Indian cuisine offers one of the richest bread traditions in the world, with an astonishing variety of shapes, textures, and cooking techniques. Whether soft and pliable, flaky and layered, or puffed and crisp, Indian breads are essential to the meal. They are often the highlight.
Flat Unleavened Breads
These are the simplest and most everyday breads, made with whole wheat flour (atta) and water. They are then rolled thin and cooked on a dry griddle (tava). Examples include roti, chapati, and phulka. These breads are light and versatile, perfect for scooping up lentils and curries.
Flat Leavened Breads
Leavened breads often use yeast, yogurt, or baking soda to create a soft, chewy interior. Naan is the best-known example, traditionally cooked in a tandoor. Other regional leavened breads include kulcha, sheermal, and taftan, some enriched with milk or ghee.
Fried Flatbreads
Skilled hands plunge the dough into bubbling oil, transforming it into golden discs with crackling shells and cloud-like centers. Puri stars at holiday breakfasts. Its puffed surface begs to be torn and dipped. Bhatura, its yeasty, fermented cousin, meets its match in a bowl of chole so spicy it makes your eyebrows sweat.
Stuffed Parathas
Parathas are rolled and pan-cooked breads, often stuffed with spiced fillings like potatoes (aloo paratha), paneer, radish, or lentils. They’re hearty, flavorful, and often served with yogurt, pickles, or butter.
Laminated and Layered Breads
Some parathas are laminated, meaning the dough is folded repeatedly with ghee or oil to create flaky, crisp layers. Lachha paratha from North India and Malabar parotta from South India are popular examples—visually stunning and rich in texture.
From everyday staples to festive indulgences, Indian breads are as diverse as the country itself. Each region brings its own ingredients, techniques, and character to the table. This makes Indian bread-making an art form as much as a tradition. And just as breads vary, so do their perfect pairings. Flaky lachha paratha pairs with buttery dal or mooli ke kofte. Every bite tells a story.
