Regional Indian Food Brands That Have Taken the Nation by Storm

India is celebrated for its diverse culinary heritage, with each state presenting a unique tapestry of food and beverage experiences. However, there remains a growing appetite for fresh and exotic cuisines that push the boundaries of traditional flavours. Now is the perfect time to embrace local offerings. The conversation around appreciating homegrown products has gained momentum, prompting a renewed appreciation for what India has to offer. So, on World Food Day, Local Samosa highlights some outstanding made-in-India brands that are not only creating employment opportunities within local communities but also championing Indian produce and employing sustainable practices to craft world-class products.

Paper Boat - Gurugram, Haryana

Paper Boat, founded in 2010 by Neeraj Kakkar and Niraj Biyani, is a Gurugram-based company that offers a variety of fruit-based drinks inspired by traditional Indian flavours. Their product range includes drinks like aam panna (raw mango), rose tamarind, chilli guava, and jaljeera (spicy lemonade).

The idea for Paper Boat originated from the co-founders' nostalgia for traditional drinks, particularly aam panna, which they enjoyed during their lunches. Realising that many of these homemade beverages were becoming hard to find in the market, they sought to preserve these recipes for future generations. After test-marketing their products in 2013, they officially launched Paper Boat nationally later that year, starting with jaljeera and aam panna, aiming to provide traditional drinks in a hygienic and packaged format.

Mukharochak - Kolkata, West Bengal

What started out as a small shop in Tollygunge and is currently a six-acre production unit, this chanachur brand has become a household name in Bengal. For over seven decades, Mukharochak's chanachur has been a beloved snack for Bengalis, often enjoyed during tea time and social gatherings. The brand was founded in the 1950s by Nirmalendu Chandra from a small shop near Tollygunge, where he made and packaged the chanachur by hand. As its popularity grew, a larger production unit was established in the 1970s to meet demand.

Under the leadership of his son, Pranab Chandra, the brand not only maintained high standards of quality and hygiene but also expanded its product range. Recognising the diverse tastes of consumers, Mukharochak introduced several chanachur variants, including Salty Chanachur, Mirchi Jhal Chanachur, and premium offerings like 7 pm Chanachur and Khatta Meetha Chanachur. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Mukharochak continues to be a staple in Bengali households, symbolising the joy of shared moments and cherished traditions.

NE Origins - Gangtok, Sikkim

NE Origins, a Local Samosa team recommendation, is a platform dedicated to showcasing the indigenous products of Northeast India, founded during the pandemic to support local entrepreneurs impacted by lockdowns. The venture aims to connect consumers across India with the rich culture and diverse offerings of the region, drawing strength from the community and local producers. The founders emphasise quality over quantity, focusing on sustainable practices and green initiatives that benefit both the environment and the local economy.

The goal of NE Origins is to make authentic Northeast products accessible globally while empowering local producers and preserving indigenous culture. Their offerings evoke a sense of home and nostalgia, connecting consumers to the rich traditions and natural beauty of the region. Rewaj Chettri, the founder and CEO, is a prominent figure among Northeast Indian entrepreneurs. The brand offers unique sauces, pickles, tea, honey, jams and more.

Chitale Bandhu - Pune, Maharashtra

Chitale Bandhu, synonymous with Bhakarwadi and a beloved name in Indian snacks, is celebrating 75 years of culinary excellence. Founded in 1950 by Bhaskar Ganesh Chitale in Pune, the brand began as a small sweet shop and has since evolved into a household name across India. Facing early hardships, Bhaskar initially sold fresh milk and dairy products before expanding into traditional Marathi sweets and snacks. The signature product, Chivda, quickly gained popularity, leading to the brand's growth and the involvement of his sons, who helped transform it into Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale and Chitale Dairy.

Over the decades, Chitale Bandhu diversified its offerings, introducing a wide array of snacks such as Farsan, Samosas, and Pakoras, and establishing franchises beyond Maharashtra. The brand has also adapted to modern trends by launching its first Mumbai store in 1983 and expanding into e-commerce, allowing customers across India and internationally to access their products. Today, Chitale Bandhu offers an extensive range of snacks and sweets, including Chivda, Bakarwadi, and more, and is a staple for many families, celebrated for its commitment to quality and tradition.

Mason & Co - Puducherry 

Founded in 2014 by Jane Mason and Fabien Bontems in Puducherry, Mason & Co specialises in high-quality, organic bean-to-bar chocolate. The company sources its cacao beans from farmers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with an all-woman assembly line in their Auroville factory handling every step of production. Their unique chocolate bars come in flavours like rosemary and sea salt, and black sesame and raisin, alongside offerings of cacao nibs, butter, and powder.

Mason & Co emphasises quality and sustainability by working directly with farmers, ensuring fair compensation and enhancing cacao processing methods. Their commitment to innovation in chocolate-making showcases a dedication to pure flavour, with a focus on improving the livelihoods of the farmers involved.

DevBhumi - Garhwal, Uttarakhand

DevBhumi Natural Products Producers Company, based in Uttarakhand, is a visionary organisation owned by spice farmers, primarily rural women from remote Himalayan villages. The company offers a variety of organic spices, including turmeric, chilli, ginger, and coriander, and is rooted in sustainable practices and traditional organic cultivation. 

With over 4,000 women contributing to its mission, DevBhumi emphasises empowerment and community engagement, weaving a connection between economic activities and environmental conservation. Their commitment to preserving cultural heritage while adopting modern practices fosters a harmonious relationship with nature. By extending their efforts to around 450 remote villages in the Garhwal region, DevBhumi aims to promote sustainability and enhance the visibility of their Himalayan products on both national and global stages.

Begum Victoria Cheese - Bengaluru, Karnataka

Spearheaded by chef Manu Chandra of the Olive Group, this brand’s organic cheese is handmade, using traditional methods and A2 milk from domestic cow breeds. The cheese is manufactured in a cave in the heart of Bengaluru. You can grab a wide variety of handcrafted cheese such as Brie, Gruyere, Feta, a proprietary orange-rind Bel Paese, Fontina, cloth-wrapped Cheddar, Parmesan and more.

Begum Victoria produces 500-600 kg of cheese a month, which is delicately handmade in small batches with an emphasis on quality ingredients. The production cycle takes up to 2 days which is followed by the maturing or ageing process that can take anywhere from a few weeks to a year (or more). The demand for artisanal cheese is driven by consumers who are shifting from mass-produced to handcrafted. 

Native Tongue - Thane, Maharashtra

Native Tongue is a Mumbai-based startup founded by Ruchira and Rohan Sonalkar, focusing on creating products from local produce and indigenous ingredients. Since its launch in 2018, the brand has offered a variety of items, including jams, relishes, dips, nut butters, and fruit cordials, all designed to highlight traditional Indian flavours with a modern twist. Popular products include their smoked aam panna and pink guava nectar, which have resonated well with consumers.

The brand emphasises the importance of using local and seasonal ingredients, aiming to support Indian farmers and promote sustainability. Native Tongue’s products are handcrafted, 100% natural, and mostly packaged without plastic. The company has gained recognition as a gifting option and was a finalist in a global mustard competition in 2021, showcasing its commitment to quality and innovation.

Maverick & Farmer - Coorg, Karnataka

Maverick & Farmer is a cold brew coffee brand that emphasises year-round enjoyment, aiming to elevate the coffee experience with its light and smooth blend featuring a hint of citrus. They offer versatile options like the Arabica Tasters Set and Tall Dark Handsome, and operate as one of India's few farm-to-cup coffee brands on a 140-acre estate in Pollibetta, Coorg. 

The brand takes a hands-on approach to every stage of the coffee bean's journey, from selecting healthy coffee samples and nurturing the plants to hand-harvesting at peak sugar levels. They process the coffee using a blend of innovative and traditional methods, overseeing storage, blending, profile roasting, grinding, and shipping across India. Their skilled team roasts coffee daily in Bangalore to meet demand from various customers, including retail outlets and cafes, and offers free shipping. Maverick & Farmer prides itself on its innovative approach, contributing to what they describe as the fourth wave of coffee.

Under The Mango Tree (UTMT) - Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh

Founded by Vijaya Pastala in 2009, Under The Mango Tree (UTMT) focuses on training farmers in beekeeping using indigenous bees, which leads to the conservation of local honey bee species and improves pollination. The journey began with the "Bees for Poverty Reduction" program, which started as a concept note outlining the potential of beekeeping to enhance yields for small farmers. This initiative evolved into a pilot project in collaboration with the BAIF Development Research Foundation, focusing on documenting local honey-hunting practices and providing basic beekeeping training in select villages. 

With a commitment to sustainability, UTMT offers 100% natural, organic-certified single-flora honey sourced from plants like eucalyptus, litchi, tulsi, and Himalayan flora. Technical expert Atar Singh Kaintura played a crucial role in training farmers on modern beekeeping techniques, overcoming initial skepticism about bees living in boxes. Today, UTMT boasts a strong network of local master trainers across three states, continuing to support farmers in beekeeping while fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Beyond Snack - Alappuzha, Kerala

Beyond Snack, founded in 2018 by Manas Madhu, Jyoti Rajguru, and Gautam Raghuraman, aims to commercialise the popular South Indian snack of banana chips. The startup focuses on producing healthy banana chips by preserving nutrients during the manufacturing process. They source bananas directly from farmers and prepare the chips quickly, in under two minutes, ensuring that the products go from farm to plate in less than 24 hours.

To expand their reach across India, Beyond Snack has established warehouses in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata, making their products available on various e-commerce platforms. The founders envision banana chips as a leading snack choice, offering flavours ranging from classic salted to spicy masala while maintaining high hygiene standards throughout production.

MAVI’s Pantry - Thane, Maharashtra

MAVI’s Pantry has gained attention for its homemade kombucha, a fizzy drink renowned for its potential health benefits. This beverage is crafted using tea sourced from organic estates in Tamil Nadu and is fermented with minimal sugar. The brand offers a variety of chemical-free flavours, including kokum, blueberry and rosewater, ginger and date, pomegranate, and watermelon and mint, catering to diverse taste preferences while promoting a healthier lifestyle.

The journey of MAVI’S Pantry began when Vikram and Mashi discovered kombucha during a visit to friends in the US. After developing a passion for brewing the drink at home, they received positive feedback from family and friends. Encouraged by this response, they decided to launch their product at a farmers market in Mumbai in March, where they experienced immediate success, selling out on their first day. With aspirations of positioning MAVI’s kombucha as a symbol of sustainable living in India, Vikram and Mashi aim to integrate kombucha into the local culture as a healthier alternative to conventional quick-fix beverages.

Eat Better - Jaipur, Rajasthan

Eat Better, an organic food startup founded in 2020 by Mridula Kanoria and Shaurya Kanoria, focuses on providing healthy snacks like coffee and almond laddoos, hazelnut chocolate laddoos, and vanilla and cacao laddoos. The company operates from Jaipur and sells its products through its website and various e-commerce platforms. It has a manufacturing facility in Jaipur and employs over 50 women, contributing to local employment.

Mridula Kanoria started the brand out of a desire to create snacks that are both healthy and tasty, addressing the lack of appealing options in the market. Her recipes combine traditional food knowledge with modern nutritional needs, ensuring that only high-quality ingredients are used in the snacks while maintaining strict hygiene standards in the production process.

Gangwal Foods - Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Gangwal Foods has been a key player in Central India, transforming loose, unbranded food products into packaged, branded items. The company is well-known for its flour and instant mix products, focusing on quality, hygiene, and innovation. This shift has changed how consumers view food packaging and safety in the region.

Starting over fifty years ago in Indore, Gangwal has grown into one of the largest food companies in Central India. Its emphasis on cleanliness and quality has helped establish a market for packaged foods, encouraging the trend of hygienically sealed products. Their instant mixes are quite popular, like the Moong Bhajiya Mix and Shahi Bafla Batti Aata.

The Butternut Co. - Bengaluru, Karnataka

The Butternut Co. was founded by Sahil Kukreja and Ankita M Kukreja in 2016, driven by a curiosity about healthy food and a desire to create wholesome options. Over time, they developed a range of products that include organic butter, energy balls, dry fruits, and various spreads. The brand focuses on using high-quality ingredients to offer nutritious choices for consumers.

The Butternut Co. offers a diverse range of wholesome products designed to promote healthy eating. Their lineup includes organic butter, energy balls, and dry fruits, along with various spreads such as Flaxseed Almond Butter, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Honey Peanut Butter. The brand aims to provide nutritious options that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, making it easier for consumers to incorporate healthier choices into their daily routines. Each product reflects the founders' commitment to creating good food that is both delicious and beneficial for well-being.

Maaticha - Raigad, Maharashtra

Maaticha is a retail brand founded by Zeeba Kazi, representing the third generation of a family of farmers. The brand focuses on providing farm-to-table produce that the family consumes themselves. Their offerings include various types of monofloral honey, such as wildflower, tulsi, jamun, and ajwain, as well as staples like Alphonso mangoes, mango murabba, and moringa leaf powder. The honey is priced between Rs. 285 and Rs. 360 for 200g, while the moringa leaf powder costs Rs. 200 for 150g.

The products are small-batch, responsibly sourced, and completely natural, each honey jar reflecting the unique flavour and colour of the specific flower from which it is derived. Maaticha aims to uphold traditional farming methods while meeting urban demand for fresh produce. Additionally, the brand seeks to create opportunities for local farmers and tribal communities to share their harvests with a broader audience, emphasising their commitment to quality and sustainability.

Jade Forest - Delhi

Jade Forest, founded in 2019 by Shuchir Suri and Punweet Singh, provides a range of non-alcoholic beverages through its website and various e-commerce platforms. The products are priced between Rs. 80 and Rs. 85 and have received certification from the US FDA. 

The founders aimed to address the limited options for homegrown drinks by starting with tonic water and ginger ale. They noted a shift in consumer preferences towards lower-calorie beverages without sacrificing taste. The non-alcoholic beverage market in India has been growing rapidly, supported by rising disposable incomes and changing consumption trends, particularly among millennials aged 18 to 45, who are increasingly interested in healthier drink options. Jade Forest has expanded its reach to 23 cities across India in the past two years.

Namhya Foods - Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir

Namhya Foods, founded in 2019 by Ridhima Arora and based in Jammu, focuses on creating snacks and beverages using Indian herbs and natural ingredients. The startup gained attention when Ridhima participated in the inaugural season of Shark India, where she secured Rs. 50 lakh for 10% equity. She also received an additional Rs. 50 lakh in debt funding from Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt.

The company aims to provide nourishing food products that cater to various health issues, such as diabetes, heart problems, and high blood pressure. Namhya Foods offers a wide range of products and has expanded its reach beyond India, with operations in the United States and plans for further expansion into the UAE, Australia, and Canada. The brand promotes a sustainable approach to diet, encouraging consumers to integrate their products into a natural lifestyle rather than following temporary diet trends.