Syrian Bread Vs Pita – Are These The Same Thing?

Ever gone to a Lebanese or Arabic restaurant? You heard the waiter saying Syrian bread? And you feel like Chandler: “Could there be any more names for a bread?”

All this time, you knew about pita bread. What exactly is Syrian bread now?

Syrian bread vs Pita

Syrian bread and pita are the same thing. Pita bread has other names like Arabic bread, balady, shamy, Syrian bread, and pocket bread. They are circular, leavened double-layered flatbreads that originated in the Middle East.

So how it is made and other cool facts about the bread. Scroll down and read the whole article.

Syrian Bread Vs. Pita: A Quick Comparison

As Shakespeare said, “What’s in a name?” The same pita bread has other names in different regions of the word. In the United States, it is denoted as Pita. But 

What is Middle Eastern bread called? It has various other names.

The word Pita is from a Greek name. It’s also known as Arabic Bread or Syrian Bread in the United States. In Arabic, this bread is known as Khubz.

But do all pita bread look the same? Let’s check on the types of pita bread in our next segment.

Pita: A Bread with several Names and Types

Bread has been labeled the “as the comfort food of all time. It is regarded as a life-sustaining need in civilizations worldwide. It’s a necessity, and it’s all around us.

There are different kinds of “pita” bread in the Middle East. Middle Eastern bread types are the most common.

• Some of them are thick Syrian bread, while others are thin Syrian Bread.
• When baked, some produce a pocket inside, while others do not.
• Some have herbs and spices on top, while others don’t.

However, in the Middle East, flatbread or pita is offered with almost every meal. Sopping up sauces or dips is done using bread (like Hummus). You can also use it to scoop up veggies, rice, or meat as an eating utensil.

But the question still remains the same! Are they the same or not? Let’s find out in our next segment. Keep reading!

Are There Any Actual Differences Between Syrian Bread And Pita?

No! There is no actual difference! Some people would add some extra seasoning to make it look different. But Syrian bread name and Pita bread are exactly the same thing. 

Some newcomers would tell you to add garlic or onion powder as they bring more flavor.

That is just another type of flatbread. Don’t forget the roots! Original pita or Syrian bread is very simple to make.

The authentic ones have no additional seasoning other than salt. Next time don’t get confused when someone is saying Syrian bread instead of Pita.

Modern technologies have made the process very easy. You don’t need big traditional brick ovens. These breads can now be made in a hot pan on the stove or basic oven! It is that easy!

You must be craving some pita bread, or should I Syrian Pita Bread. Just read the easy recipe!

Syrian Pita Recipe: Straight out of the Hot Pan

Syrian Pita Bread is simple to make, and freshly baked breads taste heavenly. I served it with muhammara, a spicy Syrian pepper dip that we all enjoyed.

This recipe for pita bread is easy and tasty. You will be needing some ingredients which might be available in your pantry. Make the basic dough and let it rise. And enjoy the thick Syrian bread recipe that is fresh, warm, and delightfully puffy.

Instruction List: Syrian Pita Bread

Ingredients Needed for the Pita Bread 

• 1 cup water, lukewarm
• two tablespoons dry active yeast
• sugar ( one and a half teaspoons)
• a quarter cup of whole-wheat flour
• 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
• 1 tsp. Salt (kosher)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Procedure to Make the Dough: 13 Steps Guide

Here is a step-by-step procedure to prepare the dough.

Step 1: In a large mixing container, pour 1 cup of lukewarm water. Mix in the yeast and sugar. To dissolve, stir the ingredients together. Mix together the whole-wheat flour and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.

Step 2: Leave the bowl where there is heat, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. Wait for the mixture to be frothy and bubbly. Let the yeast activate.

Step 3: Salt, olive oil, and almost all of the remaining all-purpose flour are mixed in. Save ½ cup for later. Stir with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together as a loose dough.

Sprinkle a little of the flour you set aside. Then knead for one minute in a mixing bowl, combining any dry dough parts.

Step 4: Place the dough on a worktop. Gently knead for about two minutes, or until smooth. Cover and set aside ten minutes before kneading for another two minutes.

Step 5: Try not to add dry flour too much. The dough must be a bit moist and soft. Excess flour will make it hard and chewy

Step 6: Wipe the bowl, oil it, then refill it with dough. Cover plastic wrap over the bowl and then put a cloth on top. Place the dish in a warm location.

Step 7: Allow one hour and thirty minutes for the dough to double in bulk.

Step 8: Preheat the oven to 475 degrees celsius with a baking pan inside.

Step 9: Take out the excess air from the dough and divide it into eight equal-sized pieces. Make a little ball out of each piece. Cover dough balls with a moist cloth and set them aside for 10 minutes.

Step 10: Take one ball by keeping the others covered with a wet cloth. Roll into a flat plane approximately six inches round using a rolling pin. Continue with the rest of the dough.

Step 11: Gently pull the dough circle and set it on the hot pan as soon as possible. Place as many fits on your pan.

Step 12: The dough should be pleasantly inflated approximately after two minutes. Turn with hands or a spatula and cook for another minute. Only a few brown spots should be visible on the pita. It should have a pale cream color.

Step 13: Cover the heated pita with a towel to soften the bread. Proceed the process with the rest of the balls.

Don’t be bewildered seeing the steps. These are super easy, and we tried to explain them in depth. You have to practice quite a few times to become perfect.

Once you get used to making it at home. Then you don’t have to get it from grocery stores. Hot and fresh Pita breads whenever you wish

What’s in a Name? They are Still the Same!

You can give this Pita bread hundreds of names. They will still be the same warm, round, and delicious. Pita bread or Syrian bread is the ultimate comfort food! You can have it with almost anything. 

Pitas are widely used to serve lamb, steak, falafel, and chicken. Hummus, baba ganoush, tahini, and tabbouleh are traditional accompaniments.

A whole wheat pita is one of the most nutritious bread available. It’s high in fiber, calcium, and protein, and low in sugar and fat. In most cases, one pita contains fewer calories than two slices of bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pita the same as Lebanese bread?

Not really. Traditional Lebanese bread is prepared in a particular oven and is flat. It is incredibly thin and does not contain pockets, nor does it resemble pita bread. Pita  bread is made with yeast and it is fluffy.

Is Syrian bread nutritious?

It’s a mixed bag when it comes to Syrian bread’s nutritional benefits. Syrian bread’s nutritional value includes both beneficial and bad elements. So have it in the correct proportion. 

How to eat Syrian Bread?

You can have it with literally anything. Pita sandwiches, excellent pita pizza, and dipping warm pita in a dipping sauce are all options. Also, they taste amazing with curries.

Final Verdict

We do not discriminate with names when it comes to food! So, Syrian Bread vs Pita, name it anything. It is not changing the fact they taste delicious.

The choice is totally yours what you want to call it. Labeling it with different tags does not make any difference.

Let us know what you prefer calling it? Till then take care and stay safe!