If you’ve never experienced the sheer joy of biting into a warm, savory, golden-crisp Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John), you’re in for a treat. This Southeast Asian street food icon is a harmonious fusion of fluffy eggs, spiced meat, crunchy vegetables, and soft bread, all brought together with a luscious drizzle of mayo and chili sauce. Whether enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a quick dinner, Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) is a dish that manages to be comforting, exciting, and utterly crave-worthy—all in one glorious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I absolutely love about this recipe is how each simple ingredient brings something vital to the party—meat for heartiness, spices for warmth, eggs for that signature lushness, and a handful of fresh veggies to finish. Let’s break down how every element works to make Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) totally irresistible.
- Baguette or Soft Sandwich Rolls: These are the canvas for all the flavor—go for something slightly chewy so it soaks up the egg and meat mixture beautifully.
- Ground Beef or Chicken: Pick your favorite protein for a juicy, savory filling that gives the Roti John its signature bite.
- Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and texture that melts right into the filling.
- Garlic: Minced to add a gentle, aromatic depth to the savory mix.
- Eggs: The essential binder that transforms the sandwich into a “French toast” experience.
- Mayonnaise: It enriches the egg mixture and adds creaminess—don’t skip it!
- Ketchup: Just a touch brings a tangy-sweet backbone to the sauce.
- Chili Sauce (like sriracha): Adds a pop of heat that’s not overwhelming, just deeply satisfying.
- Curry Powder: For that warm, unmistakable aroma and a hint of complexity.
- Soy Sauce: Salty umami flavor to season everything just right.
- Salt and Pepper: Adjust for your perfect level of seasoning.
- Vegetable Oil: For sautéing the filling and achieving a crisp toast on the bread.
- Butter for Toasting: Helps create that irresistible, golden crust.
- Shredded Lettuce & Sliced Cucumbers (optional): For freshness and crunch that finishes the dish beautifully.
- Extra Mayo & Chili Sauce for Drizzling: To make every bite even more decadent—trust me on this one!
How to Make Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John)
Step 1: Cook the Savory Meat Filling
Start by warming one tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your chosen ground beef or chicken, breaking it apart as it cooks, until it’s nicely browned and aromatic. Next, stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for another two to three minutes. This step is crucial—the onion and garlic soften and infuse the meat with that sweet, garlicky goodness that will set the tone for your Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John). Sprinkle in the soy sauce, curry powder, a dash of salt, and some freshly cracked pepper, tossing everything to coat. Once it all smells utterly inviting, take the pan off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Flavor-Packed Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, crack in the eggs and whisk them together with mayonnaise, ketchup, and your favorite chili sauce. This simple combo transforms the eggs and gives our toast an unbelievably creamy and tangy twist, so don’t skimp! Once your meat mixture has cooled a bit (so you don’t end up with scrambled eggs), mix it into the egg base. Now you have a filling that’s savory, spicy, creamy, and everything in between.
Step 3: Fill and Top the Breads
Slice your baguette or sandwich rolls lengthwise, keeping them intact if you like, or separating them if that’s easier. Spread the hearty egg-and-meat mixture evenly across the cut side of each bread half. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot—it will puff up deliciously as it cooks! Press the filling gently to help it cling to the bread, ensuring each bite is loaded with flavor.
Step 4: Toast to Perfection
Heat the remaining oil and a small dab of butter in a large skillet or on a griddle—medium heat works best. Carefully place your filled bread, egg side down, onto the hot surface. Press it lightly and let it cook for three to four minutes, allowing the egg mixture to set and develop a lovely golden color. When you see the edges look crisp and the center cooked through, flip the bread to toast the plain side for another one to two minutes until it’s wonderfully golden-brown and warm.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Transfer your finished Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) to a board or plate. Slice it into thick, satisfying portions. Now comes the best part: pile on some fresh, shredded lettuce and cucumber slices if you love a crunchy, cool contrast. Finish with bold zig-zags of extra mayo and chili sauce for those authentic street food vibes. Serve them up while still warm (trust me, they’ll be gone in no time!).
How to Serve Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John)
Garnishes
A proper Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) just begs for a little “dress-up!” Scatter shredded lettuce and cucumber slices on top or alongside for vibrant crunch and freshness. A classic flourish is a final drizzle of thick, creamy mayo and a good squirt of spicy chili sauce. If you want to go all out, add a dusting of extra curry powder or some sliced chilies for extra flair. These details make each serving look—and taste—irresistibly festive.
Side Dishes
While Roti John is nearly a meal in itself, pairing it with the right sides takes things to another level. Try a simple cucumber salad or a crisp Asian slaw for contrast and tang. If you’re going all-in for a street food feast, add some spicy potato wedges or a refreshing iced tea for that genuine hawker center experience. A side of pickled vegetables or achar is traditional and helps brighten up the savory richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) is a showstopper on its own, but there are fun ways to serve it! Slice them into snackable “fingers” or wedges for parties and dips—they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Stack mini rolls in a basket lined with newspaper for that nostalgic street vibe, or serve individual portions with dipping sauces for a modern touch. You can even wrap them in parchment for a fun, grab-and-go brunch option that everyone will talk about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) left (no promises!), place the slices in an airtight container. Keep the garnishes and extra sauces separate to preserve texture. Refrigerate for up to 2 days for best flavor and freshness.
Freezing
To freeze, simply wrap the cooled toasts tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap. You can store them for up to a month without losing too much texture or flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge or unwrap and microwave gently to defrost before reheating.
Reheating
When you’re ready for round two, reheat Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) in a skillet or on a hot griddle for a couple of minutes on each side. This restores the bread’s crisp edges and brings the filling back to life. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave works too, but you might miss the toasty crunch!
FAQs
Can I make Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground meat for chopped and sautéed mushrooms and onions, or try it with canned tuna for a pescatarian option. The egg and sauce mixture holds everything together beautifully, regardless of your protein choice.
Is there a gluten-free version of this dish?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free baguette or sandwich roll, and double-check that your soy sauce is gluten-free. Every other element in Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy all the flavors without worry.
What if I don’t have curry powder?
No need to worry—try using a blend of turmeric and a pinch of cumin for warmth and depth. Alternatively, add a little garam masala for an extra aromatic kick. The spices are flexible, so don’t let a missing jar hold you back!
Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
Definitely. The meat filling can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. When ready to eat, just mix it into the egg mixture, fill your bread, and cook fresh for the best taste and texture.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure to cook the egg mixture side until fully set and golden before flipping. If you’re making Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) ahead, wait to add garnishes and sauces until right before serving for peak crispness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for something a little bit different—a dish that feels like comfort food, street food, and brunch all rolled into one—give Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) a spot on your table. It’s approachable, endlessly adaptable, and full of Southeast Asian flavor. Try it once, and I promise, you’ll be coming back for more!
Print
Singapore Malaysian French Toast (Roti John) Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A fusion dish combining the flavors of Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine, this savory French toast known as Roti John features a spiced meat and egg mixture stuffed inside a baguette or soft sandwich rolls. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 large baguette or 4 soft sandwich rolls (split lengthwise)
- ½ pound ground beef or chicken
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Egg Mixture:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (like sriracha)
For Assembly and Serving:
- Butter for toasting
- Shredded lettuce and sliced cucumbers for serving (optional)
- Extra mayo and chili sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook the Meat Filling: In a skillet, cook the ground meat until browned. Add onion, garlic, soy sauce, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs with mayonnaise, ketchup, and chili sauce. Mix in the cooled meat mixture.
- Assemble and Cook: Spread the egg-meat mixture on bread halves. Cook filled side on a skillet until golden. Flip and toast the plain side.
- Serve: Top with lettuce, cucumbers, and extra sauces. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- You can substitute the meat with canned tuna or go vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms and onions.
- Soft sandwich rolls or hot dog buns provide a traditional texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Singaporean, Malaysian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filled roll
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
