When it comes to the perfect supper meal in Singapore, nothing comes close to a plate of crispy roti prata, served with lashings of piping hot curry. There’s no denying that roti prata is a sinfully delicious treat that often begs the question: how can something so bad (for your health) taste so good? Tempted? Check out these top spots to get your fix of the best prata in Singapore.
A look back
Indigenous to South India, this flatbread was introduced to the local food scene by immigrants during Singapore’s founding years. Since then, it has become a staple dish beloved and savoured by locals everyday, usually with traditional curries and dhal or innovative (and sometimes wacky) toppings.
Thasevi Famous Jalan Kayu Prata Restaurant
True to its name, Thasevi is so famous, it is immediately recognized by locals simply by its address. Since the 1960s, Thasevi has been serving up top-notch roti prata and other South Indian dishes such as murtabak (flatbread stuffed with minced meat and onions), mee goreng (fried noodles), and biryani. The only downside? Be prepared to jostle with the hungry crowds during weekends.
Thasevi Famous Jalan Kayu Prata Restaurant, 239 Jalan Kayu, Singapore 799463
Mr Prata
Intrepid foodies, this is the spot for you! Apart from serving classic roti pratas, Mr Prata also offers a wonderfully extensive menu of roti pratas with every possible sweet and savoury topping you can imagine – banana, chocolate, honey, and even cheese with pineapple. The trick is not to get overwhelmed by the myriad choices and go with whatever strikes your fancy. And don’t forget to try the selection of salads, sandwiches, pastas, and Chinese noodles at this all-in-one eatery.
Mr Prata, 26 Evans Road, Singapore 259367 and Block 476, Tampines Street 44, #01-189, Singapore 520476 and Block 742 Bedok Reservoir Road, #01-3105, Singapore 470742.
Prata Wala
This modern eatery is all about variety: diners can choose from dosa to biryani, tandoori chicken, murtabak, chappati, and naan. But as its name suggests, Prata Wala’s speciality is undoubtedly, roti prata. Tuck into a prata plaster (with runny egg as a topping) and wash it all down with a refreshing cup of teh halia (ginger milk tea) for a truly satisfying Indian meal.
Prata Wala, Jurong Point, nex@Serangoon Central, Tampines Mall, Junction 8 & Bedok Mall.
Sin Ming Roti Prata
Perhaps the best roti prata in Singapore? That’s the question many locals have debated about Sin Ming Roti Prata. Whatever the verdict, you won’t be able to resist its flavourful and fantastic roti prata, which is crispy on the outside and delightfully fluffy in the centre. Definitely good enough to be eaten on its own, but we recommend sampling the accompanying fish and chicken curries: they are the very definition of finger-licking good.
Sin Ming Roti Prata, Block 24, Sin Ming Road, #01-51, Singapore 570024.
Al Ameen Eating House
This establishment is located further out West and North on the island but it’s definitely worth the trek. Apart from serving up their signature mushroom and cheese pratas (which are deliciously moreish), Al Ameen also offers other local favourites such as murtabak, nasi goreng, and sup tulang (bone marrow soup) – making it the perfect stopover for a hearty and affordable meal any time of the day.
Al Ameen Eating House, 2-4 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599729 and #01-10, The Woodgrove, 30 Woodlands Avenue 1,(S)739065
Casuarina Curry Restaurant
And the award for the most inventive roti prata menu goes to…Casuarina Curry Restaurant! This casual joint certainly knows how to treat its diners: with a roti prata menu so varied, it’s hard to pick just one dish to try. We recommend Casuarina’s signatures, which have earned them legions of fans: the chicken floss prata and chocolate prata. Trust us, these two dishes are good.
Casuarina Curry Restaurant, 136 Casuarina Road, Singapore 579526 and 187 Macpherson Road, Singapore 348545
Mr and Mrs Mohgan Super Crispy Roti Prata
The shops name says it all: Power couple, Mr. and Mrs. Mohgan, have been frying up thousands of super crispy pratas for over three decades. We love our fluffier egg pratas, but to really savour the crispiness of their offerings, opt for the ‘kosong’ and dip into their spicy mutton and fish curries or dhals.
Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s Super Crispy Roti Prata, 7 Crane Rd, Singapore 429356. Open Thu-Mon 6.30am-1.30pm, closed Tue and Wed.
Prata Planet
If bland, watery curries rustle your jimmies, Prata Planet’s thick, spice-heavy curries will have you singing praises; pairs beautifully with its light crispy pratas that are never too oily. A great option for Westies since it’s just a short walk from Clementi MRT station.
Prata Planet, 320 Clementi Ave 4, Singapore 120320. p. 6773 0733.
Curry Café
Curry Café might be an oddity on this list because they don’t specialise in pratas and they are, unfortunately, not halal (no pork or lard though). However, what they do offer is a variety of pratas including wholemeal ones. The pratas here are known for their crispiness and come unconventionally paired with Chinese-style chicken curry.
Curry Cafe, 2 Sembawang Crescent, #01-03, Canberra Community Club, Singapore 757632. p. 6966 0832.
Thohirah
For some, prata serves primarily as a ‘curry delivery system’. Subscribers to this school of thought will enjoy Thohirah’s thick, chewy pratas that easily soak up the spicy, piquant curry that’s served hot out of the pot.
Thohirah, 258 Jalan Kayu, Singapore 799487. p. 6481 2009. Open daily 24 hours.
Julaiha Muslim Restaurant
On the other end of the spectrum from Thohirah’s thick, chewy pratas, Julaiha fries up delightfully light, crispy pratas that are pure joy to tear into (use your hands for full effect!). Definitely worth the hike to MacPherson.
Julaiha Muslim Restaurant, 538 MacPherson Road, Singapore 368222. p. 6743 2773. Open daily 24 hours.
Springleaf Prata Place
Springleaf Prata Place has been making headlines and expanding waistlines with the introduction of the “murtaburger”. The dish is a decadent, yet decidedly inelegant marriage of the pasar malam (night market) staple, Ramly burger, and the humble plain prata. What you’ll get is two egg-wrapped Ramly burger mutton patties, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, and ketchup stuffed into a crisp prata. Believe it or not, this is hardly their most avant-garde prata offering though. Try out the “Prata Blaster”, essentially your eggs ben with prata instead of an English muffin.
Springleaf Prata Place, various locations here.
After sampling some of Singapore’s finest, why not try your hand at making your own scrumptious roti prata at home? It’s easy – we promise! Check out our recipes for roti prata and fish curry here.
Read more about Singapore’s local cuisine at www.YourSingapore.com.