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Bread is as integral to an Indian meal as a piece of cutlery is on an Australian dinner table, and there are different varieties, depending on which region you're in.
But what these breads have in common is their ability to sop up leftover curries and sauces, wrap around kebabs or be stuffed with vegetables and spices.
and
are the two most conventional Indian flatbreads, which are staples in North Indian cuisine. They may be eaten interchangeably but differ in more ways than you'd expect, as outlined below.
Flour type
SBS Food'sco-host,
, says that thefundamental difference between roti and naan is the type of flour they contain.
"In roti, it's always wholemeal that we call 'atta' in Hindi…Naan on the other hand is made with 'maida', which is the Hindi word for plain flour."
Maida flour is refined and powdery, which creates a denser, pillowy bread. The leavening process also breaks down the gluten and contributes to naan's soft texture. For this reason, it's more time-consuming to make than roti, which is unleavened and results in a coarser, less flexible bread.
When does a roti become a chapati? You'll soon find out. Source: Seema Choubey
Cooking method
, head chef at
in Sydney's Surry Hills, explains that you can make naan by mixing a little bit of milk, a little bit of yeast, sugar and salt. "The sugar helps to get the yeast going.
"Then mix this into the refined flour, knead it until soft, and leave it for about 25 to 30 minutes to let it all come together."
Once rested, the naan is traditionally cooked in a tandoori oven that's powered by charcoal or woodfire. In bakeries, the dough is hurled against the oven's walls, where it sticks and bakes to achieve an outer crispness.
"Naan is more of a restaurant thing," Kalyanaramanadds. "You wouldn't make naan for everyday dinner because not everyone has a tandoori oven at home."
While naan is reserved for special occasions, roti is a household staple.
"It is much simpler to make using just whole wheat flour, salt, and water," Kalyanaraman says.
These three ingredients are combined to form a dough, which is rolled out and cooked on a flat griddle or tawa until brown and blistered. This same method is applied to make chapati, another unleavened, wholewheat bread (and technically, a type of roti).
"The fundamental difference between the roti and the chapati is that you finish both sides of the chapati with fat, and then cook it again on the griddle," Kalyanaramanexplains.
"So, if you're making a roti, and you apply some oil on one side and cook it again on the griddle, it becomes a chapati."
You can make plain naan or flavour it. Source: Far Flung with Gary Mehigan
Different flavours
The pillowy texture and thickness of naan makes it ideal for housing a variety of stuffing and spices. Many enjoy it plain or brushed with butter or garlic.
Popular stuffed varieties include
(minced mutton), paneer,
(potatoes) and peshwari (fruit and nut).
Roti also has many types, such as fluffy tandoori roti, which is cooked in the tandoor, rumali roti, which is rolled thin and wrapped around kebabs, or missi roti, made using chickpea flour.
Whether you choose roti or naan, they are the ultimate sidekick to any curry and the building block for any Indian meal.
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FAQs
Naan is a leavened, soft, and thick bread made with all-purpose flour, often enriched with ingredients like yogurt, whereas roti is an unleavened, thinner bread made from whole wheat flour and is typically not enriched with additional fats or dairy.
What is the difference between roti and naan bread? ›
Naan is a leavened bread (meaning it uses yeast), while roti is an unleavened bread (meaning it doesn't). The different ingredients give a far different texture: naan is soft and chewy, while roti is dense and thin.
Which is healthier roti or naan? ›
Roti is generally considered healthier than naan. Roti is lower in calories and contains zero saturated and trans fats and cholesterol. In contrast, naan tends to be higher in calories and may contain added fats. For a healthier choice, roti is often preferred, especially by those conscious of their dietary intake.
Why is naan more expensive than roti? ›
Naan has a rich history too, often associated with royal feasts and special occasions. Its preparation in a tandoor and the use of refined flour and dairy products made it a luxury in the past. It's considered more of a restaurant food now than a home-cooked food.
Which is the healthiest Indian bread? ›
Simply put, naan is more nutrient-dense than pita or white bread. While it may contain more carbs and sugars, it earns its reputation as a healthy alternative with its relatively generous amounts of protein and fiber.
Is pita bread the same as roti? ›
The difference between a roti and pita bread is that roti does not need any yeast and is mostly made fresh with wheat flour and water. But a pita bread is first risen with yeast to creat air in the dough.
Do you eat butter chicken with naan or roti? ›
On one hand korma should ideally be cooked all in ghee, Butter chicken is actually cooked in oil. The butter is added towards the end in Butter chicken instead of cooking it through. Serve it with Butter naan, Tandoori Roti, Chapati, Plain Paratha, Steamed fluffy Basmati Rice or Jeera rice for a simple Indian meal.
Which is healthier bread or naan? ›
Which is healthier: bread or naan? Naan is a flatbread, whereas bread comes in loaves. Naan is higher in fat, protein, and carbohydrates than loaf bread. The higher protein content of naan will allow you to feel fuller for longer and curve cravings.
Is naan a junk food? ›
Naan bread can be part of a healthy diet, especially if you choose whole grain varieties. Naan bread contains vitamins and minerals like niacin, fiber, and iron, as well as fiber. It also is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy.
Are flatbread and naan the same? ›
Naan is another flatbread traditionally served in Indian restaurants but the difference is that there will already be a filling inside these flatbread pockets. Naan may be stuffed with curd, fresh desiccated coconut, butter, nigella seeds, and raisins.
Chapati / Roti
Whether you call it chapati or roti, this bread goes by many different names and is perhaps the most popular flatbread in India. Made of a simple recipe of wheat flour and water, every household in India has its own signature take on this Indian flatbread.
What is the healthiest Indian food to eat? ›
Choose Grilled or Tandoori Dishes
Popular choices include Tandoori Chicken or Tandoori Paneer (cottage cheese). These dishes are not only lower in calories and saturated fats compared to their fried counterparts but also retain the essence of Indian flavors.
Which is healthier roti or bread? ›
Roti is a staple in most Indian households and is prepared using water and regular cooking flour. It is believed to be a healthier option as compared to bread because during its preparation, the fibre is not removed, which is good for digestion and smooth bowel movement.
Is it healthy to eat roti? ›
This Indian flatbread is a great source of dietary fibre, calcium, and protein, all of which help keep you feeling fuller for longer. The calories in a roti depend on the variety. If we talk about 1 roti calories, then a small roti is about 70 to 80 calories, while a medium roti is about 115 calories.
What is roti made of? ›
Roti (also known as chapati or phulka) is a circular flatbread, made with ground whole wheat flour or “atta.” Flour is simply mixed with water, sometimes salt, and ghee or oil is added too.
