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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

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

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

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