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Roti Jala (Malaysian Net Crepes)

By: 👩‍🦳 Linda · · · 🗨 36 Comments

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These tender and delicate Roti Jala (Malaysian Net Crepes) are a must try with chicken or beef curry. Easy to prepare using only a few ingredients.

These tender and delicate Roti Jala (Malaysian Net Crepes) are a must try with chicken or beef curry. Easy to prepare using only a few ingredients. | RotiNRice.com #rotijala #netcrepes #malaysiannetcrepes

Roti Jala is the lesser known and more elusive cousin of the famed Roti Canai. In Malaysia, you are more likely to eat these net crepes at a social gathering than in a restaurant. It is especially popular during Hari Raya Aidil Fitri (Eid) and traditional kenduri (Malay feast) to mark auspicious events like weddings. Growing up, I looked forward to this treat during Hari Raya.

Tender and Delicate Net Crepes

When translated, Roti Jala literally means “net bread” because of its lacy or net-like appearance. Well made Roti Jala is tender and delicate. It should never be brown or crispy. They are usually served with Chicken Curry, Beef Rendang (caramelized beef curry), or serunding daging (spicy beef floss).

Tender and delicate Roti Jala served with Chicken Curry.

Special Cup with Nozzles To Make Roti Jala

To make these crepes, you need a special cup with five nozzles. The batter is poured into the cup and moved in an overlapping circular motion to create the lacy effect. The key here is to move the cup constantly so that you do not end up with a big blob of batter in the pan resembling a regular pancake. It takes a little practice but you should get the hang of it after the first few. If you do not have this special cup, use a squeeze bottle. A Do-It-Yourself alternative is to use an empty milk can punctured with holes.

Roti Jala mold/cup

Turmeric

The ground turmeric gives these Roti Jala a nice yellow color and a mild turmeric fragrance. Usually 4 to 5 crepes per person will suffice. This recipe will serve 2 to 3 persons.

Tools Used in Making This Roti Jala (Malaysian Net Crepes)

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T-fal Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator Anti-Warp Base Glass Lid Cookware, 12-Inch, Gray
Le Creuset of America Craft Series Medium Spatula – Marseille
Squeeze Bottle Set
Wilton Mini Squeeze Bottles, 2-Piece

These tender and delicate Roti Jala (Malaysian Net Crepes) are a must try with chicken or beef curry. Easy to prepare using only a few ingredients. | RotiNRice.com #rotijala #netcrepes #malaysiannetcrepes
5 from 4 votes

Roti Jala (Malaysian Net Crepes)

These tender and delicate Roti Jala (Malaysian Net Crepes) are a must try with chicken or beef curry. Easy to prepare using only a few ingredients.
(Makes 10 crepes)
Author : Linda Ooi
Course : Side Dish
Cuisine : Malaysian
Keyword : roti jala
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Servings : 5
Calories : 190kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (150g)
  • ¼ tsp ground turmeric
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • ¾ cup coconut milk mixed with ¾ cup (180ml) water
  • Vegetable oil to grease pan

Instructions
 

  • Sift flour and ground turmeric into a large bowl. Add salt. Stir in beaten egg and coconut milk until a smooth batter forms.
  • Strain batter to remove any lumps.
  • Brush a little oil onto a non-stick pan on medium heat. Pour a little batter into the roti jala cup until about half full. Move the cup in a circular motion over the pan to form a lacy pattern. Cook until set. This only takes about 2 minutes. Slide crepe out of pan onto a plate. Repeat until all batter is used up.
  • When cool enough to handle, fold in both sides of the crepe and roll to form a neat package.
    Roti Jala (Malaysian Net Crepes)-7
  • Serve with your favorite curry.

Notes

If a roti jala cup is not available, please use a squeeze bottle or an empty milk can punctured with holes.

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcal
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A tray of tender and delicate Roti Jala (Malaysian Net Crepes).

NOTE: This post was updated on July 18th, 2014 with new pictures and video.

Enjoy…..and have a wonderful day! 😎


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Comments

    • Biren says

      These crepes will also be delicious with beef stew. I hope you will give it a try.

      Thank you so much for the award! I am honored to be in your list. 🙂

      Reply

  11. Reeni says

    I always wondered how these were made! They look so elegant. I’ll have to keep them in mind for the next time I make curry. I can’t wait to try them!

    Reply

  12. Dongxing says

    About time I take mine out from the deep end of the drawer and make this! It has been quite a while since I ate this. I think my kids would be intriqued by the lacy crepes – the trouble is they can eat faster than I can make them…Thanks for the recipe! Have a nice weekend, Biren.

    Reply

  13. tigerfish says

    You know what? The roti jala cup over the pan just reminded me of the milking cow’s udders. Oops, apologies for that wild imagination :p

    I hardly have roti jala while growing up in S’pore. Roti prata is definitely more popular.

    Reply

  17. MaryMoh says

    5 stars
    Wah…you made roti jala! That looks pretty. They are so good with curry. I bought one roti jala mould a few years ago but have not used it yet. Time to dig it out to try this. Now I am drooling 😀

    Reply

  21. Nasifriet says

    Hi Biren, did you get the roti jala mould all the way from Malaysia? Cool! Then again, the DIY idea is great. My sis did send me a recipe on this some time ago, but I haven’t got round to doing it. Guess it’s time, huh? But first I want to make the tofu fah with the agar2 😉

    Reply

  22. mjskit says

    These look like fun to make not to mention delicious! I’m a huge fan of turmeric and coconut milk so I’m going to have to give these a try. I don’t have the right tool, but I guess I could punch a hole or two in the bottom of the coconut milk can? Can’t wait to make these!

    Reply

    • Biren says

      I am not familiar with Ethopian injera but I read that there is some kind of fermentation going on as a sour dough starter is used. This would be more like the Indian dosai. I really enjoy dosai and hope to make that soon. 🙂

      Roti jala is very easy and quick to make. The texture is smooth, soft, and tender and it can be eaten with curry or serawa (a kind of sweet syrup made with coconut milk and sugar in the southern state of Johor). I personally have never tried it with serawa.

      Reply

  30. Syna Sudakaran says

    Hey Linda…just made them today with your recipe…they were great!! I’m originally from Singapore and migrated to Australia 14 years ago. I can’t even remember the last time I had roti jala. Thanks for putting this wonderful recipe up…so simple and awesome! Definitely gonna be a regular in my household now. : D

    Reply

    • Linda says

      You are welcome! I try to capture all the “old” recipes on my blogs in the hope of preserving them. I am glad you enjoy this one. Thank you for letting me know.

      Reply