MALAYSIA’S signature flatbread, roti canai, has become an unexpected sensation at Expo 2025 Osaka, with the so-called “Flying Roti Canai” drawing long queues of visitors eager to witness its theatrical preparation and sample its buttery, flaky goodness.
Prepared live by Muhammad Muiz Ruzaini and Mohamad Zul Imran Zulkifle, the roti canai is tossed high into the air with expert flair, releasing a mouth-watering aroma that has lured thousands to the Malaysia Pavilion. Some visitors are reportedly willing to wait up to two hours for a taste.
Muhammad Muiz, from Kedah, admitted he never imagined he would be chosen to represent Malaysia on such a prominent international stage.
"What makes the experience even more rewarding is the overwhelming response from visitors," he said.
"Many praised the deliciousness of the roti canai and gave very positive feedback, both in terms of taste and our presentation.
"After they ate, many would come up and say 'oishī' (delicious). Some even repeated it seven times," he added, noting that most of the crowd hail from Japan, South Korea, and China.
Served with chicken curry and dhal, the freshly made roti canai is priced at 1,680 yen per serving. Sales average between 1,000 and 1,600 pieces per day, reflecting its surging popularity among international visitors.
Roti canai, a beloved Malaysian breakfast staple, is made from a dough of flour, water, salt, butter, and eggs. It is traditionally stretched, flipped, and spun mid-air to achieve its distinct layered texture—crispy and flaky on the outside, yet soft and fluffy within.
In 2023, global food platform TasteAtlas ranked roti canai among the “Top 100 Best Street Foods in the World”.
Mohamad Zul Imran, a roti canai maker from Penang, expressed hope that the expo’s enthusiasm would further boost Malaysia’s culinary profile on the global stage.
"I hope the Malaysia Pavilion roti canai becomes the number one dish at Expo 2025," he said.
Japanese visitor Yoko Yoshinaga, who had her second helping of the dish, described it as “sweet, had a unique texture, and addictive”.
"This is my second time having roti canai. I first saw it on X (formerly Twitter), and the unforgettable taste brought me back. I lined up again just to relive the experience," she said.
Having visited Malaysia three decades ago, Yoshinaga praised the country’s development, calling it a “peaceful and modern nation”.
First-time taster Hanako Sekimukai was equally impressed.
"I've been to Malaysia before, but I never had the chance to try roti canai. The chicken curry served with it wasn't too spicy, which made it even more enjoyable," she said. She also praised the cultural performances at the pavilion, which she said brought back fond memories of Malaysia.
Set on a 2,654.52-square-metre plot and spread across three levels, the Malaysia Pavilion celebrates the nation’s vibrant culture and progressive economy. With the theme “Weaving a Future in Harmony”, the pavilion reflects Malaysia’s vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking future. - June 2, 2025
