Whether paired with steaming dal, served as a crispy appetizer, or simply savored on its own, papad is the ultimate meal enhancer. Unlike plain papads seasoned with just salt or cumin, Punjabi Masala Papads are packed with a bold, aromatic spice blend that reflects the essence of Punjabi cuisine. With a plethora of brands available, finding the perfect balance of flavor and texture can be a challenge. We put four popular brands to the test – Haldiram’s, DNV, Mother’s Recipe and Lijjat.
Let’s discover which brand claimed the title of the best Punjabi Masala Papad Brand in India.
Table of Contents
Best Punjabi Masala Papad – Quick Glance
The table outlines the key details for all 4 brands tested:
| Punjabi Masala Papad Brands | Mishry Rating | Buy Now |
| Lijjat (Top Pick – Spicy) | 4.25 | On Amazon |
| Mother’s Recipe (Also Recommended) | 4 | On Amazon |
| Haldiram’s | 3.75 | On Amazon |
| DNV | 3.75 | On Amazon |
Our Review Factors
We tested the four brands based on the following review parameters:
1. Flavor
The primary focus is on the authentic taste of urad dal. The ideal papad should feature a natural, earthy flavor with spices that complement, rather than overpower, the essence of dal.
There should be no artificial soda flavor, but rather a clean taste profile. Spices should enhance the flavor without overshadowing the richness of the dal.
2. Texture
Crunch is the most important textural characteristic of papad. A good papad should be thin but not flimsy, offering a satisfying crunch.
The crunch should remain even after cooling, maintaining its crispness for an extended period.
3. Other Parameters
- In addition to the above primary parameters, factors like ingredient lists also play a significant role. We checked for the use of preservatives, artificial additives, and sodium content for each brand.
- Also, value for money (VFM), easy availability, and user-friendly packaging contribute to a convenient and enjoyable overall experience.
Best Punjabi Masala Papad Brands – Detailed Review
How Did We Conduct Our Review?
To ensure an unbiased and comprehensive evaluation, we tested the papads using two popular methods:
- Direct Flame Roasting: Each papad was roasted directly over an open flame.
- Non-Stick Tawa with a Touch of Oil: Papads were also roasted on a non-stick tawa with a small amount of oil.
Selection Criteria For Brands
- Labeled as Masala or Punjabi Masala Papad: We selected those papads that were explicitly labeled as Masala or Punjabi Masala Papad. This was done to ensure uniformity across all categories.
- Primary Ingredient – Urad Dal: Secondly, the papads had to feature urad dal as the main ingredient, a hallmark of traditional Punjabi masala papads.
The nutritional label for each of the brands is outlined in the table below:
| Parameters/Brands | Lijjat | Mother’s Recipe | Haldiram’s | DNV |
| Main Ingredients | Udad dal flour, iodised salt, pepper, papadkhar, asafoetida, groundnut/sesame oil | Udad flour, Black pepper, Raising agent (INS500 (ii)), Iodised salt, Cottonseed oil, Mixed spices, Asafoetida and Preservative (INS200) | Black gram pulse flour, Mung bean flour, Black pepper, Sodium bicarbonate (INS 500 (ii)), Ioised salt, Edible vegetable oil (palmolein, cottonseed, rice bran), and Asafoetida. | Black gram, groundnut oil, edible common salt, black pepper, asafoetida, and sajji khar |
| Sodium (per 100 gm) | 1498 mg | 3730 mg | 1779.9 mg | 1390 mg |
About Sajji Khar
“Sajji Khar” (also known as “Papad Khar”) is a sort of alkaline salt that is essential for making papads. It is a functional component that influences the papad’s texture and cooking properties.
How Does It Help?
- Improves Dough Rolling: It makes papad dough more flexible and simpler to shape into thin discs.
- Enhances Frying Quality: This adds to the papad’s crispiness and capacity to puff out when fried or roasted.
Is it the same as baking soda?
While both Sajji Khar and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) are alkaline and have similar effects in cooking, they are not identical. Sajji Khar is a more complex mixture of alkaline salts, while baking soda is a pure compound.
Now, let’s check out in the following segment how our experience with each brand turned out:
Related Read:
Elevate Your Meals With Masalchee’s Chana Garlic Papad!
1. Lijjat – Top Pick (Spicy)
Our Experience
Lijjat emerges as our top pick in the spicy category. The prominent flavor of Lijjat Papad is its distinct peppery taste. This spiciness is well-balanced, providing a pleasant warmth without being excessively hot.
While the flavor of dal (lentils) is present, its presence is secondary. The spices take center stage in Lijjat Papad, allowing the peppery notes to shine.
Lijjat Papad is a cult favorite for a reason. Its addictive spiciness and well-balanced flavor profile make it a satisfying snack on its own or as an add-on to any meal.
Product Details
Priced at Rs. 89 for a 200 gm pack, Lijjat Punjabi Masala Papad comes with a shelf life of 3 months. The papads are packaged in a convenient see-through pouch, allowing you to easily view the contents without opening the pack.
- Bold peppery flavor
- The spice level does not overwhelm the palate.
- It has a fine flavor of dal
People who enjoy a pronounced peppery kick in their papad will like this.
2. Mother’s Recipe – Also Recommended
Our Experience
Mother Recipe’s Punjabi Masala Papad was our second winner. It stood out for its exceptional crunch and the best tasting, authentic flavor of urad dal. Unlike some other brands, it avoids the excessive use of soda.
The mild heat delivers just the right amount of spice, enhancing the flavor of urad dal without overpowering it. Its texture achieves a pleasing balance with a satisfying crunch and medium thickness. The primary aroma is that of urad dal which is complemented by a subtle hint of pepper.
However, this papad contains the highest sodium content, making it a consideration for those mindful of their sodium intake.
Product Details
Mother’s Recipe Punjabi Masala Papad is priced at Rs. 87 for a 180 gm pack. It offers a shelf life of 7 months. The packaging of this Punjabi Masala Papad is designed with a vibrant red and transparent plastic material that showcases the product inside.
- Inviting aroma
- Free from soda heavy taste
- Authentic urad dal flavor
- Excellent crunch
This papad is a must-try for those who appreciate a well-balanced flavor profile, satisfying crunch, and a prominent urad dal taste.
3. Haldiram’s
Our Experience
This papad packs a spicy punch, with bold black pepper notes taking the lead. It’s not for those who prefer their papads on the milder side. The urad dal flavor takes a backseat, as the intense heat and peppery sharpness take center stage.
The overall experience is further diminished by a noticeable soda aftertaste, which, combined with the masked dal flavor, doesn’t make for the best flavor balance.
Texture-wise, the crunch is impressive. The papads are thin and beautifully rolled. It’s crisp and stays that way even after sitting out for a few minutes. The aroma is unmistakably pepper-heavy.
Product Details
Haldiram’s Punjabi Masala Papad retails at a price of Rs. 65 for a generous 200 gm pack. This has 6 months of shelf life. The product comes in a convenient pouch packaging. However, it is not resealable, so it’s advisable to transfer the contents to an airtight container.
Read our detailed review here!
- Bold, spicy flavor with intense black pepper notes.
- Impressive crunch that remains even after a few minutes.
- Thin, well-rolled texture
- Pepper-heavy aroma
- Dal flavor is overshadowed by the intense spice.
- Contains a noticeable soda flavor, which may affect the overall taste.
Perfect for spice lovers who enjoy bold, peppery flavors.
4. DNV
Our Experience
DNV, although crunchy and crisp, falls short due to the absence of a distinct urad dal flavor. Instead, the overpowering soda flavor and aroma take center stage. This imbalance results in a less enjoyable taste experience.
Additionally, DNV has the least amount of sodium, making it a better choice for those watching their salt intake.
Product Details
Priced at Rs. 85 for a 180g pack, it has a shelf life of 6 months. The standout feature is its high-quality pouch packaging, designed to maintain the crispness and flavor of the papads. Its packaging prioritizes both functionality and quality.
- Offers a satisfying crunch
- Contains the least amount of sodium.
- Lacks an authentic urad dal flavor.
- Soda flavor and aroma overpower the natural taste.
Individuals looking for a low-sodium option but are not overly concerned with a strong dal flavor.
Top Picks & Recommendations
Among the four brands we tried, Lijjat takes the top spot for its perfectly balanced spiciness and clean ingredient list.
We also recommend Mother Recipe’s Punjabi Masala Papad, which offers a satisfying crunch and rich urad dal flavor. While it’s free from artificial additives, it does include a preservative.
Ultimately, Lijjat Punjabi Masala Papad takes the lead with its preservative-free ingredient list and exceptional flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some interesting FAQs on Best Punjabi Masala Papad Brands:
The price of Punjabi Masala in India can vary depending on the brand, quality, quantity. A general price range would be anywhere between Rs. 4o to 60 for 100 gm packs.
Punjabi Masala Papad offers a spicier, richer flavor with spices like cumin, black pepper, and chili, unlike regular papad’s mild flavor.
Punjabi Masala Papad typically includes urad dal, spices like black pepper, red chili, coriander, and cumin.
Final Words
And that brings us to the end of our in-depth review of the best Punjabi Masala Papad brands in India! From analyzing flavors to crunch, ingredient quality to packaging, we’ve left no stone unturned in finding the ultimate winner for your pantry.
While all four brands offered a crispy experience, the nuances in spice blends, dal flavor, and ingredient quality set them apart.
Have you tried any of the brands mentioned above? Which one is your favorite, and why? Share your thoughts and experiences with us.
