All bread is good bread. From sourdough to focaccia, brioche to bagels (and anything else in between), bread makes the world go round. But, like with most things in life, there can only be one winner – only one can RISE to the top.
Recently, international food guide TasteAtlas released its ranking of the top 100 breads based on votes from around 10,000 readers. And, we’re extremely happy to announce that one of our favourite breads has received the number one spot.
The (bread)winner: roti canai!
The extremely flakey and oh-so-buttery bread that hails from Malaysia is officially the best bread in the world and for a good reason. The perfect accompaniment to any Malaysian curry, roti canai is a yeast-free bread that is rolled out, coiled, and then rolled out again into a disc to achieve that signature flakiness that is a non-negotiable for classic roti canai.
Unlike a lot of breads that require rising (meaning they take hours), roti canai can be made in under an hour, so it’s possible to whip this one up on a weeknight to go with your go-to curry.
World’s best breads: the list of winners
Roti canai wasn’t the only South Asian bread in the top 10, with Indian butter garlic naan and plain naan sitting at 3rd and 8th, respectively. Here’s the top 10:
- Roti canai (Malaysia)
- Pan de bono (Colombia)
- Butter garlic naan (India)
- Nan-e barbari (Iran)
- Pan de yuca (Colombia)
- Focaccia di Recco col formaggio (Italy)
- Baguette (France)
- Naan (India)
- Piadina Romagnola (Italy)
- Tarte flambée (France)
How to make roti canai
Flour, salt, water, butter and oil are all it takes to make the flakiest roti canai ever. Be sure to follow the instructions on how to roll out and coil the flatbread to ensure you get roti canai that’ll transport you to the roti vendors of Malaysia.
You can find our ultimate recipe HERE.
The best curries to serve with your roti:
FAQs
The (bread)winner: roti canai!
What is considered the best bread in the world? ›
International food guide TasteAtlas put out a ranking of the world's 50 best breads, which mentioned Malaysia's 'roti canai' as the best bread in the world. This type of flatbread is a top breakfast option in the country and is prepared very differently than Western varieties.
What is the most eaten bread in the world? ›
The 10 most popular types of bread in the world
- White Bread.
- Baguette.
- Wholegrain Bread.
- Ciabatta.
- Focaccia.
- Sourdough.
- Pumpernickel Bread.
- Rye Bread.
While in this example, the flakes were dusted on top primarily for decoration purposes, Pan Pina bakery in Algatocin, Spain actually bakes gold and silver right into its luxury sourdough loaves, which sell for an astounding 1,480 per unit, making it the most expensive bread in the world.
What is the most famous bread in France? ›
If you can name any French bread, it is sure to be la baguette. This long, thin stick of bread is a staple in any French kitchen, and is perfect for mopping up soups, stews and sauces, or for making into a sandwich.
What is the number one selling bread in the United States? ›
The largest bread brand in the U.S. is United States Bakery, with a revenue of $20.5 billion. As of 2022, the global bread industry has a market size of $497.5 billion. The average American consumes 53 pounds of bread each year.
What is the single most expensive food in the world? ›
The most expensive food in the world is widely considered to be Almas caviar, which is made from the female beluga sturgeon. Almas caviar has multiple qualities that it must meet in order to be deemed authentic. To be deemed Almas caviar, the product must: Come from an albino Iranian beluga sturgeon.
What is the oldest bread in the world? ›
Archaeologists in Turkey have discovered the oldest bread on Earth, dating back to 6600 BC. The 8600-year-old fermented bread was found in Catalhoyuk, Turkey, and its analysis revealed its chemical structure. The bread was made from flour and water, preserved by a thin layer of clay. We all love eating bread.
Why German bread is the best in the world? ›
German breads are also renowned for their bold flavors, thanks to the creative use of ingredients such as nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. Whether it's a fragrant aniseed loaf from the Bavarian Alps or a tangy sourdough from the Rhineland, each bread tells a story of regional terroir and culinary craftsmanship.
What bread is served at every meal in France? ›
The baguette is one of France's most-loved loaves and is eaten throughout the day. Baguettes can be eaten as early as breakfast time—often toasted, buttered, and dunked in coffee. It's a source of carbohydrates and the fiber necessary to start the day off right!
In France, bakers pay careful attention to where their flour is made and which grains are used in the milling process. The result is usually softer, heartier, and tastier bread than can be found in other parts of the world. French flour tends to be made with a lower ash content than the flour from other countries.
Why does France have the best bread? ›
The quality of a French loaf is increased by some, though not all, reputable artisanal bakeries that employ extended fermentation times. When yeast ferments in order to make bread rise it produces alcohol, which provides flavors and aromas. More fermentation time generally increases the taste of bread.
