If you’re not familiar with Indian bread, you’ll surely find one that will satisfy your preferences—baked, fried, steamed, leavened, unleavened, and so much more! There are about 30 types of Indian bread, and the styles vary per region, with each locality adding its own spin to the standard recipe.

Though it can be daunting to try and decide which kind to try first, you can start with the most popular ones and work your way down the line. After all, many beloved dishes are popular for a reason—they’re very good and can be enjoyed by everyone!

Here’s a quick list of the top Indian bread types you must try.

1. Naan

No one can talk about Indian bread without mentioning Naan. Probably the most popular Indian bread, Naan is a delicious leavened bread often served fresh off the tandoor (clay oven), usually served with dishes like chicken tandoori and curry.

Naan is enjoyed best with tons of ghee (clarified butter) and some garlic. You can even try making it in the comfort of your home!

2. Paratha

When it comes to unleavened bread, the best kind to try is the Paratha. It’s a versatile type of bread that is characterised by its chewiness, flakiness, and dense qualities. Paratha is produced through the continuous layering of ghee with dough and folding them together, similar to how puff pastry is created. 

Paratha is usually baked on a hot tava (a flat, disc-like frying pan), then shallow-fried off. It results in a beautiful and crisp flatbread that will partner well with stir-fry and thick curries.

3. Chapati

Coming from the word “chapat”, which means “slap” in Hindi, chapati is formed by slapping and stretching out dough. Chapati is an unleavened bread cooked on a tava, as well.

The beauty of chapati is you can pair it with virtually anything. It works well with stews and curries, plus it has a mild nutty flavour on its own that makes it an ideal everyday bread option.

4. Bakhri

Bakhri is usually served in two ways. First, you might encounter Bakhri as a pancake on a hot tava; or, you might see it as a puffed up bread served with ghee. 

Bakhri is a flatbread originating from Maharashtrian cuisine, which is famous for its austere and abundant flavours. Usually, Bakhri is served with baingan bharta and rice.

5. Bhatoora

If you’re craving something deep-fried, Bhatoora is a delicious golden ball of deep-fried goodness. It is a leavened bread created by mixing ghee, yoghurt, yeast, and maida flour. Bhatoora is often served with chana masala and a glass of lassi, a yoghurt drink mixed with some spices.

6. Papadum

Papadum is a crispy flatbread also known as papadom or appalam. Unlike other types of Indian bread, it’s often used as a side dish to complement delicious Indian meals. Usually, papadum is made with lentils and is prepared by deep-frying and roasting over an open flame.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like warm and delicious Indian bread to fill your belly. Don’t hesitate to try them out and give yourself a treat!

If you’re craving Indian bread, drop by the best Indian restaurant near London Bridge, Tower Tandoori. We offer great Anglo-Indian Classics, from the best curry to the yummiest Naan bread. Check out our ala-carte menu today and place your order!