Any Indian meal is incomplete without bread. The Indian breads are not merely side dishes rather some are a whole meal in themselves. Most Indians cook their breads on stove while some varieties need Tandoor or open flame.
For someone trying Indian food for the first time, choosing the right bread can be overwhelming. Breads are an important part of the Indian meal and can greatly impact your dining experience. At Dishes of India, we offer a wide range of breads such as naan, roti, kulcha and parantha and in this post, we can help you determine which is the right choice for you:
Roti- This one is the everyday staple food that is made with whole wheat and cooked on a flat griddle. It is thin, light and wholesome. This choice is best for those who are looking for something lighter, comfortable and diet conscious. It’s slightly chewy texture makes it perfect to enjoy with curries, dals and vegetables.
Naan- It is the most widely recognized Indian bread and people around the world absolutely love it. It has a soft, pillowy texture and is chewy in every bite. It is made by combining flour, yoghurt and yeast and kneading them into a soft dough. It is baked in a traditional clay tandoor. It is perfect for scooping up creamy rich gravies and flavorful sauces.
Dishes of India offers multiple varieties of naan such as Plain Naan which is simple yet versatile to go with any meal, Garlic Naan seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs that add a savoury aroma which best complements the tandoor dishes. There is also Keema Naan which is stuffed with minced lamb and seasoned herbs, flavourful enough that can be enjoyed on its own and then there is Kashmiri Naan which is stuffed with chopped dry fruits and nuts adding a delicate sweet flavour.
Kulcha- It is a cousin of the famous naan and closely resembles it but its interior gives it a whole new character of its own. It is soft, tender and baked until it is lightly golden. Its fillings add a unique richness to its taste. At our restaurant, you can get Paneer Kulcha which has the filling of India’s favourite cheese called paneer. It is spiced and baked in a charcoal clay oven. Onion Kulcha is another option which has a savoury filling of seasoned chopped onions.
Paratha- It is the ultimate Indian breakfast food but you can enjoy it any time of the day. It is a bread that celebrates texture. The dough is folded into multiple layers before being cooked to add soft, flaky texture and often filling is also added. Lacha Paratha is the most layered one. It has thin, flaky folds that you can separate as you tear into it. With a creamy, buttery richness, it can be enjoyed with most gravy-heavy dishes. Then there is Aloo Paratha which is just unbeatable when it comes to comfort food. It originated in the state of Punjab and has a filling of mashed potatoes and spiced peas. Paired with raita, butter, chutney or tangy pickles, it becomes a complete meal in itself.
Every Indian bread has its own story with rich textures and flavours. Whether it is the simplicity of Roti, versatility of Naan, satisfying fillings of Kulcha or the delicate layers of Paratha, you will find it all at Dishes of India, located in Alexandria, Virginia. We provide dine-in, takeout and buffet services to provide you with an authentic experience of the North Indian food.