Indian street food
What is a paratha?
A paratha is an unleavened whole wheat flatbread cooked on a hot griddle with butter or ghee until flaky and golden. Stuffed versions turn it into a full meal.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 2 min read
Dough
Whole wheat
Cooked
Griddle, with butter
Fillings
Potato, paneer, cheese
Served
Butter, yogurt, pickle
01
What makes a paratha
The name combines “parat”, meaning layer, and “atta”, whole wheat flour. A plain paratha is layered by folding the dough with butter, then rolled and cooked until it puffs into flaky layers. A stuffed paratha wraps a filling inside the dough before rolling.
02
Popular stuffings
The common fillings are made to be mashed or grated so they spread evenly:
- Aloo: spiced mashed potato, the most popular.
- Gobhi: grated cauliflower with chilli, coriander and spices.
- Paneer: crumbled fresh cottage cheese with spices.
- Mix: a blend of spiced vegetables.
- Cheese: melted cheese with light seasoning.
- Plain: no stuffing, just buttery, flaky layers.
03
Where it comes from
Parathas are most closely associated with Punjab and North India, where they are a breakfast staple at home and at roadside dhabas. They are now eaten across the country with regional variations.
04
How to eat one
Tear the paratha with your fingers and scoop it with a bit of yogurt, pickle or butter. A cup of chai goes with it at breakfast, and a glass of lassi turns it into a heartier meal.
05
Parathas at Tapri Chai
Our parathas are on the All Day Breakfast menu: Aloo Paratha ($9.99), Gobhi Paratha ($10.99), Paneer Paratha ($11.99), Mix Paratha ($11.99), Cheese Paratha ($10.99) and a Plain Paratha ($3.49). We are at 200 Kennevale Dr in Barrhaven, Ottawa, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm.
Questions, answered.
What is the difference between a paratha and a roti?
A roti is a plain unleavened flatbread. A paratha is layered and cooked with butter or ghee, and is often stuffed.
Is paratha vegetarian?
Yes. The dough is wheat flour, and the fillings are vegetables, cheese or paneer. Tapri Chai’s kitchen is 100% vegetarian.
What do you eat with paratha?
Butter, yogurt and pickle are traditional. Many people pair a paratha with chai or lassi.
What is the most popular paratha?
Aloo paratha, stuffed with spiced potato, is the best-known.
How much are parathas at Tapri Chai?
They range from $3.49 for a plain paratha to $11.99 for paneer or mix.
At Tapri Chai
Taste it for yourself.
Our kitchen in Barrhaven is 100% vegetarian. 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Ottawa. Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm. Closed Mondays.