SINGAPORE: Well...I guess roti prata can be breakfast too...LOL. Originated from the Indian immigrants, it is a popular snack or meal served in South East Asia. It has many names, but here I will call it Roti Prata, the Singaporean way. So far, these are some famously good local prata stalls or restaurants no one can deny.
Singapore Zam Zam Restaurant
I am always here for the murtabak only. Not that I don't fancy other stuff they have, it is just that I always max out my stomach capacity with a medium or large murtabak.
A murtabak in Singapore uses the same thin dough for Roti Prata and is stuffed with a combination of minced meat, such as mutton or chicken, occasionally you can get it with beef, venison or even can sardines. Then, add an egg or two with some chopped onion, pan-fried like a pancake till golden brown.
Singapore Zam Zam Restaurant is an icon in Singapore and has been around since 1908. Appearing in many guidebooks and voted the top place to go for your prata fix. Situated along North Bridge Road, it faces many competitions. However, none has ever dethroned the top position of serving the best prata. Be hypnotized by their speed, making the murtabak as cars stopped by the roadside placing their orders. Technically, a drive-thru in the Roti Prata world. I will recommend having it there as bring it home will true the crispy bread chewy.
Address: 697-699 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198675
Casuarina Curry
Another Roti Prata place with a long history. It is a very popular place among nature lovers who do their morning walks or runs at Upper Peirce Reservoir Park. Situated at the starting point of a running route, Casuarina Curry is the Achilles heel of all the weight watchers who want to spend their weekend exercises around the reservoir. Most will end up at this crowded restaurant on weekend mornings. Be prepared to face the chaotic need to search for an empty table and placing your order.
Address: 136-138 Casuarina Rd, Singapore 579526
Sin Ming Roti Prata
Sin Ming Roti Prata is becoming a rockstar in recent years. You can see long queues most of the time. They are known for their coin prata, but their classic egg prata or plain prata is good enough for me. Besides the amazing prata, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this amazing curry sets them apart from others. Parking is bad, and for those who drive, please make sure you pay for parking as the parking wardens know where you are.
Address: 24 Sin Ming Rd, #01-51, Singapore 570024
AL-Falah Restaurant
Stacks and stacks of crispy plain prata are made, getting ready for the huge anticipated crowd on a Sunday. The service is really fast that morning, and I just have to cross my fingers, hoping that I got the freshly made ones. No issue here as the pratas don't sit idling for long as they have a constant flow of hungry diners.
Served with curry and sweet chilli sambal, all you have to do is to mix both to your liking and feast away.
Address: 681 Hougang Ave 8, #01-855, Singapore 530681
Crispy Roti Prata
An underdog in the East of Singapore. Tucked in a housing estate surrounded by an industrial park. Only those in the know are aware of this little enclave where Crispy Roti Prata is located. The husband is constantly making the prata, and the wife takes the order. Finally, after 45 mins wait at my table, the pratas are served! Seeing how crowded it is, It is amazing that they got the order right. Basically, the wife of the prata stall has just demonstrated a human feat I can never achieve, and that is the photographic memory of all their customers—very crispy prata, oily and sinfully good. The curry can be improved as it is very mild, but the crispness of the prata is more than made up for what is lacking in the curry.
Address: 350 Ubi Ave 1, Singapore 400350
Julaiha Muslim Restaurant
Everyone seems to know about Julaiha Muslim Restaurant, except me. A recent discovery for me and I got to only find out this concoction by an evil mad scientist who is against all non-fat products. Introducing the ugly looking Prata Tsunami!!! It is a mess yet so inviting. I can't wait to try it. Beneath all the sea of gravy is a plain prata, and top it up with 2 beautiful soft boiled eggs and spicy sambal. I was sweating all over, both by the heat as well as the spice. I tried to ask the boss what type of gravy is used, and he refused to tell me anything except that it is a mix of different curries. It is the right proportion of different curries that makes this dish magical. AWESOME...
Address: 538 MacPherson Rd, Singapore 368222