Expatriate Returnee Keeps Malaysian Roti Canai Tradition Alive in Narsingdi for 18 Years

Turning a skill he learned during his years as a migrant worker in Malaysia into a livelihood, over-60-year-old Mahtab Uddin has been making and selling the popular Malaysian delicacy 'Canai Roti' at Hatirdia Bazar in Narsingdi for nearly 18 years.

With his skilful hands and a unique technique of spinning and stretching dough in the air, Mahtab has earned a reputation among food lovers, drawing customers not only from the locality but also from different parts of the country.

A visit to Hatirdia Bazar in Monohardi upazila on Monday morning found customers gathering at his shop to enjoy the distinctive taste of Canai Roti, served with 'bhaji, dal and eggs'.

The sight of Mahtab preparing the roti has become an attraction in itself, with people of different ages gathering to watch his seemingly magical technique.

Inspired by Malaysia's popular street food, his Canai Roti has become a favourite among local customers as well as food enthusiasts travelling from distant areas. Some come with friends, while others stop by after shopping at the market to enjoy the delicacy.

"I have had this roti many times for breakfast. I really like its taste, so today I came here with a friend from Gazipur," said a young customer Mishab Ahmed.

Mahtab said the preparation of the dough begins at around 3:00am, using flour and ghee. Despite his age and the physical effort involved, he continues the business with the help of three employees, driven by the popularity of the Malaysian delicacy.

During the visit, Mahtab was seen spinning a ball of dough in the air without using a rolling pin, gradually stretching it into a thin, sheet-like layer.

At first glance, the technique appeared almost magical. But Mahtab said it was simply a skill developed through years of practice.

He then pressed and stretched the dough with his fingers before placing it on a griddle and frying it in soybean oil, producing a distinctive, multi-layered flatbread.

"I lived in Malaysia for a long time. I learned how to make this roti while staying there. After returning home, I thought about whether I could use the skills I had acquired abroad to start something of my own. That is how I began this venture," he said.

"Today, although I am alone in this journey, the food lovers who come to enjoy the Malaysian Canai Roti and the Almighty Allah are my companions," he added.

Mahtab has a daughter and a son. His daughter completed graduation from Dhaka University and is now leading her own family life, while his son lives in Saudi Arabia.

Today, Mahtab has built a livelihood by turning his overseas experience into a small business that offers people a taste of something different.

Amid various challenges, his journey from a migrant worker to a self-reliant entrepreneur has created a unique story at Hatirdia Bazar, local residents said.