice of sauces, and if you visit in the evening you can watch your food being grilled on the traditional food cart out front – real street style. You can also try the Martabak another ubiquitous savoury street food, with a flat, pancake-like bread made with flour eggs and oil cooked on a grill, and filled with either vegetables or chicken. Morgan, who also owns the surf shop upstairs tells me that she wanted to create a simple café that was just a
“nice place to be,” and she has done exactly that. Roti Canai is warm, welcoming and full of personal touches – from quirky knick knacks, to the fabulous wood framed photos that adorn the walls (her husband, Brad Masters is a well known photographer on the island.) Alison

Roti Canai Street Kitchen | 58 Jalan Batu Bolong | P +62 821 474 78550 |Open 9am - 9pm (closed Thursday)