Best Roti Jala in Penang

Spanning more than 35 years, this family-run stall has been churning out local delights such as roti canai, roti jala and assorted snacks at the junction of Penang Street and Bishop Street. Never pull the plug off looking at the unassuming backdrop, it’s full of flavours. Their roti jala is light and ethereal, which complements the generously spiced chicken and beef curries. Both the meats just falls apart with the mildest touch and slides down your throat like melted butter. Accompany your meal with a glass of lathered tea, which enhances the spicy aftertaste of the curries.

For many, Roti Jala isn’t a meal to keep you going all day long, as it’s thin and needs a slab of meat to fill your tummy up. Changing your frame of mind is this simple stall, which is located under a tree at the roundabout of Teluk Bahang. It’s widely known by cyclists who require great boost of energy to complete their trail. Huge portion of batter is spread onto the huge pan, and then folded into thick layers of eggy goodness. You can choose either chicken, fish, beef or dhal curry to unify the bed of swirls. With gentle rays of sunlight and scrumptious roti jala, end your climax with a shot of frothy teh tarik, gastronomic joy guaranteed. 

Breaking the trend of regular roti jala fare is Coffee Island, a spacious restaurant tucked along the breezy Gurney Drive. With multifarious Asian and Western delights puzzling you to pick one, it’s a spot that should not be missed when you touch down Penang. Their roti jala is fairly underrated or even unknown to many, yet it’s toothsome. The platter comes with three pieces of roti jala, where two of them are infused with pandan flavours, innovative and tasty. A bowl of rich chicken curry filled with potatoes and chunks of meat and sliced cucumbers complete the serving. If you’re stubborn about sticking to classic, feel free to opt for all eggy crepes. 

This cafe is housed in one of the most artistically admired hotels in the island, Noordin Street House. This quaint cafe benefits from the Peranakan-style theme, which soaks visitors to the 1950’s version of Penang with classic antiques, chic lighting and old-school photos which elevates your dining experience. Their Roti Jala set comes in a hearty portion, five pieces of fluffy bread paired with chicken curry imbued with coconut milk. Ladle the thick curry onto the bread, which seeps through the tiny pockets and ensures each bite is packed with an aromatic punch of spices. The potatoes are soft and the gravy has the right balance of heat to suit the palate of all ages. After filling your tummy, grab a cup of cuppa and head up to the rooftop garden that overlooks the bustling Georgetown city.

This humble pushcart stall located right in front Gelugor Community Hall and Market has been earning praises from its surrounding vicinity. It’s habitually filled with regulars for their poofy-pillow like chapattis, yet their roti jala are worth mentioning too. With a tad of crispy edges and chewy mid portions, its good on its own, but captivating sights of curries shouts a big no. From chicken, minced beef, vegetable curry and spicy sardine sambal to choose from, you’ll mop the plate clean. The thick and creamy curries are impeccable with titivating scents of spices, up among the finest on the island. For a spicy kick, sardine sambal fits best. 

Looking for authentic North and South Indian food in a postcard-perfect ambiance? Plonked in a tranquil housing area, Annalaksmi is a non-profit vegetarian restaurant with an inspiring concept of pay what your heart feels. Upon entering, you'll be carried away with an oasis of calmness and sights of classical dances and instruments being performed by the members. The dining area is towards the end, where you see volunteers with unpretentious welcoming. Among the pride of the kitchen is their roti jala, which comes in a hearty portion and sides of chutney and curry. It’s a fun interplay of crunchy and springy texture, and dabbling into the chutney makes it a real winner. With traditional ornaments filling the space, overlooking lush greenery and listening to acoustic music, it's more than just a meal.

Stepping into this restaurant just throws you back during the golden Peranakan days with classic decorations, polished wooden tiles, a touch of greenery and nostalgia photos adorning the walls. In other words, it’s the perfect medley of heritage preservation and modern inventiveness.  Matching its environment, the meals are predominantly Jawi-Peranakan with a touch of Western and Fusion culinary skills.  Among the top sellers are Roti Jala, which is served with treacly chicken curry filled with diced chicken breast and potatoes. The bread is light, melts in your mouth and has mild crunchy notes. You’ll certainly be heavy-hearted to leave, especially Instagram lovers.