Naan: The Soft, Fluffy Bread That Pairs Perfectly with Indian Curries

When you think of Indian bread, naan, a leavened flatbread traditionally baked in a tandoor oven. Also known as tandoori bread, it’s the kind of bread that soaks up curry sauce like a sponge and melts in your mouth—no chewing required. It’s not just bread. It’s the carrier of flavor, the tool for scooping, the comfort in every bite. Unlike roti or chapati, which are plain and unleavened, naan gets its rise from yeast or yogurt, its richness from ghee or butter, and its char from a blazing clay oven.

What makes naan special isn’t just how it’s made, but how it’s eaten. It’s the sidekick to biryani, a layered rice dish with spices, meat, and saffron, the wrap for paneer butter masala, a creamy tomato-based curry with soft cheese cubes, and the perfect dipper for chutney, a tangy, sweet, or spicy condiment made from fruits, herbs, or vegetables. You’ll find it in homes across North India, in roadside dhabas, and even in fancy restaurants—but the best version is still the one fresh off the tandoor, brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Some people think naan is hard to make at home. It’s not. You don’t need a tandoor. A hot skillet or even your oven broiler works fine. The trick is in the dough—letting it rest, kneading it right, and cooking it hot and fast. You’ll see posts here that break down exactly how to get that perfect blistered crust and soft interior. You’ll also find tips on what to avoid, like using cold yogurt or skipping the fermentation step. And yes, there are versions with garlic, cheese, or even stuffed with minced meat. But the classic? That’s the one you’ll come back to.

Naan doesn’t just sit on the side. It’s part of the meal. It’s what you use to pick up that last bit of curry. It’s what you tear and share with friends. It’s the reason you lick your fingers after dinner. If you’ve ever wondered why Indian meals always include bread, the answer is right here—in this simple, soft, buttery flatbread that turns a plate of spices into something unforgettable.