Types of Flour in Pakistan – Atta, Maida, Suji & More Used in Everyday Cooking

Flour is a staple ingredient in every Pakistani kitchen, forming the base of countless daily meals—from fluffy rotis to crispy parathas and delicious halwas. But did you know there are many different types of flour used across the country, each with its own flavor, texture, and purpose?

In this blog, we break down the most common types of flour used in Pakistani homes, their uses, and how they contribute to traditional recipes.

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🫓 1. Atta (Wheat Flour)

Visual Suggestion: A traditional clay bowl filled with whole wheat flour and a stack of fresh rotis beside it.

Atta, or whole wheat flour, is the heart of every Pakistani household. Made by grinding wheat grains in stone mills (chakki), it has a coarse texture and a brownish hue. Rich in fiber and nutrients, it’s used to make:

• Roti (daily bread)

• Paratha

• Puri

Atta is favored for its digestibility, flavor, and health benefits. It retains the bran and germ, making it a better choice than refined flour.

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🥖 2. Maida (Refined White Flour)

Visual Suggestion: A flat-lay of maida with baking tools like a rolling pin, pastry brush, and some naan or samosas.

Maida is a refined version of wheat flour, milled to remove the bran and germ, leaving a soft white powder. It is used for:

• Baking (cakes, biscuits, pastries)

• Fried items like samosas, pakoras

• Special breads like naan, kulcha, sheermal

Although less nutritious than atta, maida gives soft texture and better elasticity, making it ideal for bakery-style items.

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🍚 3. Suji (Semolina)

Visual Suggestion: A bowl of suji with cooked suji halwa garnished with almonds.

Suji, or semolina, is partially ground wheat with a sandy texture. In Pakistani kitchens, it is commonly used in:

• Suji ka Halwa (a breakfast or dessert dish)

• Upma or savory porridge

• Coating for fried snacks

• Baking cakes or biscuits with added texture

Suji is light, easily digestible, and often considered a semi-healthy flour alternative.

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🌰 4. Besan (Gram Flour)

Visual Suggestion: A wooden spoon with yellow besan powder, next to pakoras or boondi.

Besan is made by grinding split chickpeas (chana dal) and is gluten-free. It’s used in:

• Pakoras, Dhokla, Boondi

• Kadhi

• Face packs and skincare (traditionally)

It's protein-rich and ideal for vegetarians. It also adds a unique flavor to fried and steamed dishes.

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🍞 5. Makai Ka Atta (Corn Flour – Desi)

Visual Suggestion: Corn cobs, a bowl of corn flour, and hot makai ki roti with saag.

A winter favorite in Punjab, makai ka atta is coarse cornmeal. Commonly used to make:

• Makai ki Roti

• Cornbread (rare)

It pairs best with sarson ka saag and is gluten-free, adding rustic flavor and texture.

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🌾 6. Rice Flour (Chawal ka Atta)

Made from finely ground rice, this flour is common in:

• Sweets (like Kheer or rice pancakes)

• Thickening agents for sauces

• Gluten-free baking

It’s lighter and less commonly used but perfect for special diets.

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🧇 7. Multigrain & Fortified Flours (Modern Choices)

Visual Suggestion: Packaged multigrain atta with images of flax, oats, barley, and wheat.

Modern families are also turning toward healthier flour blends, often combining:

• Wheat

• Barley

• Millet (Bajra)

• Oats

• Flaxseed

These are rich in fiber, omega-3s, and complex carbs, ideal for people with diabetes or weight concerns.

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📘 Conclusion: Choose Your Flour Wisely

Whether you're making a simple roti or a festive mithai, using the right kind of flour can make all the difference. Traditional flours like atta, maida, and suji are deeply tied to our culinary heritage, while new options like multigrain flour are adding modern health benefits to our meals.

Next time you shop, choose the flour that suits your recipe and your health goals.

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🛒 Want to Buy Quality Flour in Pakistan?

Visual Suggestion: Display your brand's flour packaging – 555, 444, 222 etc. in a lifestyle kitchen setting.

Explore our premium flour range including:

• 555 Chakki Atta – for soft, wholesome rotis

• 555 Maida & Suji – refined for cooking & baking

• 444 Whole Grain Wheat Flour – for nutrition-focused households

• 222 Bread Flour – perfect for bakery-style softness

📦 Available at leading stores across Pakistan!