Not naan or roti: London chef prepares Gujarat’s famous methi thepla. ‘Indian mum’s dream son’, says internet

Forget naan or roti—Gujarat’s beloved thepla reigns supreme for flatbread lovers! Soft, thin, and lightly spiced, this ultimate comfort food packs earthy fenugreek (methi) leaves, whole wheat, and subtle aromatic spices into a delightfully chewy texture. Beyond its addictive savoury flavour, it is healthy, packed with fibre, and uniquely travel-friendly. Best paired with spicy mango pickle, chilled yoghurt, or a steaming cup of masala chai, thepla is a staple in every Indian household. Highlighting its global charm, London-based chef and food influencer Jake Dryan recently shared his authentic recipe video on Instagram, sending the internet into an absolute frenzy.

London chef makes Gujarat’s famous theplas

In the video, Jake explains that thepla is a thin Gujarati flatbread where the dough is full of flavour. He added that, unlike a basic flour-and-water dough, thepla gets its distinctive taste from spices, chilli, sesame seeds and, in the case of methi thepla, fresh fenugreek leaves.

To prepare the flatbreads, Jake first brings all the ingredients together to form a soft dough and allows it to rest briefly. He then divides the dough into portions and rolls each one out into a thin flatbread, noting that they do not need to be perfectly round.

Thepla recipe and internet reactions

Next, Jake cooks the theplas on a hot pan for a short time, turning them over as they cook and brushing them with a little oil. They are ready once golden spots begin to appear on the surface. He recommends serving the soft, flavourful theplas with yoghurt or pickle. As per Jake, theplas can also be frozen, making it easy to prepare a large batch and enjoy them later.

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A post shared by Jake Dryan (@plantfuture)

The internet loved the thepla preparation and heaped praise on Jake for his recipe. ‘You are every Indian mum’s dream son/son in law,’ joked a user. ‘Thepla is an absolute emotion,’ noted a foodie. ‘Best eaten on a Sunday with yoghurt, lasan vari chutney (chilli and garlic paste) and washed down with chai,’ shared another. Many asked Jake to prepare more Indian dishes like bhakhri from Gujarat and Korma ki Puri from Rajasthan.

Jake Dryan, born in London, developed an interest in cooking at 16, leading him to study at Westminster Kingsway College and complete a three-year chef course. While the training shaped his culinary career, Jake’s real enthusiasm lies in teaching others, encouraging families to cook confidently, create enjoyable meals, and have fun together.