Roti King on Doric Way has become a cultural landmark for lovers of Malaysian street food in London. This cozy basement eatery is famed for its expertly crafted roti canai – fluffy, buttery flatbreads made by hand through a theatrical and precise stretching technique. Alongside this showstopper, diners can enjoy a concise but well-balanced menu featuring curries, stirfried noodles, and comforting drinks. As queues coil out onto the sidewalk, passionate fans including food critics and students testify to the restaurant’s authentic flavors and value.
History and Origins
Founded in 2014 by Sugen Gopal, known as the Roti King, this Doric Way branch marked a new chapter after his earlier success at Colindale’s Oriental City. With his mastery honed since his teens in Ipoh, Malaysia, Gopal brought roti canai to London via a hidden basement off Euston, delivering traditional recipes in an urban setting. His authentic technique quickly inspired devotion among London food lovers
Signature Roti Canai
The roti canai at Roti King remains the most celebrated item. Made from a simple dough of flour, water, salt, and oil, each piece is stretched until almost translucent and then slapped onto the griddle. This process creates a layered, crispy exterior with a pillowy interior. Owner Gopal’s technique, refined from adolescence, is both elegant to watch and essential to the final texture
The Technique
- Begin with rested dough balls smoothed and gently stretched over an oiled surface.
- Using a slap-and-fold motion (akin to pizzaiolo tossing), expand the dough into a thin, large sheet.
- Fold repeatedly into a compact layer, then cook on a hotplate until golden and puffed, finishing with a steam pop.
This skill-intensive method makes the roti a visual and culinary star, often deemed the UK’s best flatbread
Menu Highlights
Beyond roti, the menu at Doric Way includes:
- Kari Laksa: a spicy coconut noodle soup with prawns, tofu, and mussels
- Char Kway Teow: stir-fried rice noodles with egg, prawns, chicken, and belachan both sweet and fiery
- Beef Rendang: deeply spiced and slow-cooked noted by some reviewers as slightly sweeter
- Roti Murtabak and Sweet Roti: filled with curry, cheese, or coconut jam and often served with dhal
Ambience and Setup
Set in a modest basement space, Roti King isn’t fancy. The interior is functional, with efficient seating and open views of the roti-making process. Long lunch queues and occasional night-time gatherings reflect its popularity
Customer Experience and Community Feedback
Reviews consistently praise the authenticity of the food and the skill of the roti chef. Customers often highlight:
- Freshly made roti caught mid-preparation
- Friendly staff operating in a high-volume set-up
- A rapidly moving queue with relatively short wait times viewed as part of the experience
Expansion and Influence
Over a decade, Roti King has inspired expansion to Battersea, Waterloo, and Spitalfields. With around 6,500 rotis served daily across locations, its impact on UK’s Malaysian food scene is profound
Why Roti King Doric Way Stands Out
- Masterful roti canai technique rarely seen outside of Malaysia
- A focused menu that emphasizes quality over quantity
- Excellent value meals often under £10 including a drink
- A vibrant, communal atmosphere with authentic Southeast Asian charm
- All-halal meats and a diverse offering of dishes
Tips for Visitors
- Arrive early or be prepared for a queue, particularly at lunch
- Try multiple dishes with friends roti, laksa, kway teow, and rendang offer a well-rounded introduction
- Order teh tarik or sweet roti as delightful counterparts to savory dishes
- Cash-only at the Euston location; bring small notes for simplicity
Roti King Doric Way offers a compelling fusion of authentic technique, bold flavors, and community warmth. This compact, basement-based kitchen elevates Malaysian street fare with exquisite craftsmanship and unpretentious charm. Whether you’re drawn by the artistry of the roti canai or the vibrant curry and noodle dishes, a visit promises satisfaction in every layer. Emerging beyond just a restaurant, Roti King has entrenched itself as a cultural touchstone in London’s diverse food landscape.
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