Murtabak

Mutabak, also spelled Mutabbak, Matabbak, or Mutabbaq, is a cherished dish found across the Arabian Peninsula and Southeast Asia. It enjoys particular popularity in countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Thailand. The name Mutabbaq means "folded" in Arabic, which aptly describes this stuffed pancake or pan-fried bread. The ingredients and names can vary depending on the region.

In Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, Mutabak is a favored street food. It is often described as a spicy, folded omelette pancake filled with vegetables, minced meat, and green onions.

The origins of Mutabak can be traced back to Yemen, which had a significant Indian population. Tamil Muslim traders later introduced it to Southeast Asia. In some areas, the dish is known as Murtabak. This multi-layered pancake originally hails from Kerala, India. Mutabak comes in both savory and sweet varieties. The savory versions may be filled with spiced beef, chicken, or mutton, while the sweet versions can be topped with butter, sugar, crushed peanuts, and even chocolate sprinkles.

In Indonesia, the minced meat for Mutabak is typically seasoned with a blend of spices including shallots, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and occasionally monosodium glutamate. The dish is usually served with acar (pickled condiments) in Indonesia and Malaysia. In Singapore, it is often accompanied by sliced cucumbers in tomato ketchup. Some famous variations include Martabak Haji Abdul Rozak and Martabak Kubang.

There is also a sweet version known as Martabak Manis or sweet Mutabak. This version is a thick, folded pancake with delectable toppings like butter, sugar, chocolate sprinkles, and cheese. It goes by various names in Indonesia, such as Terang Bulan or Martabak Bangka, and features distinct ingredients and cooking methods compared to the savory variety.