Roti canai paratha is a delightful, flaky flatbread that is a staple in Malaysian and Indian cuisine. This versatile bread can be enjoyed with a variety of curries, stews, or even on its own with a bit of sugar or condensed milk. Making roti canai at home is a rewarding experience that brings the authentic flavors of street food right to your kitchen.
One ingredient that might not be commonly found in every household is ghee. Ghee is a type of clarified butter that is often used in Indian cooking for its rich, nutty flavor. If you don't have ghee on hand, you can substitute it with melted butter or even oil, but the taste will be slightly different. Make sure to check the international or ethnic food aisle at your supermarket for ghee.

Ingredients for Roti Canai Paratha Recipe
All-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and texture.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Ghee: Adds richness and a nutty flavor to the dough. Can be substituted with melted butter.
Water: Helps to bring the dough together and achieve the right consistency.
Oil: Used for cooking the roti, ensuring a crispy and golden exterior.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When rolling out the dough, ensure to use a light dusting of flour on your work surface and rolling pin to prevent sticking. For an extra flaky texture, after rolling the dough into a thin circle, fold it into a square or rectangle, then roll it out again before cooking. This creates layers that will make your roti canai even more delicious.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may result in a denser texture.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: For those with gluten intolerance, a gluten-free blend can be used, though the texture may vary.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different flavor profile and is less processed.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a unique flavor and is a natural sweetener.
ghee - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor.
ghee - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a heart-healthy option with a distinct flavor.
water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add richness and a slight sweetness to the dough.
water - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and can make the dough softer.
extra ghee - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil is a neutral-flavored alternative for cooking.
extra ghee - Substitute with butter: Butter adds a rich flavor and can be used for cooking the paratha.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze Your Dish
Allow the roti canai to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the paratha soggy.
Place a piece of parchment paper between each roti to prevent them from sticking together. This makes it easier to separate them later.
Store the roti canai in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to maintain freshness.
For short-term storage, keep the roti in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
For long-term storage, freeze the roti canai. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When ready to use, thaw the roti in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheat the roti canai in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of ghee or oil. Cook until they are warm and slightly crispy.
Alternatively, you can reheat the roti in the microwave. Place a damp paper towel over the paratha and microwave for 20-30 seconds. This helps to keep them soft and pliable.
For an extra burst of flavor, brush the reheated roti canai with a little ghee or butter before serving.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Lightly brush the skillet with ghee or oil.
- Place the roti canai on the skillet and heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side until warmed through and slightly crispy.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wrap the roti canai in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Place the wrapped roti on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes or until warm.
Microwave Method:
- Place the roti canai on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds or until heated through.
Steaming Method:
- Set up a steamer with boiling water.
- Place the roti canai on a heatproof plate and cover with a lid.
- Steam for about 2-3 minutes until the roti is soft and warm.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the roti canai directly on the rack or on a baking sheet.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes until the roti is warm and slightly crispy.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Large bowl: Used for mixing the flour, salt, and sugar together.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour and water.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the salt, sugar, and ghee or melted butter.
Rolling pin: Used to roll out the dough balls into thin circles.
Skillet: A flat cooking surface to cook the roti canai paratha until golden brown.
Spatula: Handy for flipping the roti canai paratha while cooking.
Clean cloth or plastic wrap: Useful for covering the dough balls while they rest.
Small bowl: For holding extra ghee or oil used during cooking.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the flour, salt, and sugar ahead of time to streamline the process.
Use a stand mixer: Utilize a stand mixer to knead the dough quickly and efficiently.
Rest the dough overnight: Let the dough rest in the fridge overnight to save time the next day.
Preheat the skillet: Preheat your skillet while rolling out the dough to ensure it's ready for cooking.
Cook multiple rotis at once: Use a large skillet or griddle to cook several rotis simultaneously.

Roti Canai Paratha Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoon ghee or melted butter
- ¾ cup water
- as needed extra ghee or oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the ghee or melted butter and mix well.
- Gradually add water and knead the dough until smooth.
- Divide the dough into small balls and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Roll each ball into a thin circle using a rolling pin.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each roti with a bit of ghee or oil until golden brown on both sides.
Nutritional Value
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Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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