Found in sweet shops, homes and street stalls, Murukku and Pakkavada are among South India's favourite treats. They are both crunchy and great with tea, but that is where the similarities end.
Pakkavada is a crispy, ribbon-like snack with uneven stripes, fried to perfection for a spicy, flaky bite. With its signature coiled form, Murukku, on the other hand, delivers a sturdy crunch and a flavourful experience.
So, it's time to settle this once and for all: Pakkavada vs. Murukku!
What Is Pakkavada?
A staple in South Indian households, Pakkavada is loved for its crunchy texture and savoury, spiced taste. It is also known as Ribbon Pakoda or Ola Pakoda and the name comes from its distinctive shape, which resembles a ribbon.
It is achieved by pushing dough through a special mould before frying it to golden perfection. Festivals like Diwali and Navratri feel incomplete without this delicacy. It is the kind of snack you eat without thinking, piece after piece, until suddenly, the whole plate is empty.
What Is Murukku?
A classic snack, Murukku is deep-fried and spiral-shaped. It has earned a dedicated fan following across India and beyond. The word ‘Murukku’ means ‘twisted’ in Tamil. It is a versatile snack that comes in numerous shapes and flavours.
Murukku is a crunchier, denser and more structured snack compared to Pakkavada. You chomp down on a murukku and the crispiness crackles loud and clear, with its golden layers breaking apart most deliciously.
Whether it is Diwali, Gokulashtami or Ganesh Chaturthi, this festive delight is prepared in generous quantities for family and friends to enjoy. And, a tea break is always better with this treat on the side, anytime, any day.
Key Differences Between Pakkavada & Murukku
● Ingredients And Preparation
A combination of gram flour and rice flour creates the base of pakkavada. The turmeric, fenugreek and curry leaves lend it a bold, aromatic taste.
The dough is enriched with a small amount of oil, which enhances its crunchiness. After the dough develops the correct consistency, it passes through a mould with a slotted plate, emerging as thin, ribboned strips.
A quick deep fry turns these strands golden brown, giving them an addictive crunch with a whisper of flakiness.
In contrast, murukku is traditionally made with rice flour and urad dal (black gram) flour, seasoned with sesame seeds, cumin seeds and a light dash of salt.
Murukku dough is mixed with just enough moisture to hold together while remaining firm. It will make it easier to press through a Murukku mould to form intricate spirals.
Cooked in hot oil, these spirals develop a crunchy, golden exterior that is simply irresistible.
● Taste And Texture
The rich, spicy taste of Pakkavada is what truly sets it apart. The slight heat of pakkavada makes it so addictive for people who are fond of punchy snacks. It is crunchy without being hard, breaking down smoothly as you eat.
Its seasoned crispiness pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, offering a delicious contrast that keeps each sip and bite interesting.
Murukku has a delectable taste, which is complemented by a mild nutty flavour. With a gentler spice level than Pakkavada, this snack lets you enjoy every crunchy bite without overwhelming.
If you compare the two, Murukku has a more rigid crunch than Pakkavada, holding up well without falling apart too quickly. Store your murukku properly and it will reward you with its satisfying texture and taste for weeks.
● Variations Of Pakkavada
▪︎ Chilli Pakkavada
Chilli Pakkavada fires up the traditional Pakkavada up a notch with an extra kick of spice. It is a fiery delight made for those who can’t resist a spicy snack.
This version amps up the heat by increasing red chilli powder for a bolder taste. There is nothing better than munching on this during rainy or cold days - it is warm, comforting and hits the right spot.
▪︎ Beetroot Pakkavada
Brighten up your snack plate with Beetroot Pakkavada! Infused with beetroot puree in the dough, this pakkavada is an eye-catching, guilt-free upgrade to the beloved treat.
The snack has a gorgeous reddish-pink shade, making it look even more tempting and introducing an earthy note to the taste. Nutritious yet delicious, this pakkavada proves you do not have to choose between health and flavour.
▪︎ Masala Pakkavada
More than just spicy, Masala Pakkavada is a highly flavoursome variation, loaded with a variety of aromatic spices that make it a true treat for the taste buds.
Layers of spices come together in this crunchy snack, creating an unforgettable taste. The pakkavada is a great choice for festivals or whenever you are craving a snack with a complex flavour.
● Variations Of Murukku
▪︎ Kai Murukku
Kai Murukku is a traditional hand-twisted snack from Tamil Nadu. It is popular for its meticulous preparation and labour-intensive process.
Rather than using a machine press, the dough is carefully hand-twisted into spirals, giving it a remarkable texture you would not get otherwise. The manual method gives this Murukku a heartier crunch and a denser texture than machine-made ones.
▪︎ Butter Murukku
As the name suggests, Butter Murukku is made with a generous amount of butter. It gives the murukku an indulgent flavour and a softer crunch. Since it is less spicy and has that amazing tender texture, children and elders tend to enjoy this one the most.
▪︎ Millet Murukku
A healthier take on the traditional snack, Millet Murukku involves using ragi (finger millet), jowar (sorghum) or bajra (pearl millet) instead of regular rice flour.
It is just as scrumptious and crunchy as ever but now packed with added fibre and protein for a nutritious twist. A touch of earthiness is present in its taste. This murukku is gaining attention of the health-conscious people who want a wholesome treat.
KR Bakes: The Best Snacks Shop
For traditional snacks that taste just like home, KR Bakes is the place to be. We are all about bringing you the crispiest, crunchiest and mouth-watering Pakkavada and Murukku - one bite and you will be hooked.
But that’s not all! At KR Bakes, we have an extensive range of traditional and modern snacks that cater to every craving. So, place your order online anytime or swing by our store for a visit.
