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These men on wheels are the best connectors because their non-motorised operation is more attuned to the traditional rhythm of the heritage city.

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George Town is a living heritage city where one can still find many types of traditional trades and occupations. Among which, Lefty is particularly attracted by the men on wheels, i.e. a trishaw man, a tricycle man, and a roti* man. The trishaw man moves people, the tricycle man moves goods and things, while the roti man moves food on the streets of George Town. To Lefty, these men on wheels are the best connectors because their non-motorised operation is more attuned to the traditional rhythm of the heritage city.

 

*Bread

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While the trishaw and tricycle men are constantly on the move when they have customers, the roti man stops from time to time to serve his crowd. A “roti-man stop” is a typical multicultural temporality experienced by many Malaysians dwelling in small towns. In the past, children would flock to the roti man eagerly looking for their favourite snacks. Lefty was one of them. When he was a child, the roti cart was like a magical treasure chest, he was amazed by the variety of things that the roti man could keep in such a small cart.  

 

The signature item of a roti cart in Penang is definitely the roti benggali with kaya/butter/sugar. This simple sandwich is an all-time favorite enjoyed by all as a tea-time snack. The roti man only makes this simple sandwich upon order and watching the process of making is delightful. The materials presented here are produced by Lefty during his different encounters with the men on wheels.