Murtabak

Murtabak is a stuffed pancake or pan-fried bread which is commonly found in the Arabian Peninsula and Southeast Asia, notably in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Thailand. It is often described as spicy folded omelette pancake with bits of vegetables. The term Murtabak derives from the Arabic word Mutabbaq, which means folded.

Origin and History

The dish is believed to have been brought over to Southeast Asia by Indian Muslims, also known as Mamak in Malaysia and Singapore. The dish is sold in Mamak stalls in Malaysia and Singapore, and is also commonly found in Indonesia. In Yemen, it is a street breakfast item.

Preparation and Varieties

Murtabak is made by pan frying a thin dough stuffed with a filling. The filling usually consists of ground meat (beef or mutton), garlic, egg, and onion, and is seasoned with curry, fennel seed, and other spices. In Indonesia, the Murtabak is one of the most popular street foods and is known as "martabak".

There are several variations of Murtabak. In Malaysia and Singapore, Murtabak is typically served with a curry sauce. In Indonesia, a sweet version of Murtabak, known as "martabak manis", is also popular. This version is made with a thick sweet pancake, filled with cheese, chocolate, peanuts, or other sweet fillings.

Cultural Significance

Murtabak is often consumed during the fasting month of Ramadan as a break fast meal, due to its high protein content and its versatility. It is also a popular choice for a hearty breakfast or a late night supper.

See Also

• Roti Prata
• Roti Canai
• Roti Tissue
• Mamak stall

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