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Starting a bread business is one of the most promising opportunities in Indonesia. Why? Because bread consumption continues to grow and is loved by all age groups—from children to the elderly. Moreover, the rise of trendy cafes and bakeries offering artisan bread and brunch menus further strengthens the market potential in this sector.
If you’re looking for inspiration to open a bakery, café, or simply expand your menu variety, getting to know popular breads from around the world can be a great place to start.
Most Popular Types of Bread Around the World
Here are ten popular breads from various countries that could inspire a profitable business idea:
1. Sourdough
Sourdough is a naturally fermented bread made using a starter of flour and water. It has a slightly tangy flavor and a distinctive texture—chewy on the outside, airy and soft on the inside. This type of bread is ideal as a signature item for those targeting the artisan and health-conscious market. Although it takes longer to make, that homemade and wholesome appeal can be a strong selling point, even allowing for premium pricing.
2. Baguette
Originating from France, the baguette is long and slender, with a crispy crust and soft interior. It’s a versatile bread—great for sandwiches, served with soups, or turned into garlic bread. A perfect fit for Western-style cafes and bakeries.
3. Croissant
The croissant is a layered, crescent-shaped bread that’s beloved for its beautiful appearance and rich, buttery flavor. It’s perfect as a breakfast menu item or snack in cafés. It can be served plain, filled with chocolate, or turned into savory sandwiches with fillings like egg mayo or spicy tuna.
Source: Freepik
4. Focaccia
This flat Italian bread resembles a pizza base, but without toppings. It’s typically topped with olive oil, rosemary, and garlic. Often served as an appetizer in restaurants, focaccia is also suitable for healthy snack offerings due to its minimal use of additives.
5. Ciabatta
The name ciabatta means “slipper” in Italian, referring to its flat shape. It has a crunchy crust with a porous interior. Ciabatta is an excellent choice for sandwiches or paninis.
6. Grissini
Also known as breadsticks, grissini are thin, long, and crispy. Typically served as snacks or soup accompaniments, they’re ideal for small cafés or light snack businesses. You can also package them nicely and sell them as premium snacks!
7. Naan
Naan is a soft and slightly chewy Indian flatbread baked in a tandoor oven, giving it a signature aroma. It’s often paired with curry or used as a wrap filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. A naan wrap menu would make an excellent fast-food concept for food trucks.
8. Pretzel
Known for its distinctive knot shape and savory, salty flavor, pretzels are often adapted in Asia into sweeter versions with chocolate sauce fillings. They’re perfect for a snack business targeting youth or street food lovers.
Source: Freepik
9. Bagel
A ring-shaped bread with a dense and chewy texture. The dough is boiled before baking and often topped with sesame seeds or chia seeds. Bagels are great for breakfast menus with various toppings such as cream cheese, smoked salmon, or vegetables.
10. Milk Bread
Milk bread is a sweet, soft bread that’s hugely popular in Asia, including Indonesia. Variants include shokupan, roti sobek, roti sisir, and coffee bun. Perfect for those planning to open a sweet bread shop or offer filled bread that appeals to all ages—from kids to seniors.
Use High-Quality Flour for the Best Bread Results!
No matter which type of bread you choose to make, the quality of your ingredients is key to achieving delicious and consistent results. PT Manunggal Perkasa, a trusted flour manufacturer in Indonesia since 1995, offers high-quality flour made from premium selected wheat.
One of our flagship products is Kantil high-protein flour, specially formulated for bread-making. With its high protein content and fine milling, Kantil flour produces elastic dough with a nice crumb structure and satisfying final texture—ideal for crafting premium-quality bread that stands out in the market.
(wh/pch)