Indian cuisine has earned worldwide recognition yet again, and this time, it’s the humble Indian bread that has taken center stage. The highly respected TasteAtlas March 2025 global rankings have crowned India’s Butter Garlic Naan as the Best Bread in the World. A source of national pride, this recognition highlights the richness and diversity of India’s bread culture — one that has been cherished for generations and now embraced globally.
More impressively, seven different Indian breads made it to the global top 50, showcasing India’s versatile and flavorful approach to bread-making. From the tandoor to the tava, Indian breads offer textures, aromas, and tastes that few cuisines can match.
In this Article
Indian Breads on the TasteAtlas 2025 Global Rankings
Here’s a closer look at the Indian breads that dominated the 2025 list and why they stand out:
1. Butter Garlic Naan (#1)
Soft, leavened, and tandoor-cooked, this naan is brushed with butter and topped with fresh garlic. Its aroma and fluffy texture make it the top choice globally.
2. Amritsari Kulcha (#2)
A Punjabi classic, this stuffed bread is made with refined flour and filled with spicy mashed potatoes, onions, and herbs. Cooked in a tandoor or over a griddle, it is crispy on the outside and soft inside.
3. Parotta (#6)
Originating from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the parotta is a flaky, layered flatbread made with refined flour. Its soft, chewy texture comes from a labor-intensive folding and flattening technique.
4. Naan (Collectively) (#8)
Apart from the garlic version, traditional naan includes plain, butter, and stuffed variations. Made using yeast or yogurt, it’s puffed, chewy, and best served hot.
5. Paratha (#18)
This layered or stuffed flatbread is pan-fried with ghee or oil. Parathas are incredibly versatile and can be made plain or filled with spiced ingredients like potato, cauliflower, or paneer.
6. Bhatura (#26)
Bhatura is a deep-fried, leavened bread made with maida (refined flour), often served with spicy chickpeas (chole). It is soft, puffy, and indulgent.
7. Aloo Naan (#28)
A fusion of naan and paratha, this variation is stuffed with spicy mashed potatoes and cooked in a tandoor or oven. It’s commonly served with curd or dal makhani.
8. Roti (Collectively) (#35)
The most common Indian bread, roti is made from whole wheat flour and cooked on a flat skillet or open flame. It is oil-free, light, and a daily staple in millions of Indian homes.
Check Out: The Significance of Naan, Roti, and Other Indian Breads
Understanding Roti Indian Food: Types and Regional Varieties
Roti isn’t just one bread — it is a family of breads with subtle variations depending on region, flour type, and preparation method.
1. Phulka
A thinner version of roti, phulka puffs up when cooked and is often brushed with ghee. It’s a common part of home-cooked meals in Northern India.
2. Chapati
Similar to phulka but slightly thicker and not puffed. Chapatis are soft and fold easily with curries.
3. Bajra Roti
Made from pearl millet flour, bajra roti is a rustic and nutritious option found in Rajasthan and Gujarat. It has a dense texture and earthy flavor.
4. Jowar Roti
This is a gluten-free roti made from sorghum flour, popular in Maharashtra and Karnataka. It’s hearty and ideal for those seeking healthier options.
5. Missi Roti
Made with a blend of gram flour and wheat flour, often mixed with herbs and spices, this roti hails from Punjab.
6. Makki di Roti
A winter favorite in North India, it’s made from cornmeal and traditionally paired with sarson da saag.
Perfect Pairings: Indian Breads and What to Eat Them With
Each bread comes alive when paired with the right dish. Here’s how you can enjoy Indian breads at their finest:
| Bread Type | Best Paired With |
|---|---|
| Butter Garlic Naan | Paneer Butter Masala, Chicken Tikka Masala |
| Amritsari Kulcha | Chole (Chickpea Curry), Pickled Onions, Mint Chutney |
| Parotta | Kerala-Style Beef Fry, Chicken Chettinad |
| Plain Naan | Dal Makhani, Rogan Josh, Kadai Paneer |
| Paratha | Yogurt, Pickle, or Curries like Aloo Tamatar Sabzi |
| Bhatura | Chole (Chickpeas), Sweet Lassi |
| Aloo Naan | Boondi Raita, Tomato Chutney, Dal Fry |
| Roti / Phulka | Yellow Moong Dal, Bhindi (Okra), Aloo Gobi |
| Bajra Roti | Garlic Chutney, Baingan Bharta, Buttermilk |
| Jowar Roti | Dry Veg Curries, Peanut Chutney, Mango Pickle |
| Missi Roti | Sarson Ka Saag, Lassi, Kadhi Pakora |
Why the World Is Falling in Love with Indian Breads
Indian breads combine simplicity, nutrition, and flavor in ways that resonate across cultures. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or a meat lover, there is a bread for every dietary preference and culinary mood.
Here’s why they stand out globally:
- Diverse in preparation – baked, griddled, or fried
- Suitable for every meal – from street food to royal feasts
- Flour variety – whole wheat, millet, sorghum, maize
- Naturally vegan options – most rotis contain no animal products
- Cultural identity – every state, and even every home, has its own recipe
Roti Indian Food and Beyond — A Culinary Legacy
The 2025 TasteAtlas rankings confirm what Indians have known for centuries — our breads are world-class. While Butter Garlic Naan might be the headline winner, it’s the collective contribution of diverse breads like roti, paratha, kulcha, and parotta that defines India’s food identity.
Roti Indian food is not just sustenance; it is history, health, and heritage served on a plate.