"Whenever given the choice, we’d always avoid a queue. But at Roti King in Euston, a queue is not only inevitable, but completely worth it. Yes, they’ve opened spots in Battersea and Waterloo that have a significantly shorter wait time, but there’s something about this original spot’s basement dining room, with its sharing tables and one-person window nook that makes it magical. Plus the Malaysian classics are excellent too. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch By 5pm the queue is 20-people long, and the staff—even with the stream of people—are smiley and welcoming. Once you try the roti canai you’ll understand why this spot is named after it. Behind a glass screen, roti is oiled, stretched, and thrown on the grill, before it’s scrunched and delivered to you alongside creamy dahl. The food comes out quickly and is devoured even more quickly, so just make sure you have a couple of those soft, flaky rotis on your table (if you’re only getting one, pick the beef rendang), and the kari laksa if it’s glove weather. It’s an in-and-out operation, so plan to be moving on from this spot 45 minutes after you sit down. Just know that a dinner here is short, sweet, and filled with some of London’s best Malaysian food. Food Rundown photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Roti Canai Two pieces of flaky, stringy roti and your choice of dahl, chicken, fish, mutton, or beef rendang. Get the rendang: the beef is unbelievably tender, and it’s better with the roti than rice. The dahl is also an excellent comforting contender. If you’re with even one more person, get both. photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch Char Kuey Teow This is what we always imagine we’ll make every time we pull out the wok. But this flat rice noodle dish is way better. It’s rich and comforting, and there are tender prawns, chicken pieces, and fried egg throughout. photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch Kari Laksa The coconutty broth has the restorative powers of a grandma with a Ninja food processor. It’s creamy, light, and slightly sweet. After you’ve waited in the queue for 30 minutes, this is exactly what you need." - Rianne Shlebak
