If you’ve ever crunched into a Lijjat papad alongside your dal-chawal, you’ve tasted more than just a crispy snack, you’ve bitten into a story of hope, grit, and sisterhood that began on a Mumbai rooftop over six decades ago.

From a Terrace to Every Table

It’s 1959. Seven women, all homemakers in Mumbai’s Girgaum, gather on a sunlit terrace. They’re not business tycoons or social reformers just ordinary women with extraordinary determination. With Rs. 80, a handful of lentils, and a shared dream, they roll out their first batch of papads. Their goal? To earn a living with dignity, using skills passed down through generations.

Their papads, thin and spiced just right, quickly find takers in the neighborhood. Word spreads. More women join. The terrace becomes a symbol, not just of work, but of possibility.

Products

Lijjat Papad, under the Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad cooperative, offers a diverse range of products beyond its iconic papads. Here’s an overview of their offerings:

Papads (Main Product)

Lijjat is best known for its variety of papads, available in over fourteen flavors and types, including:

• Udad (Urad dal) Papad
• Moong Papad
• Punjabi Masala Papad
• Lasan (Garlic) Papad
• Mirch (Chilli) Papad
• Jeera (Cumin) Papad
• Pepper Papad
• Garlic Chillies Papad
• Mini and small sizes, as well as special regional flavors.

Other Food Products

• Khakhra: A crispy, roasted snack made from wheat flour.
• Appalam: A South Indian-style papad.
• Vadi: Spiced lentil nuggets used in Indian cuisine.
• Ready Mix Masala: Various spice blends for cooking.
• Gehu Atta (Wheat Flour): Packaged wheat flour for home use.
• Chapati: Ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook chapatis.
• Bakery Products: Select branches offer bakery items.
• Dhokla and Thepla: Regional Gujarati snacks available in select markets.

Household Products

• SASA Detergent Powder
• SASA Detergent Bar (Tikia)
• SASA Liquid Detergent.

Packaging and Availability

Lijjat products are available in various packaging sizes, from small 200g packets to bulk 1kg and 5kg packs, catering to both household and commercial needs.

Lijjat’s product range reflects its roots in traditional Indian foods while also expanding into household essentials, all produced under its cooperative model focused on quality and women’s empowerment.

The Sisterhood Grows

What sets Lijjat apart is its spirit of togetherness. Every woman who joins isn’t just an employee; she’s a co-owner, a “Lijjat Sister.” Profits are shared, decisions are made collectively, and every voice matters. There’s no hierarchy, no outside investors just thousands of women, bound by trust and ambition.

Today, over 45,000 women across India call themselves Lijjat Sisters. The brand’s reach now extends beyond India, with exports to over 15 countries, including the US, UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong, contributing significantly to its turnover, which exceeded Rs. 1,600 crore (over $224 million) in 2019 Some are rolling papads at home while their children play nearby. Others are managing accounts, inspecting quality, or training new members. Each one’s story is different, but their journey is shared.

Quality, Pride, and a Little Bit of Magic

Ask any Lijjat Sister about their secret, and you’ll hear the same answer: quality. If a batch isn’t perfect, it’s thrown out, no compromises. This pride in their work has made Lijjat a household name, not just in India but across the world.

The process remains beautifully simple. Dough is mixed at the branch, then distributed to women who shape the papads at home. Later, the papads are collected, weighed, and packed. This system lets women earn without leaving their families, a small revolution in many conservative communities.

More Than Just Papads

Lijjat didn’t stop at papads. Over the years, they’ve added spices, flour, and even detergents to their product line. Their reach now stretches to kitchens in the US, UK, and beyond. But the heart of the brand remains the same: every packet, every bite, is a testament to women’s collective strength.

Changing Lives, One Papad at a Time

For many Lijjat Sisters, this work is life-changing. It’s not just about money it’s about respect, confidence, and independence. Some have sent their children to college. Others have built homes. All have found a sense of belonging and purpose.

Lijjat’s impact goes beyond business. The cooperative regularly donates to disaster relief and community causes. Their message is simple: when women come together, they can change the world.

The Real Taste of Lijjat

Lijjat Papad is much more than a crunchy accompaniment to your meal. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when ordinary people unite for a common cause. It’s the flavor of solidarity, sprinkled with dreams and determination.

So next time you savor a Lijjat papad, remember: you’re not just enjoying a snack. You’re celebrating a legacy, one that began with seven women on a Mumbai terrace, and now belongs to millions.