Butter Garlic Naan Is The Best Bread In The World, And Taste Atlas Agrees!

The global food authority TasteAtlas has crowned the iconic butter garlic naan as the undisputed Best Bread in the World! This isn't just news, but a testament to the Indian flatbread’s irresistible, fragrant charm. Its soft, pillowy texture, smoky tandoor char, and luxurious blend of butter and pungent garlic have officially defeated countless global contenders, proving once and for all that this savoury staple is in a league of its own. 

The regal and aromatic history of naan 

The history of the world’s best bread, the butter garlic naan begins with the venerable naan itself. A refined leavened bread which was introduced to India by the Mughals, the naan is cooked in the intense heat of a tandoor. Initially a luxury bread, which was reserved for the nobles and the royalty, the naan distinguished itself from the common roti with its soft, smoky, and pillowy texture. 

While the original recipes favoured a simple brushing with clarified butter, the beloved butter garlic naan is a brilliant, more recent evolution. This inspired the addition of aromatic minced garlic and rich butter to the tandoor-baked bread, creating a powerful and fragrant profile that perfectly merged with the ancient culinary technique, ultimately cementing its status as the best garlic bread globally. 

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Naan variations from across the globe 

While the butter garlic naan has secured the position of the best bread for garlic bread in the world, its brilliance is echoed in a magnificent family of flatbreads that span across Central and South Asia, each reflecting the unique heritage of its region. The sheer versatility of the naan dough has inspired culinary artisans worldwide to create equally spectacular variations.

1. Keema Naan 

This is a naan that has transformed into a complete, hearty meal. Hailing primarily from the Indian subcontinent, keema naan is generously stuffed with spiced, minced meat before being baked. The rich, savoury filling is sealed within the soft dough, creating a succulent, flavour packed flatbread that is often enjoyed on its own, perhaps with a cooling raita on the side.

2. Peshawari Naan 

Originating from Peshawar in Pakistan, this variation offers a delightful contrast to savoury curries. It is famously stuffed with a mildly sweet mixture of desiccated coconut, raisins, and ground nuts like almonds or cashews. The result is a soft, sweet and nutty flavoured bread that cuts through the heat of spicy dishes, making it a favourite in international Indian restaurants. 

3. Naan-e Afghani 

Considered as the national bread of Afghanistan, this naan is typically larger, thinner, and slightly denser than its Indian counterpart. Often baked in an elongated, oval or rectangular shape, and adorned with decorative patterns and a sprinkling of nigella seeds, this staple is a simpler and more rustic bread. 

4. Roghni Naan 

Popular in Pakistan and the surrounding regions, roghni naan is particularly luxurious. Prepared from a dough that is enriched with milk, yoghurt, and sometimes eggs, the recipe results in a soft, pillow-like texture. Before baking, it is brushed with melted ghee and often topped with fragrant sesame and poppy seeds, which gives it a beautiful golden sheen and a subtle, nutty flavour. 

The other global bread champions 

While the butter garlic naan claimed the gold, the TasteAtlas list reveals that the Indian subcontinent is a powerhouse of spectacular flatbreads, securing multiple spots in the global top ten. The list is a testament to the world’s most cherished simple pleasures, showcasing the mastery of flour, fire, and flavour across diverse cultures. 

The rise of Amritsari kulcha and Parotta 

India’s impressive showing continues with the two culinary giants, each representing a district regional style-

1. Amritsari Kulcha

Clinching the second spot globally, the Amritsari kulcha is a revelation of texture and spice, hailing from the food capital of Amritsar in Punjab. Unlike the simple flatbread, the kulcha is an elaborate, stuffed marvel. In the preparation method of this Indian flatbread, the leavened dough is meticulously filled with a robust mixture of spiced mashed potatoes, onions, paneer, and coriander. A heart meal in itself, the Amritsari kulcha is typically served with tangy chhole masala and a pungent tamarind chutney. 

2. Parotta 

Securing another high rank, at the fifth position in the list, the Parotta is the undisputed champion of South India. This flatbread stands apart due to its sophisticated, multi-layered texture. The dough is primarily made with refined flour and is repeatedly stretched, folded, and coiled like a pinwheel before gridding on a tawa. The perfect accompaniment to a spicy meat or vegetable stew, the parotta proves its elegance in its sheer ability to absorb the rich gravy.  

The Indian Breads

The best breads in the world 

The list of best breads in the world according to TasteAtlas celebrated the extraordinary breads from across the globe that capture the heart of their respective regions. Here’s the complete list of the top 10 best breads-

1. Garlic butter naan
2. Amritsari kulcha
3. Roti canai
4. Pan de bono
5. Parotta
6. Pão alentejano
7. Naan
8. Piadina Romagnola
9. Pão de queijo
10. Bolo do caco