By The Table desk · Last verified 28 September 2026
Roti prata is dough mixed with ghee, flipped until thin, then fried until crisp outside and soft inside. “Kosong” is plain, “telur” has an egg folded in, and “plaster” has an egg fried on top. Order two per person, with curry, and a teh tarik.
Quick facts
- Kosong is plain, telur has egg inside, and plaster has egg on top.
- Coin prata comes as five or six small, thick pieces.
- Tissue prata is a huge thin cone; a prata bomb is thick and coiled with margarine and sugar.
- Plain prata costs about S$1.30 to S$1.50 at many stalls.
- It comes with curry, usually fish, chicken or dhal.
- Many prata shops stay open past midnight.
What’s on the menu?
| Say | You get |
|---|---|
| Kosong | Plain prata |
| Telur | Egg folded inside |
| Bawang | Onion |
| Plaster | Egg fried on top, sunny side up |
| Cheese, mushroom | Fillings inside |
| Coin | Five or six small, thick, twisted pieces |
| Tissue or paper | A giant thin, crisp cone, often sweet |
| Bomb | Thick and coiled, with margarine and sugar inside |
| Murtabak | Stuffed with spiced minced meat, egg and onion |
Kosong is Malay for “empty”, which is why it means plain.
What does it cost?
In the IPS survey of 2022–23, one plain and one egg prata came to S$2.97 on average, the cheapest food item it priced. Prices have risen since. One well-known Joo Chiat stall went from S$1 plain and S$1.50 egg in 2019 to S$1.50 and S$2 in 2024. A Jurong East shop charges S$1.30 for plain, with a minimum order of two, and S$2.10 for plaster.
Which curry?
Most shops offer fish curry, chicken curry and dhal, a lentil curry. Ask for “mix” if you want more than one. Some shops also serve a sambal alongside the curry, which is worth asking for.
How do I order at supper?
Order at the counter or stall, give your table number, and wait: prata is made fresh, so good shops aren’t fast at peak hours. Supper hours are generous. One well-known shop on Upper Thomson Road stays open until 2am on weekdays and 4am at weekends.
The WahLiao Verdict
Two kosong and one telur, fish curry and dhal mixed, and a teh tarik. Judge a prata shop by its kosong, because a plain prata has nothing to hide behind.
Questions people ask
Is prata the same as roti canai?
It’s the same bread; Malaysia calls it roti canai.
Is prata halal?
Many prata shops are Indian-Muslim eateries and some are MUIS-certified; check for the certificate.
Where does the name come from?
From paratha, the South Indian flatbread it descends from.
What’s a murtabak?
Prata stuffed with meat; the glossary has it.
Sources: Singapore Tourism Board, roti prata guide; IPS, Makan Index 2.0 (2023); Eatbook on prata prices and opening hours; Ordinary Patrons on prata price changes (2024).
Read next: How to Order Kopi in Singapore · Halal, Muslim-Owned, No Pork No Lard · The Singapore Hawker Food Glossary · Back to The Table
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