Chefs And Their Favourite Prata Joints

tastiest breakfast (or supper) staples in Singapore. South Indian migrants brought the recipe for roti prata to Singapore from Chennai (that’s why it’s also known as Roti Canai in Malaysia), and we’ve been enjoying these crispy, yet fluffy discs of griddled dough ever since. And while the ingredients are simple, the secret lies in the cook’s skill in kneading, folding and flipping the dough till you get layer upon layer of prata perfection. Blissful with curry. Here are two options if you’re looking for prata that’s extra crispy, or spicy.

1. Try This: Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata, from $1 a plain extra crispy prata, with curry

Cracklingly crisp and flaky on the outside, yet tender and fluffy on the inside. Chef Rishi says this prata is a winner as its flavour and texture are on point. Apparently, Mr Mohgan adds a little milk to his dough mixture for extra richness. Your prata comes in a tin tray with tasty fish curry, lentil curry and a thick ikan billis chilli, all of which work beautifully with the crunchy pancake. Addictive. Mr and Mrs Mohgan see a steady stream of customers every day. So be prepared for a bit of a wait, even though the setup is efficient. To keep track of orders, they are handwritten on Mrs Mohgan’s clipboard. You’re then given a number, which she will call out when your food is ready. Mrs Mohgan is a friendly lady who’s so used to food tourists, she helpfully moves aside and waits for you to take photos, calling each customer “sister” or “brother” with a gentle smile.

Poh Ho Restaurant, 7 Crane Road, S429356. Tel: 9794-3124. Open daily 6.30am – 1.30pm, except Tue & Wed on the 3rd week of each month.

2. Or That: Prata Saga Sambal Berlada, from $1.80 for two plain pratas with curry or sambal.

The result is a delightful sauce with the consistency of curry. It starts off mellow and sweet, but segues into a fiery tickle on your tongue and the back of your throat. It’s good enough to eat on its own with the prata, which Mr Zul smashes with his hands to fluff up after frying. He says this smashing action prevents the prata from going hard and preserves its tenderness.

But if you simply cannot do without curry, choose from mutton or fish, both of which are thick and not overpoweringly gamey or fishy. However, try the curries with some sambal stirred into them. The sambal completely changes the taste of the curry and gives it a unique lift.

Stall #01-258, Tekka Market and Food Centre, 665 Buffalo Rd, S210665. Open daily, 7am – 4pm.