Makki ki roti in English is a maize flour flatbread, also called a cornmeal roti. On the Rajasthani thali at Govindam Retreat in Jaipur it appears as Makke Ki Roti, one of two breads on an 18-item plate, next to Lachha Paratha. Hindi speakers write it मक्के की रोटी, and you will see it spelled makki, makke or makai depending on who wrote the menu.
What is makki ki roti in English?
Makki ki roti is a flatbread made from maize flour, which is why it is often translated as corn roti or cornmeal flatbread. Makka or makki is the Hindi word for maize. Because maize flour has no gluten to hold it together, the dough breaks easily and is pressed by hand rather than rolled thin like a wheat chapati.
The Wikipedia entry on makki ki roti describes it as a maize flatbread eaten across North India, best known in Punjab with sarson ka saag.
Why is makki ki roti part of a Rajasthani thali?
Maize grows in parts of Rajasthan, and maize breads are part of the state's home cooking alongside bajra and wheat. At Govindam Retreat, Makke Ki Roti is a fixed item on the Rajasthani thali, so every plate gets it without ordering separately. It gives the thali a coarser, heavier bread to balance the flaky Lachha Paratha.
The Rajasthani thali page lists both breads among the 18 items. The plate is Rs 700 per person plus 5% GST.
How is makki ki roti different from lachha paratha?
Makki ki roti is a dense maize bread, while lachha paratha is a layered wheat bread. They do different jobs on the same plate. The maize roti holds up to wet curries and chutney, and the paratha is softer and flakier. Eating a bite of each with the same curry is the quickest way to notice the difference.
Bread | Flour | Texture | Eat it with on the thali |
|---|---|---|---|
Makke Ki Roti | Maize | Coarse, thick, breaks in pieces | Lehsun Ki Chutney, Gutta Curry, Kadi Pakoda |
Lachha Paratha | Wheat | Flaky, in thin layers | Paneer Do Pyaaza, Seasonal Vegetable, Daal Fry |
What should you eat with makki ki roti on the thali?
Eat makki ki roti with the sharpest and wettest items on the plate. On the Govindam Retreat thali that means Lehsun Ki Chutney, the garlic chutney, and the gravies such as Gutta Curry and Kadi Pakoda. Tear a piece, scoop the curry, and add a little chutney rather than spreading it over the whole roti.
Our guides to Rajasthani lahsun chutney and Rajasthani kadhi pakoda explain those two items. For the order to eat the whole plate in, see how a Rajasthani thali is eaten.
Does the Govindam Retreat thali serve makki ki roti with sarson ka saag?
No. Sarson ka saag is the Punjabi pairing, and it is not one of the 18 fixed items on the Govindam Retreat Rajasthani thali. On this plate the maize roti comes with Rajasthani curries, chutney, Onion Raita and Dhungari Hui Chaach instead. If you want sarson ka saag, ask the staff what the kitchen has that day.
That difference is worth knowing before you visit, because many people searching for makki ki roti expect the Punjabi plate.
Where can you eat makki ki roti in Jaipur's old city?
You can eat Makke Ki Roti as part of the Rajasthani thali at Govindam Retreat, First Floor, above All Rajasthan Shilp Gram Udyog, Rajamal Ka Talab Road, near Govind Dev Ji Temple, Gangori Bazaar, Jaipur 302002. It is open daily from 10 AM to 11 PM. Small groups can walk in, and groups of 10 or more should call +91 9929949258 to book.
The thali also carries Mawa Bati and Masala Bati, explained in our masala bati and mawa bati guide. For a wider look at the regional food, read our Rajasthani veg dishes guide.