Restaurants worldwide

Restaurants globally have been observed selling "flatbread" for around $6, often marketed as "stone-baked." These establishments frequently omit the traditional name and cooking method from their menus, presenting it as a generic item alongside other culturally appropriated terms like 'Chai Tea'. This practice strips the food of its rich heritage, rebranding it for a Western palate without acknowledging its origins.

Naan (नान) is a leavened, oven-baked flatbread, a staple in the cuisines of North India and Central Asia. Traditionally, it is cooked in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven, which imparts a unique smoky flavor and characteristic texture. The preparation of naan is often a communal activity, deeply embedded in family traditions and culinary practices, representing hospitality and shared meals across various cultures in the region.

The appropriation of naan as generic "flatbread" has been called out by food writers and cultural commentators, particularly within South Asian communities. Objections center on the erasure of the food's identity, the lack of credit given to its cultural origins, and the misrepresentation of a specific, culturally significant item as a generic product. This practice is seen as part of a broader trend of culinary appropriation where traditional dishes are rebranded and sold at inflated prices without acknowledging their heritage.