Roti vs. Naan: Which Indian Flatbread Is Superior? (2024)

FAQs

Roti vs. Naan: Which Indian Flatbread Is Superior? ›

Roti, primarily made from whole wheat flour, generally offers more fiber, fewer calories, and less fat compared to naan, which includes all-purpose flour, yeast, and dairy products like yogurt or milk.

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.

From health perspective, flat breads made of whole wheat flour (roti/paratha/chapati/phulka) are better than the ones made with all-purpose flour (naan & kulcha). If you're new to this kind of food, I insist you to try all varieties of Indian breads.

Naan. Naan is probably the most famous of Indian bread. This fluffy, leavened Indian flatbread is best served hot, and even though it is ideal for sopping up the gravy in curry dishes, it also the perfect accompaniment for other popular dishes like tandoori chicken.

Roti, chapati and paratha are unleavened flat bread while naan and kulcha are leavened flatbread. The method of making is different for each one of them.

Roti and naan are two classic flatbreads in Indian cuisine, but they're often lumped together for their similar appearance. This similarity is a misconception: these bread dishes vary in ingredients and recipes and can radically change your meal.

Jowar (Sorghum) Roti:

High in fiber, antioxidants, and gluten-free. An essential in Indian culinary traditions, Jowar Roti is a gluten-free flatbread created from finely milled sorghum flour. Delicate and nutritious, Jowar (Sorghum) Rotis are commonly paired with curries and dals.

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.

Flatbread has the potential to be just as nutritious and healthy as regular bread. It will be a healthier alternative to yeast-raised bread.

However, whole grain bread options like multigrain and brown bread are considered healthier choices as compared to white bread. Whole grain bread, such as multigrain and brown bread, retains more nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals, compared to white bread.

What is Indian flatbread called? ›

Chapati – unleavened flatbread (also known as roti) from India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan which is baked on a hot surface. It is a common staple food in India.

Kulcha is a mildly leavened bread prepared with all-purpose flour without any yeast, but rather leavened with yogurt and/or baking powder. Though it's similar to naan, you don't need a tandoor oven to make kulcha; you can easily prepare it on a griddle.

Roti is a healthier option than naan, as it is made from whole wheat flour, high in fiber and essential nutrients. On the other hand, naan is made from all-purpose flour, low in fiber and essential nutrients.

“Chapatis are the preferred choice. You can also have missi roti or dal roti at night, as they contain more protein in comparison to normal chapati." She adds that it is good to have two chapatis, with a bowl of dal or a bowl of dry vegetables and a bowl of curd at night.

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.

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. Despite its high carb content, naan can be considered a more nutrient-dense alternative to white bread and pita.

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.

Naan on the other hand is an Indian flat bread made out of refined wheat flour (maida). Cooked in a tandoor without any oil and is smeared with butter. Naan might cost more due to the operational cost for a Tandoor.

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.