रोटी कितनी चाहिए?

You use this when serving food. In India, people rarely take all their food at once. Rotis are served hot, one or two at a time. You ask this to ensure your guest gets fresh, puffed-up bread. Just say the phrase with a rising intonation at the end. It is like asking 'Refill?' but specifically for bread. If you are the one eating, you can answer with a number like do (two) or bas (enough).

Use it during lunch or dinner. Use it at a restaurant when the waiter hovers near your table. Use it at home when your mom is standing by the stove. It is perfect for hosting friends. It shows you care about their appetite. It is also a great way to break a long silence during a meal. Nothing says 'I am a good host' like worrying about someone's bread supply.

Do not use this if you are eating rice. That would be confusing. Avoid using it in a business meeting unless you are actually having a working lunch. Do not use it if the meal is over and everyone is rubbing their bellies. It might sound like a threat of more food! Also, avoid using it for non-countable items. You cannot ask Pani kitni chahiye? because water is not counted in pieces.

In Indian culture, food is love. A guest's plate should never be empty. The 'Roti Cycle' is a real thing. The person cooking stays in the kitchen to make fresh rotis. They bring them out hot and glistening with ghee. Asking Roti kitni chahiye? is a sign of respect and care. It implies that the stove is still on and more is coming. It is the ultimate gesture of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' (The guest is God).

You might hear Aur roti chahiye? which means 'Do you want more roti?'. Some people say Kitni loge? which is 'How many will you take?'. In very formal settings, you might hear Aap kitni roti lenge?. If you are in a hurry, just Kitni? while holding a plate works too. Every household has its own rhythm for this question. Some ask it every five minutes just to be safe!