There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh tandoori naan.
After all, it’s a staple of traditional South Asian cuisine, enjoyed across the world for its smoky flavour and perfect balance of crispy and soft textures.
And if you’re a fan of naan, you probably know it as the ideal side for your favourite curries and gravies.
But what makes tandoori naan so special?
Let’s explore where it comes from, how it’s made today, and how you can pair it with some savoury dishes right in your kitchen.
A Journey through tradition: The history and origins of Tandoori Naan
Tandoori naan has roots that date back thousands of years, originating in the Indian subcontinent.
Traditionally, it was baked in a tandoor, a clay oven used for cooking not just bread but also roasting meats and vegetables. The tandoor was often the heart of the home, where families and neighbours gathered to share meals.
Over time, it became a beloved part of Indian and Pakistani cuisine and is now enjoyed globally for its versatility.
So, what exactly is tandoori naan made of?
It is made of simple ingredients: plain flour, dry yeast, cumin powder, salt, sugar, onion seeds, and milk. Once combined into a dough and left to rise, the dough is traditionally cooked inside a hot tandoor, giving it its signature smoky flavour, crispy exterior, and soft, fluffy interior.
What’s the difference between a Naan and a Tandoori Naan?
The key difference between regular naan and tandoori naan lies in how they’re cooked.
Regular naan is usually baked in an oven or on a stovetop, resulting in a softer texture. Tandoori naan, however, is cooked in a tandoor—a super-hot clay oven that gives it those crispy edges and beautiful charred bubbles that make it truly unique.
While the traditional tandoor method is still widely used, modern alternatives make it easy to enjoy the authentic flavour at home. Ready-to-cook options, like Taza’s Tandoori Naan, offer the same smoky flavour and crisp texture, so you can enjoy this classic bread without needing a tandoor in your backyard.
Now that we’ve covered what makes it so special, let’s dive into how to enjoy it!
5 dishes you can pair with tandoori naan
Here are five savoury dishes you can pair with this delicious flatbread:
Chicken Tikka Masala
The creamy, spiced tomato sauce of chicken tikka masala is perfectly balanced when scooped up with tandoori naan. It soaks up the sauce while adding a bit of crispy texture to each bite.
Palak Paneer
This spinach and cheese curry is a fantastic vegetarian option that pairs beautifully with naan. The soft and fluffy naan acts as a perfect vessel for the rich, flavourful sauce.
Butter Chicken
Known for its silky, buttery gravy, butter chicken and tandoori naan are a match made in heaven. Tear off a piece of naan and dip it into the creamy sauce for a satisfying meal.
Rogan Josh
A hearty lamb dish with a spiced, flavorful curry, Rogan Josh pairs wonderfully with the naan. The smoky flavour of the naan complements the richness of the lamb perfectly.
Chana Masala
This chickpea curry is not only healthy but also incredibly flavorful. The naan adds the perfect contrast with its soft interior and slightly crisp edges, making every bite better than the last.
Taza Tandoori Naan: Convenience without compromise
At Taza, we know how much you love authentic tandoori naan, but not everyone has the time to make it from scratch.
That’s why we offer ready-to-cook flatbreads, so you can enjoy all the flavours without the hassle.
How do we make it?
We make our naan using fresh dough, cooked in a traditional tandoor oven to give it that signature smoky flavour and perfect balance of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Whether you pair it with curries or enjoy it as a snack, it’s always ready to impress. You can keep it simple with plain naan or add a touch of butter, ghee, or chutney for extra flavour. It’s great as an appetizer or a side dish, making it versatile enough for any meal.
Some cooking tips!
So, when you’re all set to cook this tandoori flatbread, simply preheat your oven to its highest setting, place the naan on a baking sheet or pizza stone, and bake for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy. In no time, you’ll have restaurant-quality naan on your table!
Find Taza Tandoori Naan near you
Taza is all about making it easy to enjoy authentic, wholesome meals without the hassle.
Whether you’re a busy parent, student, or simply looking for convenient meal options, our selection of frozen flatbreads and ready-made meals has something for everyone.
You can easily find Taza Tandoori Naan and much more in stores across the USA, from Dallas to California and everywhere in between. Use our store locator to find the nearest spot and pick up your Taza favourites.
We’re proud to be available at multiple stores across the U.S., including locations in Houston, Virginia, Chicago, Florida, and more.
So, with Taza, enjoying the rich, traditional flavours you love has never been easier!
Bring the rich history of tandoori naan right to your table with Taza—no hassle, just authentic flavour.
