Source: https://verify-veg.com/blog/is-roti-canai-vegan/
Language: en

# Is Roti Canai Vegan? (Ghee in the Flatbread)

Roti canai is a flaky Malaysian flatbread, and the flakiness usually comes from ghee. The curry it
comes with is often vegan, but the bread itself may not be. Here is how to tell.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Roti canai is usually vegetarian, but often not vegan.
> - The flaky dough is traditionally made with ghee (clarified butter) and sometimes condensed milk.
> - The dhal curry it is served with is usually vegan.
> - Ask if the dough is made with oil, and confirm no condensed milk or egg.

**TL;DR: Roti canai is usually vegetarian, but often not vegan**: the flaky flatbread dough is
traditionally made with **ghee (clarified butter)** and sometimes condensed milk. The dhal curry
it's served with is usually vegan.

## What roti canai is

Roti canai is a flaky, pan-fried Malaysian flatbread, served with curry:

- **Dough**: flour, water, and usually **ghee** (dairy) or oil. Some recipes add condensed milk or egg.
- **Dhal curry**: lentils in spices, usually **vegan**.
- **Meat/fish curry**: sometimes served instead; not vegetarian.

## How to get a vegan roti canai

- Ask if the dough is made with **oil, not ghee**.
- Confirm **no condensed milk or egg** in the dough.
- Choose the **dhal curry** (not meat curry).

Many Indian-Muslim stalls make it with vegetable oil, so a vegan roti canai is often just one
question away.

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** Usually yes (unless meat curry).
- **Vegan?** Only if the dough is ghee-free, egg-free and milk-free.

See our [Roti Canai dish guide](/food/malaysia/roti-canai/) for the full breakdown.

**Check before you eat.** The Verify Veg app scans a barcode or reads an ingredient list from a
photo and flags ingredients against your diet (vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, Jain and more).
[Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verifyveg-vegan-scanner/id6758276834) - 
Android is coming soon.

*Written by Samir Narain, founder of Verify Veg. Verify Veg helps people check packaged food
against their diet by scanning barcodes and reading ingredient lists from photos.*

*Note: Verify Veg provides ingredient-based compatibility checks, not certification. Recipes and
preparations vary by restaurant, region and cook, so always confirm with the restaurant, brand or vendor.*