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. This blog post will shed some light as to the distinction between the two and the other important information about these two types of flatbread.
Roti vs. Naan: Which Indian Flatbread Is Superior?
The battle to know which type of flatbread is better has been going on for ages. If you have been to your local Indian joint, you will already know how scrumptious these are! Is one better than the other? Read on to find out.
Definition
By definition, roti is an unleavened flatbread that is traditionally made from whole wheat flour. This type of flatbread will have no filling by itself but it will usually be served with delectable food options that can be put into the roti as a filling. Roti can be filled with meat, veggies, and various other prepared fillings.
On the other corner, we have naan. Naan is another flatbread traditionally served in Indian restaurants but the difference is that there will already be a filling inside these flatbread pockets. Naan may be stuffed with curd, fresh desiccated coconut, butter, nigella seeds, and raisins.
Preparation and Cooking Method
One of the main differences between these two flatbreads is in the way that they are cooked. Before your naan or roti reaches your table, Roti will be cooked in a Tawa or flat skillet while naan is usually cooked in a tandoor oven.
Different Types
Both roti and naan have different types and varieties. You can order your roti in chapati, tandoori roti, missi roti, roomali roti, phulka, and other types. When it comes to naan, you will usually find plain naan, baby naan, butter naan, garlic naan, laccha naan, cheese naan, and paneer naan and many more types in most Indian or Pakistani restaurants!
Mouthfeel
Roti has varying thicknesses but it is never thicker than naan. Naan is usually much thicker than any type of roti and will have a more dense mouthfeel in comparison to roti. However, both of these flatbreads will be soft and chewy.
Nutritional Value
When it comes to calorie content, roti will have a much lower calorie content than naan. This will make it the better flatbread for people who are looking to watch their weight. Roti is packed with different vitamins and minerals. Nan has much more calories and contains more amounts of fat and cholesterol compared to roti,
Conclusion
No matter which type of Indian flatbread you choose, both are indispensable aspects of this diverse cuisine. If you are planning to host a party or event at your local Indian restaurant, knowing which type of flatbread to order for your event is vital. To make sure that you are making the right choice, it is best to discuss the matter with the restaurant's chef. They will be able to offer sound advice as to how to put together a delicious menu for your guests.
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