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.

'Roti' is the generic word for all kinds of unleavened flatbreads, that could be made with flour of whole wheat, either by itself (usually) or mixed with flour of different kinds of millets, chickpeas, soya beans, etc. Roti is generally cooked dry (without oil) on a griddle, or in a Tandoor.

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.

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.

Roti and naan are staples in Indian cuisine. At first glance, these two types of flatbreads may look similar, but there are many aspects that are different about the two. You may love both types of these delicious Indian bread but may not know the difference between them.

Depending on what your nutrient needs are, bread, pita, and naan can all fit into a healthy diet. Naan and pita have many of the same benefits of other breads, including carbs, iron, and vitamin B. B vitamins are necessary to help break down and convert food into energy all while keeping hair, skin, and eyes healthy.

Is pita healthier than naan? ›

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.

Vegetarian options are often lower in calories and saturated fats while providing ample protein and fiber. Consider trying dishes like Palak Paneer (spinach and cottage cheese), Baingan Bharta (roasted eggplant), or Daal (lentil curry) for a satisfying and healthful dining experience.

Not necessarily. While different doughs vary nutritionally, flatbread is generally just unleavened bread. In other words, bread dough that was not made to rise. Flatbreads may look smaller, but if it's the same dough, the nutritional contents are identical.

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.

“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.

Serve it with Butter naan, Tandoori Roti, Chapati, Plain Paratha, Steamed fluffy Basmati Rice or Jeera rice for a simple Indian meal. In this post I share the recipe to make the authentic North Indian Butter Chicken known as Murgh Makhani.

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 definitely a healthier choice✅ Rotis are mostly made of whole wheat flour that is rich in dietary fiber. Alongside, rotis made using other cereals like jowar, bajra, ragi, etc are also gaining popularity in South Asian households. You can try making rotis with healthy flours to make them weight-loss friendly❤️

Tandoori Roti also has almost zero cholesterol, as we do not use any saturated or trans fats while preparing the dough or during cooking. On the other hand, Naan uses ghee or butter in its preparation, so it has some saturated fats and cholesterol.

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.