Qatlama

Qatlama is a fried bread in the Central Asian regions, often served with various toppings.

Lastest Updated May 27, 2024
Verified by A-Z Cuisines Team
  • Street Food
Home » Dishes A-Z » Qatlama

Fact: As an alternate name for qatlama, katlama often refers to poor man’s pizza.

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Flag of Kyrgyzstan#18 in Kyrgyzstan

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Basic Information

Qatlama: Basic Information

Pronunciation

/qɑttɑmɑ/

Alternative Name(s)

Katlama, katmer (Turkish), qator gambir (Mongolian), qattama (Azerbaijanian), катма (Bulgarian)

Dish Type

Cakes and pastries

Course

Dessert

Mealtime

Anytime

Popular Variations

Origin and Region

Qatlama: Origin and Region

Origin

  • Kazakhstan
  • Turkey
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bulgaria
  • Mongolia

Continent’s Region

  • Central Asia
  • South Asia
  • West Asia
  • South Caucasus
  • East Europe

Country’s Region

Nationwide Origin

Associated Region

Unspecified
Qatlama Origin Map
Ingredients and Preparation

Qatlama: Ingredients and Preparation

Main Ingredients

All-purpose flour

Main Cooking Method

Deep-frying

Preparation Process

Folding of dough before deep-frying with added toppings for serving
A Deep Dive

Qatlama: A Deep Dive

Cultural Significance

Traditional dish in Central Asia with variations across regions and South Asia

Taste

Sweet, savory

Texture

Crispy and layered

Aroma

Mild

Color

Golden brown

Serving Style

On a plate

Serving Temperature

Hot

Accompaniment

Varies based on region and tradition

Occasions

Festivals

Seasons

Year-round

Special Diets

Vegan, vegetarian

Calories

442 calories, according to data of MyFitnessPal for 1 serving of katlama

Popularity

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Mongolia

Popular Similar Dishes

  1. Paratha
  2. Roti

Popular Dining Area

Street food stalls and traditional eateries in Central and South Asia

Qatlama is a fried layered bread popular in Central Asia and South Asia (in the Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh regions). Known by various names across regions, like katlama, qator gambir, and ketmer, its preparation involves folding a simple dough made of flour, salt, water, and oil.

Qatlama Infographic

This dough is then fried before being filled with diverse ingredients, ranging from kaymak and pistachios to gram flour, spices, and herbs. Commonly, deep-fried qatlama provides a crispy, golden texture.

Depending on its topping, this Central Asian bread is enjoyed as a sweet dessert or a savory treat. Commonly seen as a street food delicacy or a traditional dish in Kyrgyzstan, kattama is not only a favorite breakfast choice but also used in festivals and significant events.

Beyond the features of qatlama, let me introduce you to the variants of this bread along with the upsides and downsides of consuming qatlama. Later, make sure you explore the important queries about qatlama.

Key Points

  • Qatlama is a fried layered bread from Central Asia, often referred to as poor man’s pizza.
  • Qatlama is a popular street food with toppings in Central Asia, enjoyed during breakfast, festivals, and significant events.

Qatlama Images

What Are the Types of Qatlama?

Here are the many versions of qatlama to expand your knowledge about this interesting dish:

After knowing about the many variants of qatlama, take your time to discover the benefits and drawbacks that you should know before eating this bread creation.

Pros and Cons of Eating Qatlama

Remember, when eating something, it’s important for you to consider all the effects that the food has on you. For that, I offer you a compilation of the features that you will face when consuming qatlama.

Pros

  • Adaptability: Qatlama is adaptable to both savory and sweet, making it suitable for various occasions, from breakfasts to desserts.
  • Economic: In many places, qatlama is a cost-effective food option, providing sustenance at a relatively low cost.
  • Tradition and Festivity: In some regions, qatlama is associated with special occasions and festivals, making it a dish that brings people together.
  • Energy Source: Being carbohydrate-rich, it can provide a quick energy boost.

Cons

  • Weight Management: Regular consumption, especially if combined with other calorie-dense foods, will potentially de-rail weight management goals.
  • Digestibility: For some, especially those not used to fried foods, qatlama is harder to digest or cause discomfort.
  • Not Ideal for Certain Diets: Those on low-carb, low-fat, or other specific diets will find qatlama unsuitable.

After knowing what you’re in for when consuming qatlama, I’d like to introduce you to some fascinating concerns surrounding this interesting type of bread.

Qatlama FAQs

Yes. While traditional qatlama uses wheat flour, gluten-free flour like rice flour, chickpea flour, or a gluten-free blend are perfect to create a gluten-free version, though the texture also varies.

To store qatlama, simply transfer the bread into an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. For longer storage, it’s best to refrigerate or freeze the bread, then reheat it in an oven or on a skillet to regain some of its crispiness.

Hard or tough qatlama is often the result of overworking the dough or using too little water. Ensuring the right dough consistency and not over-kneading is crucial to achieving a softer qatlama.

Yes, but butter burns more easily than oil or ghee, so monitor the frying temperature closely to prevent burning.

To achieve uniform browning, ensure your pan is evenly heated before adding the bread. Using a heavy-bottomed pan is proven helpful for even heating.

Adam Sam

Adam Sam

Senior Food and Drink Editor

Expertise

Food Writer & Recipe Developer, Recipe Tester, Bartender, Cooking-video Maker, Editor In Chief

Education

  • University of Gastronomic Sciences – Pollenzo (Italy) (MA Food Culture, Communication & Marketing)
  • Johnson & Wales University (US) (Baking and Pastry Arts)
  • Professional Bartender at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Adam Sam, an experienced food writer and recipe developer, is passionate about blending diverse culinary traditions, national dishes, and innovative beverages, showcasing his proficiency in both traditional and modern recipe testing.

As the Editor-in-Chief, he elevates culinary content from street food to fine dining, focusing on Western cuisine and types of drinks at azcuisines.com, and is professional in creating engaging cooking videos that simplify complex dishes and ingredients.

His passion for food is evident in his writing, where he uniquely merges various cultures, traditions, and contemporary trends, skillfully combining classic recipes with modern cooking methods.

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