If you love Indian snacks, chances are you’ve enjoyed khakhra, khichiya, and papad at some point. They’re crunchy, addictive, and perfect with chai ☕—but many people still wonder:
👉 Are they the same?
👉 Which one is healthier?
👉 When should you eat which?
Let’s break it down simply so you can choose the right snack for the right moment. And yes—you’ll find all three at IndoKiwi Grocers in New Zealand 🇳🇿🇮🇳.
🫓 What Is Khakhra?
Khakhra is a thin, crispy roasted flatbread that originates from Gujarat. It’s cooked on a pan without deep frying, making it one of the healthiest Indian snacks.
🔹 Made From:
- Whole wheat flour (atta)
- Oil or ghee (minimal)
- Spices like cumin, methi, chilli
🔹 Texture & Taste:
- Thin & crunchy
- Lightly spiced
- Dry and crisp
🔹 Best For:
- Healthy snacking
- Breakfast or evening tea
- Travel-friendly snacks
💡 Why Kiwis love it: Low oil, long shelf life, and great for guilt-free munching.
🔥 What Is Khichiya?
Khichiya (also called Khichiya Papad) is thicker than papad and usually made from rice flour. It’s crunchy, rustic, and extremely popular in Gujarat & Rajasthan.
🔹 Made From:
- Rice flour
- Cumin seeds
- Chilli & salt
🔹 Texture & Taste:
- Thick & crunchy
- Bold, earthy flavour
- More filling than papad
🔹 Best For:
- Chai-time snacking
- Roasting or frying
- Serving with pickles or chutneys
💡 Fun fact: Khichiya feels like a snack AND a mini meal at the same time.
🍘 What Is Papad?
Papad is India’s most iconic crunchy side dish. It’s thin, light, and can be roasted, fried, or microwaved in seconds.
🔹 Made From:
- Urad dal / moong dal / rice flour
- Black pepper & spices
🔹 Texture & Taste:
- Very thin
- Light & crisp
- Peppery or spicy
🔹 Best For:
- Side dish with meals
- Starters & chaat
- Quick crunch anytime
💡 Papad is more of an accompaniment, while khakhra & khichiya are standalone snacks.
🔍 Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Khakhra | Khichiya | Papad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness | Thin | Thick | Very thin |
| Cooking | Roasted | Roasted/Fried | Roasted/Fried |
| Main Ingredient | Wheat flour | Rice flour | Lentils/Rice |
| Oil Content | Very low | Medium | Low–Medium |
| Best Use | Healthy snack | Hearty snack | Side dish |
| Shelf Life | Long | Medium | Medium |
👨🍳 Which One Should You Choose?
✔️ Choose Khakhra if you want a healthy, low-oil snack
✔️ Choose Khichiya if you want a bold, crunchy tea-time snack
✔️ Choose Papad if you want a quick side or light crunch with meals
Most Indian households keep all three—because each has its own role!
🛒 Where to Buy Khakhra, Khichiya & Papad in NZ
At IndoKiwi Grocers, you’ll find a wide range of:
- Plain & flavoured Khakhra
- Traditional Khichiya papad
- Urad, moong & rice Papad
📍 Visit us: 14 Cobham Court, Porirua
💻 Shop online: https://indokiwigrocery.store
✨ Authentic Indian snacks, right here in New Zealand.