Kuala Lumpur KL Best Food Valentine Roti Canai

I was in Kuala Lumpur recently for a seminar on Malaysian Street Food at Management Science University. Fellow panelist, Razif Hashim, who is the host of the "Best in the World" programme on the Asian Food Channel suggested that I have to try Roti Valentine for their "fluffiest roti".




Razif was so enthusiastic about Roti Valentine that I told him, there and then, that I shall visit the shop that very night :)



And, here I was at Roti Valentine. The shop has been here for 38 years (since 1975)! I passed this spot countless times before as it is near my old office and never knew that there is such good food here. My special thanks to Razif for the introduction :)



Roti Valentine is just like any other typical late night, street side Mamak food shop found all over KL. And so, it is just perfect :)



The founder Elango, his wife and son Valentine. The shop is named after his son who is now the main person running the thriving business.



There are many items on the menu, so there is something for anyone craving a late night snack. Roti Valentine opens 4:00pm to 2:00am (closed on Sunday). We were there at about 9:00pm.



We ordered a roti tissue. No longer a child but I am still fascinated by it's shape and texture.



Roti tissue is my happy food as it is buttery, sweet like candy and super crispy :)



Hopping straight here from a marauding makan blitz on Petaling Street (Chinatown), I just wanted a roti with bawang (onions) to taste test. But, there was a misunderstanding and I got this thick and heavy slab stuffed with sardines and diced onions, carrots and spring unions. I wasn't eager but accepted it anyway.

But man, was I impressed. I like the blend of savoury sardines, sweet diced onions and carrots with the spicy dahl. I later realised that this was the shop's signature Roti Valentine. I recommend this, if you are at the stall.



The basic roti kosong, my favourite way to eat roti canai. The flaky roti was literary paper thin. It was light and not greasy.  When I tore it, it cracked and crackled like snapping wheat biscuits. The roti comes with three kinds of dips, sambal with ikan bilis, dahl and mutton curry. I love them all, especially the mildly spicy dahl.



Look how thin that sheet of dough is? That dough was like a piece of cotton handkerchief flapping in the wind.



I can enjoy watching the roti canai man flipping and twirling roti the whole night :)



Valentine, the young boss in action.



The roti on the iron griddle. Notice that it is almost grease free.



Well, like many people, I can't have roti canai without a nice cuppa teh tarik. So, how good is the frothy teh tarik at Roti Valentine?



Best in the world, actually. Proof? Well, the boss joked that Prince William and Princess Kate became expectant parents after trying his teh tarik :)



There were these little packs of nasi lemak on the tables.



The next time time I am back, I shall go for this tandoori chicken and eat it with the nasi lemak - a uniquely Malaysian way of eating his North Indian speciality :)



Don't leave KL without trying Valentine Roti.

For us in JB, there is a humble Min Tong roti canai stall pretty close in crispiness to Valentine Roti in Taman Ungku Tun Aminah :)

Restaurant name: Roti Valentine
Address: 1, Jalan Semarak (across the road from Menara Celcom), Kuala Lumpur
Map: http://goo.gl/maps/9bIM9
GPS: 3.168122,101.714944
Hours: 4:00pm to 2:00am (closed on Sunday)

Halal




Date visited: 10 Sep 2013

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