Roti jala facts for kids
Rolled up roti jala
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| Alternative names | Roti kirai |
|---|---|
| Type | Pancake |
| Region or state | Sumatra, Riau Islands and Malay Peninsula |
| Associated national cuisine | Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore |
Roti jala, also known as roti kirai or roti renjis, is a yummy snack from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Its name means "net bread" or "lace pancake" in English. This traditional dish is often made at home for special events like weddings and festivals. People usually eat it with tasty chicken curry or other curries, often instead of rice.
The Story Behind Roti Jala
The name Roti jala comes from the word "jala," which means "net." This is because the snack looks like a fishing net! Long ago, the Malay people were often fishermen. They got the idea for this unique bread from the nets they used every day.
Another name for it is roti renjis, which means "rinsed bread." This name comes from an old way of making it. People would "rinse" the batter onto the pan by hand. Roti kirai is a third name. "Kirai" describes the circular motion you make with your hand when pouring the batter. In the past, people used a condensed milk can with small holes poked in it to pour the batter.
How to Make Roti Jala
Making roti jala is a fun process! The main ingredients are simple: flour, eggs, milk (either regular or coconut milk), and a tiny bit of turmeric for color. These ingredients are mixed with water to create a thin, runny batter.
Once the batter is ready, it's drizzled onto a hot pan. You move your hand in a circular motion to create the net-like pattern. Often, a special tool is used. It looks like a cup with several small holes at the bottom. This tool helps make the perfect "net" shape that gives roti jala its unique look. After cooking, the thin, lacy pancakes are often folded or rolled up.
Roti Jala vs. String Hoppers
Roti jala and string hoppers might look a little similar because they both have string-like shapes. However, they are quite different!
- Ingredients: Roti jala is made from wheat flour. String hoppers, on the other hand, are made from rice flour.
- Shape: Roti jala is cooked flat in a single layer. After cooking, it's folded or rolled. String hoppers are made into small piles of strings.
- Cooking Method: Roti jala is cooked on a hot pan, similar to a pancake. String hoppers are cooked by steaming them.
