These Indian breads just beat global favourites: Butter Garlic Naan is number 1!

Indian cuisine has once again earned global recognition, this time for its beloved breads. Taste Atlas, a renowned food and travel guide known for ranking traditional dishes and ingredients, has released its latest list of the 50 Best Breads in the World (October 2025) – and Indian staples have claimed top spots.

Leading the global list is Butter Garlic Naan, which secured the No. 1 position, followed closely by Amritsari Kulcha at No. 2. In total, six Indian breads found their way into the top 50, underscoring the country’s rich culinary tradition and the central role these breads play in everyday meals across India.

Butter Garlic Naan and Amritsari Kulcha take the lead

At the top of the rankings, Butter Garlic Naan emerged as the world’s favourite bread. The soft, tandoor-baked flatbread is brushed with butter and sprinkled with minced garlic, lending it a smoky aroma and rich flavour. Often served with creamy curries and tandoori dishes, this popular accompaniment combines texture and taste in a way that has won hearts globally.

In second place, Amritsari Kulcha – a signature dish from Punjab – impressed food lovers with its crisp exterior and soft, flavourful centre. Traditionally stuffed with spiced potato, onion, or paneer fillings, the kulcha is baked in a tandoor and served hot with chole (spiced chickpeas), yoghurt, or pickles. A quintessential street food in Amritsar, it’s known for its buttery finish and hearty taste.

Parotta and Naan among global favourites

South India’s Parotta, ranked 5th, also made it to the top ten. Known for its flaky, layered texture, the Parotta is made from refined flour and cooked on a hot griddle after being repeatedly kneaded, stretched, and folded. A staple in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, it’s often paired with kurma, salna, or spicy meat curries. The art of making perfect Parotta is a skill in itself, with dedicated cooks specialising in its preparation at restaurants across South India.

Also featured in the top ten was the classic Naan, taking the 7th position. Traditionally baked in a clay tandoor, this soft and slightly chewy flatbread is a favourite companion to Indian curries and grilled dishes. There are countless variations – from plain naan to those topped or filled with cheese, garlic, or potatoes – making it a versatile part of Indian dining.

Other Indian entries in the top 50

Beyond the top 10, two more Indian breads earned their place among the world’s finest. Paratha, at No. 16, was recognised for its versatility. Thicker than roti but thinner than kulcha, the paratha can be served plain or stuffed with ingredients like potatoes, paneer, or vegetables, and is a breakfast staple across northern India.

Meanwhile, Aloo Naan – a stuffed version of the classic naan – ranked 26th. Filled with spiced mashed potatoes and baked in a tandoor or on a tawa, it is typically brushed with butter or ghee before serving and enjoyed with chutneys, yoghurt, or curries.