Penang Street Art (Balik Pulau Bread Man Mural)

A large art mural depicting a popular local bread seller in Balik Pulau town. According to local artist Andhar A. Samah who created the mural with several others, the bread seller known as Uncle Muniandi (or “Uncle Roti”) is a legend in Balik Pulau who is recognized by everyone there regardless of race. The mural was also created in conjunction with the Balik Pulau Festival.

George Town Street View: The Benggali Roti Seller

The Roti Seller

The traditional mobile bread (roti) seller on a trishaw in Penang.

Locally known as the Roti Benggali seller, Roti Bengali or the Benggali bread had its origin from Sheik Mohd Ismail, an Indian Muslim from Madras, who set up Roti Penggali (which meant bread shareholders in Tamil) with his friends back in 1920s. However, the word “penggali” was apparently mispronounced and later on, evolved into “benggali”. The name was stuck locally as such ever since. The loaf bread of white and soft crumb with thick crispy golden crust is a popular local choice here.