A meal isn't quite finished without the crackle of a papad. If you're looking to buy papad in Los Angeles, we keep a full shelf at Anoras Cash N Carry, 567 S Fairfax Ave in the Fairfax District — the classic Lijjat urad papad, cumin and garlic versions, South Indian appalam, and spiced Punjabi papad. Here's what's what and how to cook them right.

What is papad and how is it different from appalam?

Papad (or papadum) is a thin, crisp wafer usually made from a lentil dough — most often urad dal — rolled paper-thin and dried. "Appalam" is simply the South Indian name for the same idea, typically a little thinner and plainer, made to go alongside rice, sambar and rasam. In the north you'll see bolder, spicier papads. Same family, regional accents.

Takeaway: papad and appalam are the same crisp lentil wafer, north and south.

Which papad should you buy?

• Lijjat Udad Plain Papad ($2.75) — the original that made Lijjat a household name; clean flavor, reliable crunch.
• Lijjat Special Udad Papad ($2.75) — lightly spiced for a bit more flavor.
• Lijjat Cumin Papad ($2.75) — whole jeera for a warm, earthy note.
• Lijjat Garlic Papad ($2.75) — savory garlic; a great match with dal-chawal.
• Lijjat Sindhi Masala Special Papad ($2.75) — the spiciest in the range, with real kick.
• Ambika Appalam ($3.85) and 777 Ganesh Appalam ($3.85) — classic South Indian lentil wafers for rice meals.
• Bikano Punjabi Papad ($3.30) — bold, Punjabi-spiced crackers.

See the whole shelf, plus fryums and more, in our Pantry & Ready to Eat collection and Snacks & Munchies collection.

Takeaway: start with Lijjat plain or garlic; reach for appalam for South Indian rice meals.

How do you cook papad — roast, microwave or fry?

All three work, and each gives a different result. Roasting straight over a gas flame (with tongs, turning quickly) gives that blistered, smoky, oil-free crunch — the classic. Microwaving for 30–45 seconds is the fastest, cleanest way and keeps it light. Deep-frying puffs it up and makes it richest, the way you often get it at restaurants. For chaat like papdi or masala papad, roast or fry, then pile on chopped onion, tomato and chaat masala.

Takeaway: flame-roast for smoky, microwave for quick and light, fry for indulgent.

Where can you buy papad in Los Angeles?

At Anoras Cash N Carry, 567 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 — in the Fairfax District, near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Mid-Wilshire and Koreatown. Open daily 10 AM–9 PM. We deliver within a 10-mile radius, 10 AM–8 PM, $35.97 minimum, $7.98 fee, free over $99. Call 323-272-3617 for a specific brand or flavor.

Takeaway: shop in store 10–9 daily, or get papad delivered free over $99 within 10 miles.

Frequently asked questions