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roti canai

American  
[roh-tee chuh-nahy] / ˈroʊ ti tʃəˈnaɪ /

noun

  1. a layered, unleavened flatbread similar to paratha, popular in Malaysia, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian countries.


Etymology

Origin of roti canai

First recorded in 1970–75; roti ( def. ) + Malay canai “to roll (dough) thin”


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

At Laut, chef Yup serves classic dishes like nasi lemak, rendang beef, asam laksa and roti canai.

From Salon ● Nov. 15, 2025

Slices of roasted duck and scallions, bundled in the Indian-inspired flatbread roti canai and striped with hoisin and oyster sauce, bring to mind good Peking duck rolls.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 22, 2021

This comfort-food counter prepares many of the best plates here: smoked and sous-vide pork belly with fries; fried-chicken-thigh tacos wrapped in flaky roti canai flatbread; a deconstructed short rib pho French dip sandwich.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 22, 2019

The meat is crispy but not greasy, and the buttery roti canai enhances the tender chicken’s umami flavors.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 27, 2017

To start, the shell is made from roti canai, a Malaysian flatbread that’s denser and flakier than a traditional tortilla.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 27, 2017

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