Malaysians have always taken pride in their food.
From nasi lemak to satay, our cuisine has a way of winning hearts. Among them, roti canai stands out as a favourite, not only among locals but also among visitors from abroad who often fall in love with its simple yet flavourful charm.
Photo via New Straits Times
What many of us enjoy for less than RM2 at the mamak is turning into a rare treat in Japan. At the 2025 Japan International Exposition, visitors are willing to pay a premium just for a taste of this Malaysian flatbread. Some even queue for more than two hours to savour what we take for granted every day.
Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, witnessed the craze for himself. Sharing his experience on social media, he revealed that the roti canai stall was selling out daily — a whopping 1,500 pieces. That figure alone translates to about RM75,000 in sales in just one day.
Calling it a sign of Malaysia’s growing presence on the global food map, Tengku Zafrul expressed his pride in the team behind the Malaysia Pavilion, thanking them for showcasing our culinary heritage to the world.
The expo, which runs until 13 October 2025, features not only food but also Malaysian culture, architecture, and innovations, all presented alongside other international pavilions. Still, roti canai has stolen the spotlight, proving how something so familiar to us can become a treasured discovery elsewhere.
This moment reminds us to appreciate our food heritage even more. While Malaysians may see roti canai as an everyday staple, its warm reception overseas shows the power of simple dishes in connecting cultures.
It is something that makes us proud as Malaysians, knowing that a piece of home has found its place in the hearts of people around the world.
