Babari Theory
Old tales say that the concept of Sel Roti came from the Babari, an original “roti” that was more of a pancake. Babari, unlike Sel Roti, was a thick pancake that was made of the same batter. It was dry, bland and was the perfect substitute for rice, especially when you are traveling. The only issue with the otherwise filling bread was that it dried soon, and wouldn’t survive even half of the travel. That is when, many say, that Sel Roti, a fried option was innovated.