Pronunciation: [bˈati] (IPA) 
The word "bhatti" is typically spelled as B-H-A-T-T-I in English, although the spelling may vary depending on the dialect or language in which it is used. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word would be written as /bʌti/, with the stressed syllable being the first. This word can refer to a type of traditional clay oven used for cooking in South Asia, or it may be a surname or given name in some cultures.
Bhatti, originating from the Hindi language, refers to a traditional outdoor cooking and grilling apparatus, typically made of bricks or stone. In its essence, a bhatti is a simple, often makeshift, cooking stove that utilizes fire and is commonly found in rural areas of India, Pakistan, and other South Asian countries. The bhatti serves as an integral part of the local culinary culture and is primarily used for cooking various types of food, especially slow-cooked dishes and barbecues.
The bhatti's structure typically consists of an open-top hearth or fire pit enclosed by walls made of mud, clay, or bricks. It may also include a chimney or ventilation area to channel smoke produced during the cooking process. Traditionally, the bhatti is fueled by solid fuels like wood, charcoal, or dried cow dung cakes, providing the necessary heat and smoke to enhance the flavors of the food.
The term "bhatti" is often associated with the smokiness and distinct taste that it imparts to the dishes cooked within it. Many regional delicacies, such as tandoori chicken, seekh kebabs, and various types of bread, owe their unique flavors and textures to the cooking technique employed in a bhatti.
Over time, the term "bhatti" has also extended its meaning beyond the physical cooking apparatus. It has come to embody the cultural heritage and traditional style of cooking associated with it. Additionally, the term "bhatti" is sometimes metaphorically used to denote a local eatery or street food stall that specializes in dishes prepared using this traditional cooking method.
The word "bhatti" is derived from Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language. In Sanskrit, the word "bhatti" (भट्टि) originally referred to a measure of time, specifically the time interval between sunrise and sunset. It later evolved to refer to a type of furnace or kiln used for cooking or heating purposes.
Over time, the term "bhatti" has been adopted into various languages and cultures in the Indian subcontinent, such as Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Bengali. In these languages, "bhatti" is commonly used to refer to a traditional clay or mud stove used for cooking or baking. The etymology of "bhatti" highlights its ancient origins and its usage as a measure of time, which eventually expanded to include its association with cooking equipment.
