Roti (Banana + Nutella)
ThailandBangkok, Rambuttri Street
AI Overview
Roti (banana and Nutella) is a sweet snack widely enjoyed as street food in Thailand and across Southeast Asia. It is made by stretching a dough—primarily using wheat flour—thinly, then wrapping it around banana and chocolate-flavored Nutella before grilling. Particularly popular as street food in tourist areas and night markets, this snack traces its origins to the Indian flatbread “roti,” but has diversified in terms of flavors and fillings within Thailand. In bustling neighborhoods and street food districts of Bangkok, it is well-known as a convenient and popular treat among both locals and tourists.
- Taste Rating
-
3.0/5
- Price
- 60 Baht
- Meal Date
- 4/28/2024
- Food Travel Log
- Commonly seen at Bangkok’s street stalls, roti. Eating it on Rambuttri Road near Khao San Road! Freshly grilled, crispy, and juicy banana. Sweetened with condensed milk and chocolate, adding happiness and guilt! As time passed, only the sweet memory of that sinful roti remains in my heart. The guilt stayed in my belly.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview of Roti (Banana + Nutella)
Roti is a type of sweet street food widely enjoyed in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries. It has its roots in Indian roti, and, influenced by migration and trade, became established across Southeast Asia. In Thailand in particular, it is commonly served with sweet fillings such as banana and Nutella, making it popular among both travelers and local residents alike. The combination of "banana + Nutella" is one of the classic toppings at Thai roti stalls, where ripe bananas and rich hazelnut chocolate cream (Nutella) are wrapped in hot, freshly cooked roti dough.Preparation Method and Features
The preparation of roti begins by spreading a thinly stretched dough on a griddle and frying it crisply in oil or margarine. The dough is made mainly from wheat flour, eggs, butter, and sugar. Sliced bananas are placed in the center of the dough, then the dough is folded into a square to wrap the filling, and it is heated until it turns golden brown. The cooked roti is typically cut into bite-sized pieces, then generously topped with thick Nutella chocolate cream and sweetened condensed milk.This roti is characterized by its crispy exterior and a harmonious blend of the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of banana and the rich taste of Nutella on the inside—a medley of textures and flavors in every bite. The natural moisture and sweetness of banana are enhanced when cooked, and the combination of Nutella and condensed milk is famed for offering a “blissful yet slightly guilty” indulgence.Street Food Culture in Bangkok, Thailand
Roti is a common street food served daily throughout Thailand, especially in the capital city, Bangkok. In popular tourist areas such as Khao San Road and Rambuttri Road, many roti stalls line the streets. Influences from the Muslim community and Indian culture combine with modern twists, creating Thailand’s own unique style of roti. Stall vendors typically stretch the dough to order and cook it live on the spot, with the freshness and excitement of this “made-to-order” experience drawing long lines of both tourists and locals late into the night.Roti Variations in Other Countries
Beyond Thailand, roti is offered in a variety of styles in regions such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore. In Malaysia and Singapore, it is known as "roti canai" or "roti tissue," and served with curry, sugar, butter, and both sweet and savory toppings. In contrast, Thai roti stands out for its wide range of sweet variations, with countless recipes unique to each stall, featuring toppings like banana, Nutella, condensed milk, cheese, and coconut.Nutrition, Calories, and Health Considerations
Roti (banana + Nutella) typically contains 400 to 600 kcal per serving, since the dough is rich in butter, sugar, and oil, and uses high-sugar, high-calorie ingredients like banana and Nutella. The addition of condensed milk further increases its sugar and fat content, so excessive consumption should be avoided. However, bananas do provide nutrients such as potassium, dietary fiber, and vitamins, so enjoying roti as part of a balanced diet is recommended.Summary
"Roti (banana + Nutella)"—a favorite at street stalls on Rambuttri Road and elsewhere in Bangkok—represents a quintessential street sweet where cross-cultural history meets modern innovation. Its high caloric content and distinctive sweetness make it energizing and instantly satisfying. Leaving a lasting impression as a "traveler’s memory," it is considered a must-try taste experience for anyone visiting Thailand.
