Chapati - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

food preparation

A type of unleavened bread originating from the Indian subcontinent, typically made from whole wheat flour, water, and salt. Chapatis are commonly cooked on a griddle or tava and are a staple food in many Indian households.

Synonyms

flatbread, phulka, roti.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
chapati	Commonly used in South Asian cuisine, particularly in India, Pakistan, and Nepal. Tied to everyday meals and generally refers to a round, unleavened bread cooked on a tava (griddle). For lunch, we had lentils and chapati She prepares fresh chapati every day
roti	Broad term that can refer to any round, unleavened flatbread from Indian subcontinent cuisine. Often used interchangeably with chapati but can also indicate other types of similar breads like 'tandoori roti' baked in a tandoor. The curry was served with roti Roti is a staple in many South Asian households
phulka	Specific type of chapati that puffs up when cooked because it's finished directly on flame. More common in certain regions of India and conveys the idea of a lighter, puffier bread. In her kitchen, she made hot phulkas every evening The children love when their phulka puffs up perfectly
flatbread	A more general term that can refer to any type of flat, thin bread from various cuisines worldwide. Used when the specific type of bread is not being highlighted or when referring to flat, unleavened breads in general. They served the soup with a side of flatbread Flatbread pizzas are really popular at this restaurant

Examples of usage

Would you like some chapatis with your curry?
She learned how to make perfect chapatis from her grandmother.
The aroma of freshly baked chapatis filled the kitchen.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Traditions

Chapati is a staple in many South Asian homes, often served with curries or vegetables.
In some regions, chapati is made using different types of flour, such as millet or sorghum, adding unique flavors.

Cultural Significance

Traditionally, the preparation of chapati is often a communal activity, bringing families together in the kitchen.
In many cultures, the way chapati is cooked – on a hot griddle or tandoor – adds unique characteristics to its texture.

Historical Origins

Chapati has roots tracing back to ancient India, with some references found in texts over 3,500 years old.
The word 'chapati' comes from the Hindi word 'chapat' meaning 'to slap' as the dough is often patted by hand.

Health Aspects

Being made from whole wheat flour, chapati is high in fiber and nutrients, making it a healthy choice.
Unlike some other types of bread, chapati is often made without oil or fat, contributing to a lower-calorie option.

Global Variations

Similar breads can be found across the globe; for example, tortillas in Mexico and lavash in the Middle East.
In East Africa, a variation called 'chapati' includes coconut milk for a distinctive flavor and texture.

Origin of 'chapati'

The word 'chapati' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'cakravartī', which means 'emperor'. Chapatis have been a traditional food in the Indian subcontinent for centuries, with references dating back to ancient texts. They were commonly prepared and consumed as a staple food due to their simplicity and nutritional value.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,541, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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40538 combinatorially
40539 piker
40540 pharisee
40541 chapati
40542 spliff
40543 acrimoniously
40544 canoed
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Chapati Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations