Dive into the vibrant flavors of Malaysia with Roti John! This iconic street food features a spicy omelette filled with minced chicken, nestled in a crispy bun. Bursting with flavors of ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices, it’s a fusion delight in every bite. Perfect for a quick snack or a hearty meal, Roti John is a must-try for food lovers. Get ready to elevate your taste buds to new heights!
Looking for more easy breakfast or filling snack recipes? Then check Sweet Egg Scramble, Egg Burji, Anda Ghotala, Turkish Shakshuka, Egg Puffs, Spicy Egg Pancakes
About The Recipe
Roti John is a beloved Malaysian street food that originated during the colonial era. It’s a delightful fusion dish that combines elements of Malay, Indian, and Western cuisines, resulting in a unique and flavorful experience. The dish consists of a savory omelette filled with minced meat, usually chicken or beef, sandwiched between halves of a baguette or hot dog bun.
What makes Roti John truly special is its spicy kick. The use of aromatic spices like chili powder and curry powder, along with the piquant flavors of garlic and ginger add flavor. Roti John is a delicious snack or meal that represents Malaysia’s diverse food culture. It’s simple, tasty, and packed with flavors that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage. Whether enjoyed on bustling street corners or whipped up at home, Roti John never fails to tantalize the taste buds.
Why Do They Call Roti John?
“Roti” in Malay means bread and there is a interesting story all over the internet on how the name john added up to this dish. It is said that this dish was invented in 1970’s by a Muslim hawker. He used to sell onion omelet as side to French loaf to his regular client. One day he decided to infuse the omelet with the loaf and he named the dish after his client and called the dish as “Roti John”. I know it sounds funny now, but it was a yummy invention back then!
Roti John quickly gained popularity, becoming a favorite among locals for breakfast, snacks, and even as a late-night treat. Its versatility and delicious flavors made it a hit at street food stalls and night markets across Malaysia and Singapore.
Roti John Ingredients
- Chicken Mince: Lean protein source commonly used in various dishes. Adds texture and flavor to the Roti John filling. You can even try using beef or lamb mince for variation.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and aroma to the filling. Provides texture and crunch. Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Ginger Garlic Paste: Adds a savory depth of flavor. Provides a fragrant aroma and subtle heat.
- Chili Powder: Adds spiciness and heat to the dish. Enhances the flavor profile with a warm, earthy tone.
- Chicken Curry Powder: Adds a distinct curry flavor to the filling. Provides warmth and depth of flavor.
- Hot Dog Buns: Serves as the base for the Roti John sandwich. Provides a soft and slightly sweet texture. You can substitute hot dog buns with baguettes or burger buns or bread slices.
- Eggs: Used to make the omelette that wraps around the filling. Adds richness and protein to the dish. Binds the ingredients together and adds texture.
- Garlic Butter: Adds a rich, garlicky flavor to the bun. Provides a golden and crispy texture when toasted.
- Chili Tomato Sauce: Adds tanginess and a hint of sweetness to the Roti John. Provides a spicy kick and complements the savory flavors. Enhances the overall taste and adds moisture to the dish.
Popular Street Food – Roti John
Roti John is indeed a popular street food in both Malaysia and Singapore, commonly enjoyed as a breakfast or snack. Street hawkers sell this throughout the day, including at night markets where it’s a favorite among locals and tourists. During the holy month of Ramadan, Roti John becomes even more popular. Whether enjoyed in the morning, as a snack, or during Ramadan festivities, Roti John is a beloved culinary staple in both countries.
Roti John is more like our Indian savory version French toast but with addition of chicken or mutton mince to it. Roti John is a quick and convenient option, especially during fasting periods. It doesn’t take much time to prepare, making it ideal for iftar (breaking fast). Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to deep-fried foods, offering a satisfying and nutritious meal after fasting.
This recipe of Roti John is by Kishorah Zaufer of ‘A Tablespoon of Love’ as a part of Global Ramadan Event – Joy From Fasting To Feasting. Thank you Kishorah for being part of this event and for sharing this wonderful recipe.
Roti John Recipe
Savor the flavors of Malaysia with our mouthwatering Roti John! A delectable fusion of minced meat, onions, eggs, and spices, all stuffed inside a crispy baguette. Perfect for any time of day
Ingredients
- 150-200 g Minced chicken
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp. Ginger garlic paste
- 1 tbsp Chili powder
- 2 tsp Chicken curry powder
- 2-3 Hot dog Buns
- 4 Eggs
- Salt – to taste
- Garlic butter – to toast the bun [I used Amul]
- Oil – to fry egg
Other Ingredients
- Chili tomato sauce
- Mayo
Instructions
How Is Roti John Prepared
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a pan, heat some oil. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Then add ginger garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears. Add minced chicken and cook until it's browned and cooked through. Season with salt, chili powder, and chicken curry powder. Set aside.
- Prepare the Omelette Mixture: In a bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt according to taste.
- Cooking the Roti John: Slice the hot dog buns lengthwise without cutting them completely into two pieces. Spread a generous amount of garlic butter on the inside of each bun. Place a portion of the cooked chicken filling on one side of the bun.
- Making the Omelette: In a separate pan, heat some oil. Pour the beaten egg mixture into the pan, making a large omelette that's slightly larger than the size of the bun. Once the omelette starts to set, place the prepared bun with chicken filling onto the omelette. Allow the omelette to cook until it's fully set and slightly browned on the bottom.
- Assembly: Carefully fold the omelette over the chicken-filled bun, creating a sandwich. Press down gently to ensure everything sticks together.
- Toasting the Roti John: If needed, add a bit more garlic butter to the pan and place the assembled Roti John into the pan, seam side down. Toast until the bun is golden brown and crispy on both sides, and the filling is heated through.
- Serving: Once done, remove from the pan and slice the Roti John into smaller pieces if desired. Serve hot with chili tomato sauce and mayo on the side for dipping or drizzling over the top.
Notes
- For the vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with soya granules and follow the same steps as above.
- You can add tomato slices and lettuce leaves too.
- You can also drizzle bbq sauce, mustard sauce, shredded cheese and add fresh cucumber and tomatoes and serve it as per ones liking.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 34051Total Fat: 2019gSaturated Fat: 565gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1246gCholesterol: 14633mgSodium: 13451mgCarbohydrates: 93gFiber: 7gSugar: 15gProtein: 3642g
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Rafeeda - The Big Sweet Tooth says
That is totally a yum delicacy with an interesting name too… A new blogger there… 🙂