There was a time when burgers and BLTs (and other iconic sandwiches) dominated the handheld category. Then along came tacos, wraps and stuffed pita pockets, and soon the category exploded with options, taking on the broadest definition imaginable. In fact, one might be hard-pressed to home in on an authoritative, universally recognized designation today. After all, it’s not uncommon to see a menu that features separate categories for “burgers,” “wraps” and “handhelds,” with handhelds serving as a catch-all for sandwich-style items that don’t fit easily in other highlighted categories. Lacking strict classification opens handhelds to inventive flavor exploration. No need to play by the rules, when you can make them up as you go!

One way that chefs and menu developers are invigorating their handheld offerings is by turning to unexpected breads and other carriers. Naan, with its rich, buttery flavor, pillowy texture and distinctive bubbles and char, is the perfect go-to for menu options that command attention and quickly become customer favorites.

Stonefire^® 8” Round Naan is a perfect carrier for Mediterranean-inspired wraps, like this Falafel handheld, amplifying the signature flavors of the region.

Give Naan the Nod

Traditionally teardrop-shaped, naan features leavened white-flour dough made from buttermilk and ghee and baked in a high-heat tandoor oven. Its soft texture reveals air pockets within and crispy golden-brown bubbles of char across the surface. Its delicate appearance belies its strength, which makes it ideal for carrying a wide range of fillings.

While long associated with Indian cuisine, naan is a versatile bread that delivers a delicious differentiation for entrée sandwich builds, appetizer/snacks and breakfasts. While chefs can use naan to lean into Indian and Eastern Med cuisines, they are also discovering its advantages when used in fresh translations of favorite handhelds from other parts of the world, from sliders to tacos to panini.

Operators can count on customers to respond favorably. Datassential’s 2024 Sandwich Report finds that innovative carriers like naan are trending. For example, according to the research company’s Q4 2024 data on operator penetration, chicken sandwiches using naan rose just shy of 44 percent and BLT sandwiches built on naan were up nearly 17 percent in the previous year.

The potential for using naan to create successful standout handhelds that will resonate with diners is promising. According to 2021 proprietary research for FGF Brands, 77 percent of consumers say naan “makes me feel like I’m eating something unique!” and 73 percent say it “makes everyday dishes more interesting.” Datassential confirms the trend, finding diners love their carbs, with 46 percent particularly intrigued to try naan (2023 Global Bread Report). “Diners love naan because it delivers a balance of familiarity and excitement,” says Alison Jarvest, FGF corporate chef. “It’s a humble but awesome bread that still feels like a culinary adventure.”

Authentic Flavor to Savor

Producing housemade naan is unlikely at all but the most niche Southeast Asian concepts. But operators ready to use naan to test new handheld creations can turn to Stonefire^® Authentic Flatbreads, which provides prebaked naan products that boast an authentic taste and texture. This is because Stonefire^® naan is made with fresh buttermilk and ghee—and no artificial preservatives. The dough is hand-stretched and baked directly on stone in the company’s patented high-heat tandoor tunnel oven. Each variety in the product line delivers all the distinctive qualities expected of naan: delicious flavor, a soft, pillowy texture and signature bubbles and char.

“Stonefire is all about authentic, restaurant-quality naan, and we’ve crafted a whole lineup of products to fit different menu needs,” says Sabrina Tessier, VP Foodservice Marketing, FGF Brands, parent company of Stonefire^®. “In addition to our traditional teardrop shape, our Original Naan recipe is available in 8- and 10-in. round versions, which are perfect for when chefs need a symmetrical shape. In the handhelds category, Mini Naan are great for tacos and shareable apps. Our 4-in. Naan Rounds are sandwich-ready and turn naan into a perfect swap for buns, bagels and English muffins. And consider serving your handheld alongside our beloved little Naan Dippers^®, made for dunking.”

By eliminating the back-of-house barriers associated with scratch-made naan, and offering a wide range of sizes and shapes, Stonefire^® provides chefs with a versatile tool for menu ideation. “Each naan delivers that delicious, fluffy texture and buttery flavor that makes naan so craveable. It gives chefs tons of ways to get creative while keeping that signature naan experience,” says Tessier. Bonus: Call out the brand in menu descriptions and enjoy the added bump from consumer recognition!

Stonefire Mini Naan^® is pressed into service in this Roasted Chicken and Arugula Panini. Naan’s natural char complement the grill marks for a sandwich that looks as delicious as it tastes.

Navigate to Naan

“The right bread can take a handheld from just okay to something really special, and naan definitely brings something unique to the table,” says Jarvest. “It’s got that perfect balance of softness and substance. It holds up to hearty fillings without feeling heavy, and every bite has this amazing, slightly chewy texture. Plus, there’s an artisanal quality to naan that makes a dish feel a little more elevated, a little more global.”

The timing couldn’t be better to use naan for fresh interpretations of signature handhelds from around the world. “Handhelds are seeing an explosion of bold, globally inspired flavors. Think spicy and smoky profiles, along with rich umami and herbaceous elements,” says Jarvest. She identifies a few trend areas where the addition of naan would be a natural fit:

• Middle Eastern flavors–Harissa-spiced proteins, sumac onions and tahini-based sauces are all gaining traction, she notes.
• Korean & Southeast Asian influences–Jarvest finds gochujang mayo, sweet-and-savory bulgogi and pickled vegetables three high-impact ingredients bringing flavor balance to handhelds.
• Mashups of comfort food and street food fare–Think shawarma tacos or gyro-inspired cheesesteaks, says Jarvest.
• Plant-forward builds–Halloumi, roasted cauliflower and falafel are thriving in handheld applications, she adds.

Naan expertly carries flavor from many cuisines. Stonefire^® Original Mini Naan complements the signature ingredients of the wildly popular Korean Egg Drop sandwich, while Stonefire^® Original Naan is an authentic touch for a Mediterranean Wrap.

Look to trends currently earning social media buzz for inspiration. “Korean flavors have gone mainstream, thanks to TikTok’s obsession with Korean BBQ, egg drop sandwiches and gochujang-spiked everything,” says Jarvest, adding, “Social media also seems to love a crispy, juicy bite right now.” She suggests a few easy-to-execute builds reimagined with naan:

• Korean Egg Drop Sandwich. “Traditionally served on brioche, this ultra-popular Korean street food could take a fresh spin with naan as the base, layering scrambled eggs, cheese and spicy mayo for a textural upgrade.”
• Mexican Birria Naan Taco. Jarvest suggests swapping traditional tortillas with naan to create a heartier, fluffier version of birria tacos.
• Japanese Katsu Naan Wrap. “A crispy, panko-breaded katsu (chicken, pork or tofu) wrapped in warm naan with tonkatsu sauce and shredded cabbage offers an exciting fusion of flavors,” she says.

Mediterranean profiles offer the easiest entry point using naan in fresh handheld translations. Jarvest suggests three options to try that are anchored in Eastern Mediterranean and Levantine flavors:

• Spiced Lamb & Halloumi Naan Wrap. Layer grilled lamb, halloumi, sumac onions and pomegranate molasses, wrapped in warm naan, she offers.
• Harissa Chicken & Labneh Flatbread. Play on a different type of handheld: the flatbread. “Use naan as the base, topping with harissa-marinated chicken, labneh, pickled turnips and fresh herbs,” says Jarvest.
• Falafel Naan Pocket. Use naan to replace pita, tucking in crispy falafel with hummus, shredded cabbage and a drizzle of tahini.

“Guests love great bread—they crave it, they want to indulge in it. Whether you’re ordering a burger at a QSR, a sandwich at a deli, or a flatbread at a bar and grill, when the quality of the bread is great, the whole dish is elevated,” says Tessier. “Authentic naan is an amazing bread experience and delivers a unique twist to any handheld application. The sky is the limit!”

Wrap it, fold it, top it, love it. Rethink handhelds with Stonefire^® Naan. Click here to request your free sample.