30+ Authentic Indian Flatbread Recipes
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From naan to parathas to many different types of rotis, this list of 30+ Indian flatbread recipes will not disappoint. They are perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner with a delicious bowl of Indian curry. You can also enjoy them for breakfast or as a snack with a hot cup of tea.
Indian flatbread and its variations
From dunking into curries to dipping in pickles and raitas to scooping up a side dish, breads are an integral part of the Indian diet.
Indian cuisine is known to be diverse, and just like the curries, there is a huge variety of breads made in the Indian subcontinent. From unleavened bread such as rotis and parathas to leavened ones like naan to fermented crepes like dosa, the variations are endless.
This is because every region in India uses locally available ingredients to make these breads. They are cooked in different ways, too – some are pan-fried, deep-fried, steamed, baked, or cooked in a tandoor oven.
Note: Leavened breads are the ones that contain a rising agent such as active dry yeast, baking powder, etc. The leavening or rising agents make the bread lighter and airier.
What do you serve with Indian bread?
Depending on the flatbread, the accompaniments may vary. Here’s a general rule of thumb –
- Rotis, plain parathas, naan, and layered parathas are often served with curries, dal, or side dishes (vegetable or protein-based).
- Stuffed parathas such as aloo paratha and paneer paratha are often served with homemade yogurt, raita, and pickles. You can also serve it with mango lassi, sweet lassi, or a hot cup of ginger or masala tea.
- South Indian rotis and dosas are usually served with chutneys.
Looking for some paneer dishes to go with your rotis and parathas? You’re in for a treat. Look at these 35+ delicious paneer recipes that will surely satiate your cravings.
Popular Indian Bread Recipes
From breakfast to dinner and to everything in between, Indian bread makes its way into our daily meals one way or the other. Let’s look at the most popular flatbreads in the Indian subcontinent.
Deep-fried Indian bread
Poori with Aloo bhaji
Poori is a deep-fried bread that is often served for breakfast or lunch with aloo bhaji (spicy potato side dish) or shrikhand (sweetened hung yogurt). The recipe below will give you all the tips and tricks to make puffed-up pooris.
Bhatura
Popular puffed Indian deep-fried bread, bhatura is best enjoyed with chole (spiced chickpea curry). Chole Bhature is one of North India’s most popular dishes!
Mangalore Buns
Mangalore buns, also called sweet banana buns, are one of a kind. They are almost like a poori but slightly thicker with a hint of sweetness. You can serve it with coconut chutney or have it as-is.
Restaurant bread baskets
In most Indian restaurants in the US, you can sample a variety of flatbreads when you order the bread basket. The ones listed below are the most popular. Try making them at home; I am sure you’ll love the taste of homemade bread much better.
Homemade Naan Recipe – 3 ways (plain, butter, and garlic)
Naan is probably the most popular Indian flatbread served in Indian restaurants worldwide. Buttery garlic naan is often served with butter chicken or with a side of tandoori chicken.
Though naan is traditionally made in a clay oven (tandoor), you can make it at home without one. This easy-to-follow post will teach you how to make pillowy soft plain, butter, or garlic Indian naan bread at home using your stovetop.
Tandoori roti
Make restaurant-style Tandoori Roti at home without any tandoor with this easy step-by-step recipe. These rotis are crisp on the edges and soft in the center. Serve them with a bit of melted butter or ghee slathered on top with your favorite curries.
Rumali roti
Rumali Roti or Roomali Roti, or Manda, is a vegan, soft, and thin tasty flatbread made using a combination of all-purpose flour and wheat flour. This flatbread can be served with any curry or gravy of your choice.
Kerala / Malabar parotta
Kerala Parotta or Malabar Parotta is a layered, flaky Indian flatbread that goes great with curries. It is also called khasta paratha. Learn how to make South Indian parotta from scratch.
Soft Chapati / Roti / Phulka
Did you know most Indians don’t make naan at home as often as they make rotis, chapatis, or phulkas at home? Rotis made with whole wheat flour are considered healthier than naan. This unleavened Indian flatbread is consumed almost daily in the Northern and western parts of India.
Chapatis are often cooked in a cast iron skillet or a nonstick pan over medium heat. Once brown spots appear on both sides, they are cooked over a direct flame to puff them up.
The biggest challenge with rotis is to make them soft and puffy. Don’t worry; I’ve gotten down all the tips and tricks to nail a perfect roti or chapati. While there are many different types of roti recipes below, let’s get started with the basic roti made with whole wheat flour.
Types of roti
Makki ki roti (Maize flour roti)
North Indians love makki ki roti, a flatbread made with maize flour. It is a staple during winters and often enjoyed with sarson ka saag (greens).
Bajra roti
Bajra Roti is a gluten-free flatbread made from finely ground pearl millet flour. These instant rotis need no leavening, just flour, water, and a little bit of practice.
Akki roti (Rice roti)
Akki roti is a gluten-free flatbread from Karnataka. Made from rice flour and veggies, this nutritious dish not only tastes good but is easy on your stomach, too.
Different types of paratha
Parathas are crispy and flaky flatbreads that are not too different from rotis as far as the ingredients are involved. The difference lies in how it is rolled.
Parathas are rolled into a circular shape and then smeared with ghee or oil. The dough is then folded several times and then rolled again. This gives the bread a flaky texture.
Not all parathas are layered; some are stuffed, too. Layered parathas have spices or fillings added while making the dough, whereas stuffed parathas, such as the popular aloo paratha, have stuffings filled in during the rolling process.
Stuffed parathas are perfect for when you want a hearty breakfast or brunch. Plain parathas or layered parathas are often served with curry dishes and sometimes even for snacks along with evening tea.
Equipment needed
You’ll need the following equipment to make parathas and rotis
- [Optional but helpful] Stand mixer or food processor
- Metal / Marble / Wood base with a rolling pin (or Chakla Belan in Hindi)
- Tava / Griddle
- Spatula / Turner
- Paper towel
- Parchment paper – if freezing the parathas.
Plain Paratha
This is an easy paratha recipe for you to get started with. The step-by-step photos in this post will teach you how to make round, square, and triangular parathas in no time.
Laccha paratha
Beautifully layered, this crispy and flaky flatbread comes together with five simple ingredients. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or served alongside dals, curries, and more, this buttery Indian flatbread satisfies everyone!
Ajwain paratha (Carom seeds flatbread)
This fragrant Indian flatbread made with carom seeds and whole wheat flour is a delicious twist on the plain paratha. Have it for lunch with curries or for evening snacks with tea – it tastes great either way.
Aloo paratha (Spiced potato parathas)
This Indian flatbread made with spiced mashed potatoes is the perfect way to start your day. Pack it for lunch or savor it for brunch – this filling, healthy meal is perfect for any time of the day.
Methi paratha (Fenugreek flatbread)
If you like methi theplas, you’ll enjoy this variety of paratha made from methi (fenugreek leaves). The fragrant methi leaves make these healthy parathas a gastronomic experience that you won’t soon forget.
Pyaaz paratha (Onion paratha)
Filled with onions and aromatic spices, this stuffed onion paratha recipe definitely packs a punch.
Paneer paratha (Crumbled cottage cheese paratha)
This paneer paratha is a favorite with my kids. What I love most is that it is easy to prep ahead, and it freezes well, too.
Gobi Paratha (Grated cauliflower paratha)
Gobhi paratha is a popular flatbread stuffed with spicy cauliflower filling. It’s enjoyed with yogurt, Indian pickles, and some hot cup of chai on the side.
Mooli paratha (Radish paratha)
Whole wheat flatbread stuffed with grated white radish, this mooli paratha makes a filling breakfast or lunch!
Masala paratha (Spiced flatbread)
Flavorful and flaky, this masala paratha recipe makes a hearty breakfast, filling lunch, or satiating snack. With variations for both paratha and roti, this spiced Indian flatbread is sure to hit the spot.
Methi thepla
Methi thepla, a flatbread made from fenugreek leaves (methi) is one of the iconic dishes from the western Indian state of Gujarat. It is a versatile dish that makes for a popular breakfast or snack.
Craving for more paratha Recipes?
15+ Best Paratha RecipesYou’ll love this collection of delicious Indian paratha recipes. Savor this pan-fried flaky flatbread with curries or as breakfast/snack with tea.
Baked bread
Laadi pav
These eggless ladi pavs are surprisingly simple to make and taste much better than the store-bought ones. These golden pavs make a perfect meal when paired with pav bhaji.
Types of Dosa
Indian breads made in the northern and western regions are made from wheat flour, while breads such as dosas made from fermented rice batter are more common in southern India. Here are a few popular breads from South India.
Crispy Dosa
This is the plain dosa or sada dosa recipe. You can easily tailor this recipe to make masala dosa or cheese dosa.
Uttapam
Uttapam is savory pancakes with crispy golden edges and a pillowy soft center topped with veggies. Traditionally served as breakfast in India, wholesome Uttapam also makes for a quick and satiating meal.
Buttermilk dosa
These buttermilk dosas are one of a kind – they are soft and literally melt in your mouth. Serve it with coconut chutney or your favorite chicken curry.
Kappa rotti
Kappa rutti or Kappa rotti – This soft in the center and crispy on the sides; 4-ingredient dosa or pancake from Mangalore is a culinary delight. Try it out today – no fermentation required!
Moong dal dosa
Moong Dal Dosa is a savory crepe made with moong dal (split petite yellow lentils). It’s gluten-free, easy to make, and makes a filling breakfast or lunch. Stuff it with paneer or tofu (for the vegan version), and you have got a complete protein-packed meal!
Neer dosa
This thin crepe from Mangalore is a must-try in my book. Delicate and soft, this rice crepe tastes great with coconut chutney and kori gassi (Mangalorean chicken curry).
Besan chilla
Besan Chilla is a savory pancake made with gram flour and veggies. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and a popular breakfast in India!
Looking for easy breakfast recipes?
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