Cotton Candy (Roti Saimai) – Thai Style!

Roti Saimai (pronounced Say May) is a Thai-style candy floss or cotton candy which is wrapped in a sweet roti. This treat is a favorite of the Thais. It originated from the ancient old capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya and to this day is one of Ayutthaya’s most preferred sweets. Roti Saimai is a dessert with Islamic influences and is typically sold by Muslim vendors. Thai desserts started when the Portuguese first came to Ayutthaya and introduced the use of eggs. Eggs were to become another important ingredient in Thai desserts on top of flour, sugar and coconut products.

The thin silk strands are actually spun sugar and the strands are usually found in a rainbow of colors. The crepe is very thin and the color green is from the pandan leaf (also known as pandanus leaf) which is a delicacy in South East Asia. Roti Saimai is available at street stalls.

The Culinary Chase’s Note:

The general manager of Somerset (where we are staying) left some roti saimai for us to try. This was, indeed, a treat for us. It’s so easy to assemble and the flavors are lovely and not too sweet. The candy floss melts in your mouth just like cotton candy does. Just pile the floss onto the roti and roll up! The more floss you use the better!