Roti King

Who is the author? Sugen Gopal is a chef and entrepreneur who brought Malaysian food to the forefront of London’s culinary scene.

Born in Ipoh, Malaysia, Sugen grew up helping out his parents in the kitchen of the family’s ​​restaurant; it was there he learned to throw his first roti. When he moved to London in 2004, he brought with him a deep knowledge of Malaysian and Southeast Asian cuisine, especially Tamil food. This led him to open two businesses: Roti King and Gopal’s Corner, both of which have become huge hits in London. Sugen’s humble Malaysian eateries have since have multiplied to build an impressive culinary empire.

What’s it about? In Roti King, Sugen walks us through the rich history of street food in Malaysia, where the most vibrant flavours can be found in night markets, hawker stalls, and roadside food trucks. He explores how the multicultural country has developed its own take on traditional Malay, Indian, and Chinese cuisine.

The recipes in this cookbook are authentic representations of modern Malaysian street food, including the cult favourite dishes he serves at Roti King and Gopal’s Corner. Each dish is broken down with detailed explanations on how to work with key ingredients as well as a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the best results, from the perfectly flaky Roti and most tender Beef Rendang to the frothiest Teh Tarik.

Recipes we love: Roti Canai, Nasi Lemak with Fried Chicken, Mee Goreng, Sambal Croissant, Char Kway Teow, No-churn Coconut Pandan Ice Cream, and Teh Tarik.

Perfect for: Adventurous home cooks who are not afraid to take on the challenge of new ingredients and cooking techniques, as well as anyone passionate about recreating the flavours of Southeast Asia in their kitchens.