Jaime Tan Apologises Over ‘Roti Canai’ Pronunciation Slip, Says Mistake Was Unintentional
KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 — Malaysian-American MasterChef contestant Jaime Tan has publicly apologised after facing criticism from viewers for incorrectly pronouncing the iconic Malaysian dish roti canai during a recent episode of MasterChef: Global Gauntlet.
The controversy emerged after Jaime referred to the dish as “roti kanai” while presenting a Malaysian-inspired meal during one of the competition’s challenges.
In a video shared on social media, she acknowledged the mistake and expressed regret over disappointing Malaysians and Southeast Asians who regard the dish as an important part of their culinary heritage.
Jaime stressed that the error was completely unintentional and said she never intended to misrepresent a traditional Malaysian food item on an international platform.
“I understand how important roti canai is to many people, and I sincerely apologise for getting it wrong,” she said.
The contestant explained that she was raised in the United States and had limited exposure to a large Malaysian community while growing up.
Although she identifies strongly with her Malaysian roots, she said her upbringing outside Malaysia contributed to her unfamiliarity with certain pronunciations commonly used by locals.
Jaime revealed that her father hails from Johor and that her late grandparents once operated a traditional kopitiam, helping her maintain a strong connection to her family’s Malaysian heritage.
She said representing Malaysia through food on the global cooking competition carried deep personal significance and made her especially disappointed by the mistake.
“Being able to showcase a part of my Malaysian background on the show meant a great deal to me. That’s why I was upset with myself when I realised I had made the error,” she said.
Despite the criticism surrounding her pronunciation, Jaime’s dish impressed celebrity chef and MasterChef judge Gordon Ramsay.
Her Malaysian-inspired creation featured roti canai served with curry, coconut rice and a cucumber-pineapple salad, helping Team Asia-Pacific secure victory in the challenge.
Ending her video on a lighter note, Jaime offered another apology and joked that while she may have mispronounced roti canai, she could still open a durian with her bare hands.
The remark drew positive reactions from many social media users, with some praising her willingness to acknowledge the mistake and embrace her Malaysian heritage despite growing up overseas.
The episode has sparked broader conversations online about cultural identity, heritage and the challenges faced by members of the Malaysian diaspora in preserving traditions while living abroad.
