What lures customers to Amir Hamzah’s roti canai is the sideshow where he expertly spins the dough in the air to make it thin, writes SHANTI GUNARATNAM

THERE are many ways that restaurants can employ to ensure customers keep coming back. One is to serve very good food. Another is superb service. In the case of a small food outlet in Bukit Baru, Malacca, stunts do the trick.

At Asam Pedas Malinja, “flying” roti canai is a daily occurence. The cooks here toss and spin the dough several times in the air to make it thin. They are so skilled that watching them do this is good entertainment.

On a good day, they make 200 to 300 roti canai terbang and during the weekends and public holidays, they make 100 pieces more.

The idea of “flying” roti canai was the brainchild of Amir Hamzah, the restaurant owner’s son who had won the State and national level roti canai making competition three years ago.

“There are many restaurants and stalls in Malacca selling roti canai which is why we decided to try something different. It has caught on well,” says Amir, 25.

“Our popularity grew by word of mouth and soon we were getting customers from other States and Singapore who would stop by to have our roti canai. To be honest, our customers are totally in awe when they see us throwing the dough around before it goes into the cooking pan.”

It is not as easy as it looks. Amir and the two cooks have to make sure the dough doesn’t tear in the process because once it’s torn, it has to be kneaded again.

After he won the national level roti canai making competition, the talented Amir went to Australia for two weeks to show off his skills to the people there.

Job offers, both locally and in Australia, followed but the young man decided to stay put in his father’s restaurant. “I have no regrets because this is a family business and I am needed here.”

How Much

A plain roti canai costs 60 sen per piece while roti telur (roti canai with egg) is RM1.50. Go early to avoid disappointment as on some days, it is sold very fast.

Other Dishes

The restaurant also serves nasi campur (rice with mix dishes) but people come here mainly for the roti canai which is served with dhall curry and sambal.

Getting There

The restaurant, a small wooden and concrete shop, is located behind Straits Meridien Hotel at Kampung Musai, Bukit Baru in Malacca. For directions, call 016-981 1719. It is open from 6pm to midnight.