Naan and roti are both Indian breads that have become popular in many parts of the world, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Both breads are made from wheat flour, known as atta in India. Roti is also commonly eaten in the Caribbean. The key difference between the two is that naan is a leavened flatbread, while roti is unleavened. Although roti and naan are mostly found in restaurants, a thinner version of roti called chapatti is often used in home kitchens due to its ease of preparation.
Key Takeaways
- Naan is a leavened flatbread made in an oven, often using yeast for leavening. It is typically thicker than roti and can be made with added milk or yogurt to soften the bread and increase its volume.
- Roti is an unleavened flatbread made from wheat flour and cooked on a pan called a tawa or roasted over a naked flame. It has many variations and is eaten with curries and vegetables, often with ghee spread on top to make it tastier.
- Both naan and roti are considered delicacies and are commonly served in marriage ceremonies, restaurants, and hotels.