If you’ve grown up in India, chances are poha has been a regular guest on your breakfast plate. Whether it’s the classic Maharashtrian kanda poha, Indori poha with sev, or South Indian-style aval upma — this dish is loved for being light, flavorful, and filling.
But have you ever wondered, “What is poha called in English?” Let’s dive into it!
What is Poha?
Poha is made from rice that has been parboiled, flattened, and dried. It’s a staple pantry ingredient across Indian households and is commonly used to make quick snacks and breakfast dishes.
Poha in English: Flattened Rice
The English name for poha is flattened rice. It is also sometimes referred to as:
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Beaten rice
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Pressed rice
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Rice flakes
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Parched rice
All these names refer to the same product — rice that has been flattened into light, dry flakes.
Other Regional Names for Poha
Poha goes by different names across India:
| Language/Region | Name for Poha |
|---|---|
| Hindi/Marathi | Poha |
| Tamil | Aval |
| Telugu | Atukulu |
| Kannada | Avalakki |
| Malayalam | Aval |
| Bengali | Chire/Chira |
| Gujarati | Pauaa |
| Odia | Chuda |
Types of Poha (Flattened Rice)
There are mainly three types of flattened rice available in the market:
1. Thin Poha
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Almost translucent and papery
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Used for dry snacks like chivda
2. Medium Poha
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Versatile, used for both snacks and cooked dishes
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Slightly thicker than thin poha
3. Thick Poha
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Best for cooking traditional poha dishes
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Absorbs more water, holds shape while cooking
Nutritional Value of Poha
Poha isn’t just tasty — it’s also nutritious and easy to digest.
| Nutrient | Value (per 100g approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~110–130 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 24–28g |
| Protein | 2–3g |
| Fat | <1g |
| Fiber | ~1g |
| Iron | Good source |
Poha is gluten-free and ideal for light, wholesome meals.
Popular Dishes Made with Poha
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Kanda Poha – onions and mustard tempered rice flakes
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Indori Poha – sweet and savory mix with sev and pomegranate
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Aval Upma – South Indian style with coconut and curry leaves
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Poha Chivda – dry snack mix with peanuts and spices
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Sweet Poha – made with jaggery and coconut, common during festivals
Fun Fact
Poha is so light and digestible that it’s often recommended for:
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Babies (in mashed or cooked form)
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People recovering from illness
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Weight watchers looking for a filling, low-fat option
Final Thoughts
So, the next time someone asks, “What is poha called in English?”, you can confidently say —
Flattened rice or Beaten rice. 
It’s a humble ingredient with a global reach and a place in every Indian kitchen. Easy to cook, light on the stomach, and rich in tradition — that’s the charm of poha!