Different Types of Indian Rotis
Ever gotten confused about which type of Indian bread to order when you’re in a restaurant? Don’t you worry! Look at the difference here and select your favourite!
In India, there are a few different types of Roti based on the region you are in. In some parts of western India, the dough is rolled out small and really thin. These are called ‘Rotli’. In other parts of Western India, roti are called ‘fulkas’, ‘chapatis’, or ‘polis’. In North India, the dough is rolled out thick, and these rotis are known as parathas. The rolling technique is also slightly different from region to region, but the final dish, topped with ghee is always awesome.
It's best to serve and enjoy hot roti immediately. If I am making them ahead of time, I keep them in a hot pot casserole that keeps the roti warm for a couple of hours.
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Phulka -
Phulka or Phulka Roti is a soft melt-in-the-mouth whole wheat Indian flatbread, that is a daily meal staple in many Indian homes. You have this thinly rolled Indian bread with homemade aromatic ghee, and you have the best accompaniment to go with curry dishes.
Phulka or Fulka, quite simply means ‘puffed up’. The process involves first rolling out the roti in thin circles. Next, they are partially roasted on a hot pan, followed by roasting directly over the flame, till they puff up.
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Chapati -
Chapati is a type of roti, and often the words are used interchangeably. In my lexicon, chapati is made on a tawa only and roasted with oil or ghee.
Chapati is usually larger in size than a phulka.
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Tandoori Roti
It’s a flatbread made with whole wheat and traditionally cooked in tandoor (cylindrical clay oven) hence the name tandoori. The roti is usually thicker than the regular roti and has crisp edges and soft center. It’s a popular bread that you would find on the menu of most Indian restaurants and it’s almost always served with some ghee or butter on top.
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Rumali Roti -
The Hindi word ‘rumal/roomal’ literally translates to ‘handkerchief’ in English. Since, a Rumali Roti is a thin, soft flatbread that can be folded like a handkerchief; hence, these rotis are very aptly named so. This variety is also one of the most popular flatbreads served in almost any and every Indian restaurant, across the globe.
Usually, at street side dhabas or in hotels, the rotis are flipped and stretched in air. Flipping and stretching rotis in air requires good mastery and skill.
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Rice Roti -
Rice flour rotis, aka Chawal Atta Chapatis, are very popular in Indian community. It is super soft, healthy and delicious!! They come together quickly with very few ingredients, Rice Flour being the major one!! These rotis taste amazing with any type of curries, dal, subzis, raita, achar etc.
