Sel Roti

A fermented batter of rice flour, sugar and ghee is poured in a circle into hot oil, frying into a crisp, ring-shaped sweet bread. It is made for festivals like Tihar and Dashain.

Sel Roti is a traditional ring-shaped rice bread from Nepal, made by fermenting a batter of rice flour, sugar, ghee, and water, then deep-frying it in oil. Its exact origins are debated, but it is widely associated with the Kathmandu Valley and the Newar community, where it has been prepared for centuries during religious festivals and household celebrations.

While Sel Roti is enjoyed across Nepal, variations exist in thickness, sweetness, and the use of spices like cardamom or cloves. It is most prominently made during the festivals of Tihar (Deepawali) and Dashain, where it symbolizes prosperity and is offered as a delicacy to family, guests, and deities. The bread also appears in Indian regions bordering Nepal, such as Sikkim and Darjeeling, reflecting its cross-cultural appeal.