Roti vs. Naan - A comparative look at the differences

Roti or Naan is a staple in Indian households. Every meal during the day includes one or the other form of bread, whether it’s paratha in the breakfast or roti in the dinner. These two types of bread come in variations depending on their fillings and cooking style that leads you to confusion sometimes. With this comparison of Roti and Naan, you’ll no longer hesitate to order Indian food takeout. So, let’s see how these two are different from each other by understanding them from different aspects.

Flour used 

Naan and Roti both are flatbread but the first thing that makes them different from each other is the flour used in the making. While Roti is made with whole wheat flour, Naan requires all-purpose flour which is fully milled to prepare the dough. 

Dough preparation 

Another big difference between Naan and Roti is how you prepare the dough. The dough of Naan is prepared using yeast and yogurt to make it fluffy. It is leavened so the dough doubles up in size and becomes light. But Roti is usually made with unleavened dough and you only need lukewarm water and a little bit of oil (optional) to bind it.

Cooking Technique 

The cooking process also defines which bread you want to cook. Naan is made in a traditional tandoor (charcoal oven) to bring out the taste and texture. Whereas, roti is usually cooked on a flat stovetop skillet. Sometimes, Roti is also made in tandoor and called Tandoori Roti    

 

Cooking Time 

Roti can be quickly prepared in comparison to Naan. Owing to the different shapes, sizes, and cooking methods, Naan takes a longer time in the oven while Roti can easily be cooked on the skillet.

Texture 

Unlike Naan, Roti has a coarse texture with less elasticity. But Naan is soft, chewy, and more elastic due to the ingredients used to prepare the dough.

Thickness 

Roti is mostly thin as compared to Naan. But Naan is usually thicker than all forms of Rotis. 

Calories

Roti has fewer calories than Naan. The reason is roti is made with wheat flour that has lots of fiber but the fat and carbs present in Naan make it high in calories. So, if you are conscious about your calorie intake, choose your bread accordingly when you visit an Indian restaurant.  

Now that we’ve compared the two types of bread and understood what makes them unique. Let’s not delay anymore and visit India Garden in Pleasanton to try them with mouth-watering dishes. You can also order Indian food home delivery to enjoy the succulent dishes from the comfort of your home.