ROTI JALA

Roti Jala (also known as Roti Kirai or Roti Renjis, or "lace pancake" in English), literally meaning "Net Bread", is a popular Malay tea time snack served with curry dishes which can be found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The roti jala is a pretty dish that looks like a lace doily due to the way it is made. This is a very traditional Malay dish that is usually homemade and served at events such as weddings and festivals. It is usually eaten in sets of three to four pieces with curries, especially chicken curry, as a substitute to rice.

The Malays, being originally fishermen and living by the sea, find inspiration for the snack from the nets they used for fishing, thus the name. It is also called Roti Renjis, which means "Rinsed Bread", because of the original way it was made, which was by hand, in which the ingredient would be 'rinsed' onto the pan to be cooked. Roti Kirai is another name in which 'kirai' refers to the circular motion of the hand when pouring the ingredient from a condensed milk can with tiny holes poked through it.

Roti Jala or Net Pancake is a popular Malaysian tea time snack served with curry dishes. However, to make this light pancake you will need to use a special mold. The traditional mold, made of brass, had three spouts, sadly, it is very to hard to find these days. I did have plastic mold though it wasn’t very user-friendly, but don’t fret, I have a perfect solution to this, and it involves using any water bottle, and nailing three holes onto the cap. Once you have the water bottle all you have to do is fill it with batter, apply a gentle squeeze on the bottle, and let your”artsy skill” swirl into a net-like pancake. I am sure you’ll prefer this foolproof method since it’s simple, quick, and clean.

Roti Jala is a popular tea-time entrée. It literally translates to ‘net bread’ referring to its thread-like pattern that resembles a fishing net. Essentially a type of crape, Roti Jala occasionally replaces rice in the Malay home for meals. The batter is made from a mixture of plain flour and eggs, with a pinch of turmeric powder and butter that gives it a yellow colour. A special cup or mould with small holes is then used to make the lacy crepe which is cooked over a hot griddle.

BEST ROTI JALA SHOPS

1. Chawan

Served with a side of scrumptious and savoury chicken curry, the roti jala here is one dish that will go perfectly with any of your lunch, dinner, or just a chill session. Pair with a classic hot cup of coffee and you will find yourself in utter bliss.

2. Warong Sri Jala

Having garnered some fans and pride of whipping up some great roti jala in Pantai, the food here is nothing short of delicious and affordable. The versatility here is amazing, as you can complement your roti jala with anything from curry to sambal.

3. Malaya Hainan Restaurant

Definitely a unique take towards the local snack, the pandan infused roti jala will tease your palate with its fragrant flavours. Also, the side of creamy curry comes with a hodgepodge of spices and herbs; loaded with copious amounts of chicken and potato. Simply delicious!

4. Nyonya Colours

Ever needed a snack to curb your exhausted legs after an intense shopping spree? Well, a good plate of roti jala might just cut it. Soft, fluffy, and ready to be dipped in their aromatic chicken curry, your taste buds will recognise nothing but true satisfaction.

HOW TO MAKE ROTI JALA:

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (1/2 lb)

1 1/2 cup low fat milk

1/2 cup water

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 tablespoon oil Ghee or butter (to grease the pan)

Method:

1)Sieve the flour and set aside.

2)In a big bowl, mix all the ingredients well together (except the oil) and strain the batter.

3)Add in 1/2 tablespoon of oil and set aside.

4)Heat up a pan with medium heat and grease it with some butter or ghee.

5)Pour some batter into the mold and transfer the mold to the pan.

6)As the batter flows through the holes of the mold, make circular rounds around the pan to form the netty patterns. (Refer to the video above.)

7)After the top is set and done or when the bottom turns light brown, transfer the Roti Jala out and fold it into triangle shape.

8)Arrange a few Roti Jala on a serving plate and add some curry chicken on the side and serve immediately.

Recipe: Malaysian Chicken Curry

Ingredients:

1 boneless/skinless chicken breast meat (cut into small cubes)

3 tablespoons Instant Meat Curry Paste or

3/4 cup water

1 tablespoon coconut milk

1 shallot (diced) 1 tablespoon oil

Method:

1)Heat up a small pot and add in the oil.

2)Saute the diced shallots until light brown.

3)Add in the curry paste.

4)When it smells aromatic, add in the chicken meat and do a few quick stirs.

5)Add in the water and let it boil.

6)Lower the heat and simmer the curry for about 10-15 minutes.

7)Add in the coconut milk and serve hot.

HOW TO MAKE ROTI JALA VIDEO!!!