Beyond Naan and Roti: Lesser-Known Indian Breads Worth Trying

By Deven Bhatia

Kulcha

Soft leavened bread often stuffed, originating from North India, providing a delightful alternative to common flatbreads.

Baati

Hard unleavened bread baked and often soaked in ghee, a Rajasthani specialty offering a unique texture and flavor.

Puran Poli

A sweet flatbread stuffed with a mix of lentils and jaggery, popular in Maharashtra, providing a delectable dessert option.

Til Pitha

A traditional Assamese rice flour pancake filled with sesame seeds and jaggery, offering a sweet and nutty flavor.

Sheermal

Saffron-flavored mildly sweet bread from Lucknow, a lesser-known treat perfect for pairing with kebabs or curries.

Litti Chokha

Dough balls filled with roasted gram flour, a specialty from Bihar, served with mashed vegetables for a wholesome meal.

Khar

An alkaline-based bread from Assam, prepared with pulses and raw papaya, offering a unique taste in Indian breads.