If there is one food in India that truly represents the diversity of our beloved nation it is, Papad.
Also known as poppadom or appalam, it is a popular Indian flatbread made from lentil, chickpea, or rice flour, and typically served as a side dish or snack. It has a long and fascinating history that spans centuries and multiple cultures, making it a beloved staple in Indian cuisine and a popular food item around the world.
The origins of the papad can be traced back to ancient India, where it was initially made using lentil flour and served as a form of nourishment for travelers and soldiers. Over time, the recipe evolved, with different regions and cultures incorporating their own unique ingredients and spices into the mix. For example, in Southern India, papad is typically made with rice flour and seasoned with cumin, while in the North, it is made with black gram flour and flavored with pepper and garlic. Papad is versatile and every region shapes it as per the liking of its people.
Papad also played a significant role in Indian history, with records dating back to the Gupta Empire in the 3rd century AD. It was considered a delicacy and served to royalty and nobles, with some accounts suggesting that it was even used as a form of currency in certain regions. Imagine that, papad as a currency 😮
Today, papad has become an integral part of modern Indian cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It is often served as an appetizer or side dish alongside main meals, but can also be eaten as a snack on its own, either plain or with various toppings and dips. (My recommendation would be masala papad with lots of peanuts and fresh veggies)
One of the reasons for Papad’s enduring popularity is its versatility. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, from deep-frying to roasting over an open flame, and can be flavored with an endless array of spices and herbs. It is also a relatively healthy food option, as it is low in calories and fat, and contains a good amount of protein and dietary fiber.
In addition to its culinary significance, papad has also become an important cultural symbol. It is often served at festivals and celebrations and is considered an essential component of many traditional Indian meals. Its popularity has even spread beyond India, with many restaurants around the world featuring papad on their menus.
Whether you prefer papads as a snack or a meal accompaniment, it is crucial to select a product that is not only high-quality but also affordable and delicious. To assist you in making an informed decision, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the ten best papad manufacturers in India.
Haldiram
Haldiram’s was once a popular store in Bikaner, widely recognized throughout Rajasthan. However, with the advent of digitalization, the company has adapted its business to the modern era. Consequently, you can now find a plethora of sweets, pre-packaged snacks, and other products from Haldiram’s on numerous online marketplaces. Despite being one of the premium brands in this domain, people continue to trust Haldiram’s products and do not hesitate to purchase them, even if they come at a slightly higher cost. Nevertheless, most of Haldiram’s food items are reasonably priced.
Bikaji
Bikaji’s catchy jingle and brilliant taste have made it a household name in India. With superstar Amitabh Bachchan as their brand ambassador, the company’s classic television commercials are etched in the minds of millions. No other brand can match the quality and taste of Bikaji’s Namkeens, sweets, and snacks, making them a staple in every household. You’re likely to find a range of products, such as Bhujiya, papad, Sonpapdi, chips, and other snacks, bearing the Bikaji label in your nearby snack store. Bikaji began as a local shop in Bikaner and has since expanded to become a renowned brand.
Vedaka
To cater to the needs of its customers, Amazon introduces various brands across different categories. One such brand is Vedaka, which specializes in providing high-quality grocery items in the Indian market. You’ll discover a vast range of Vedaka products in the grocery section of Amazon because the company utilizes its vast collection of customer data to determine what products people are looking for and what quality products they can provide to stay ahead of the competition. Ultimately, this benefits customers who purchase from the Vedaka brand. For instance, a 400-gram pack of Vedaka papad is available for just 70 to 100 rupees, and the quality is exceptional.
Shri Krishna Papad
Shri Krishna’s papad and other snacks have gained immense popularity in Northern India, and if you reside in any of these states, you may have already savored the taste of their products. Besides offering packaged snacks, the brand is a significant seller of festive decorative items as well. With regard to their papad range, Shri Krishna offers a variety of options, all of which are available on major marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart.
Mother’s Recipe
With its excellent range of products, Mother’s Recipe has become a go-to brand for consumers who enjoy buying snacks, pickles, and masalas online. What started as a humble shop has now transformed into a thriving online business. If you’re in the market for papad, pickles, or masalas, be sure to check out Mother’s Recipe store. You can either visit their website or browse through their products listed on other popular marketplaces.
Ganesh Papad
Ganesh Papad is a popular papad brand that offers a wide range of products that can be purchased from various online marketplaces. Many people prefer to buy packaged snacks online, and Ganesh Papad is one of the brands that are easily available on Amazon and other online stores. Ganesh Papad has received several positive feedback from customers on Amazon, making it a reliable choice for online buyers. We recommend our readers, always consider products with good reviews and ratings when shopping for food items online. Ganesh Papad caters to different preferences when it comes to papad, making it an excellent choice for all papad lovers.
Ambika Appalam
It is not the fanciest brand in this snack niche, but for sure, it is the one we recommend checking out. When looking for papad online, you may land on one of the listings from Ambika Appalam because they sell all sorts of papad online. And without a doubt, they’re one of the best options that one can opt for, and the best part is that they won’t be too heavy on your pocket as well.
Lijjat Papad
Like the brand mentioned earlier, we would like to introduce another popular papad brand, Lijjat Papad. This brand offers a variety of papad options with a reasonable count in each pack at an affordable price. If you prefer buying papads online, you can find Lijjat Papad’s store on Amazon for easy access.
Marwar Papad
Marwar Papad might seem a bit pricey compared to other brands, but it is definitely worth giving it a try, at least once. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, you can always switch back to your preferred brand, but the likelihood of that happening is minimal. This is because Marwar’s papad has a distinct taste that will capture your heart and make it difficult for you to switch to any other brand.
Shri Jain Udhyog
Shri Jain is a papad brand that is not as well-known as some of the other popular brands in the Indian market. However, the quality and taste of their papads make them a great option that is worth trying. One of their popular packs offers 400 grams of papad for just around 150 rupees, which is a fantastic deal. Additionally, many of their papad packs have high ratings on online marketplaces, which further proves the quality of their products. So, if you haven’t tried Shri Jain’s papads yet, it’s definitely worth giving them a chance.
These are the top ten papad companies that we recommend in India. While there are other brands in the market, we believe that the ones we have mentioned are worth considering. When you’re in the market for papad, keep these companies in mind.
