Roti King Waterloo
11 January 2024: Canai have another - The Roti Kingdom expands
Introduction
They say good things come in threes and, with a third Roti King now open in London, it's hard to disagree. Yes, a third Roti King follows the original in Euston and a second in the Battersea Power Station redevelopment.
Pulling into the sidings on Lower Marsh just south of Waterloo Station, this London favourite is bound to pick up a lot of passengers passing through, and as a destination in itself. With a similar menu to its other restaurants, our previous reviews are worth reading to read more about that, but for now, here's our headlines on this most recent addition.
Venue
More akin to the slightly rough and ready subterranean original, Roti King Waterloo has a very casual, street eatery vibe with colourful murals on the wall, possibly in homage to the nearby graffitti tunnel on Leake Street.
The kitchen is on display at the back of the restaurant a la the other two branches, but the exposed brickwork and plastering does give a slightly unfinished impression. This isn't as pleasant as the Battersea establishment, not least due to the back of the restaurant being a long way from natural light, but it serves its purpose, hosting a number of covers and ample space for enjoying the delights on offer.
5/10
Starters and sides & Curry
Beef Rendang
Mutton Roti Canai
Dhal Roti Canai
Nasi Goreng
Sadly, I seem to have overwritten my original Roti King review, but suffice to say the food at all Roti Kings (and Gopal's Corners) is pretty unmissable, not least due to the low (now low-ish) prices.
The signature dishes are the roti canai, traditional Malaysian curry and bread heavily influenced by food from Southern India. The roti are simply the best - delicately tossed flatbreads that somehow deliver crunchy flakiness, with perfectly chewy dough at the same time. These are the perfect foil for the curry, be it the delectable, melt-in-the-mouth beef rendang, or mutton, chicken and dhal bowls that complete the roti canai dishes.
In case things couldn't get any better, Roti King offers a number of stir fry dishes in line with its Malaysian roots. The nasi goreng that we had is a sizeable pile of spicy stir fried rice, veg and prawns that is equal to its legendary roti canai bedfellows.
In summary, this is just top draw, London quick-eats at their best. A London legend for a reason.
8/10 & 8/10
Service
Service was friendly and efficient if not hugely notable. The restaurant wasn't too busy and the staff were on hand to see our order of extras was met promptly. No complaints.
7/10
Value for money
While prices go up everywhere, Roti King still maintains a spot on the best value leaderboard.
The roti canai are perfect for a lunch for one and at £9.95 for the chicken variety, they offer good value for money comparable for any eat-in, casual dining experience. Yes, drinks and sides will add cost, but with a group sharing significant savings can be found.
It's hard to argue with this regular on London 'cheap-eat' lists.
8/10
Summary
It's simple, it's cheap, it tastes great and has a deserved reputation. Let's just hope the expansion doesn't devalue the brand, but so far so good. However, I would still recommend the Battersea branch over this one for a more pleasant dining experience.
36/50
Address: 97 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7AB
Cuisine: Malaysian with Keralan influence
Status: Open
Alcohol Policy: Licensed
Price: £
Summary: A third opening from the London legend